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Dead Calm poster
6.6 / 10(869 votes)IMDbR19891h 36m$7.8M Worldwide GrossAustralia

Dead Calm

“High seas. Deep terror. Try to stay calm.”

Synopsis

An Australian couple takes a sailing trip in the Pacific to get over the recent loss of their son. While on the open sea, they come across a sinking ship with one survivor who is not at all what he seems.

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Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes

Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.

TrailerOfficial

Type: Trailer • Published 2014-07-08

Release History & Theatrical Window

Theatrical Premiere

April 7, 1989

Wide Cinema Exhibition

4K UHD / Blu-ray Debut

February 23, 2000

Physical Home Media

Financials & Box Office Performance

ReleasedUnderperformed (0.75x ROI)

Production Budget

$10.4M

Filming & production cost

Worldwide Gross

$7.8M

Total global ticket sales

Box Office Return

0.75x

-$2.6M deficit

Theatrical Status

Budget Return

Box office tier

Budget: $10.4MWorldwide: $7.8M

Key Information & Fast Facts

Director
Phillip Noyce
Screenplay & Story
Terry Hayes, Charles Williams
Original Score
Graeme Revell
Original Title
Dead Calm
Country of Origin
Australia
Spoken Languages
English
Runtime
1h 36m
Production Budget
$10.4M
Worldwide Gross
$7.8M
Production Studios
Kennedy Miller Productions, Warner Bros. Pictures

Creative Leadership & Key Crew

Director

Phillip Noyce

Screenplay & Story

Terry Hayes, Charles Williams

Original Score & Music

Graeme Revell

Director of Photography

Dean Semler, Ross Berryman, Ian Jones, Geoff Burton

Film Editing

Richard Francis-Bruce

Producers

Terry Hayes, George Miller, Doug Mitchell

Literary Origin & Source Material
Novel:Charles Williams

Department Leadership Roster

Phillip Noyce

Phillip Noyce

Director

Terry Hayes

Terry Hayes

Producer

Graeme Revell

Graeme Revell

Original Music Composer

Terry Hayes

Terry Hayes

Writer

Dean Semler

Dean Semler

Director of Photography

George Miller

George Miller

Producer

Doug Mitchell

Doug Mitchell

Producer

Richard Francis-Bruce

Richard Francis-Bruce

Editor

Graham "Grace" Walker

Production Design

Norma Moriceau

Costume Design

Glenn Boswell

Stunt Coordinator

Glenn Ruehland

Stunt Coordinator

Age Classification & Content Advisories

Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.

Primary: R

R: Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.

International Certification Matrix

Australia (ACB)M

Mature — Recommended for viewers 15 and older.

Germany (FSK)16

FSK 16 — Restricted to viewers aged 16 and older.

France (CNC)12

Interdit aux moins de 12 ans — 12+ only.

United Kingdom (BBFC)15

Suitable only for 15 years and over.

United States (MPAA)R

Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.

Official cinematic photography and background stills for Dead Calm.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Dead Calm

Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.

What is Dead Calm about?

An Australian couple takes a sailing trip in the Pacific to get over the recent loss of their son. While on the open sea, they come across a sinking ship with one survivor who is not at all what he seems.

Who directed Dead Calm?

Dead Calm was directed by Phillip Noyce.

Who stars in Dead Calm?

The principal cast of Dead Calm includes Nicole Kidman, Sam Neill, Billy Zane, George Shevtsov, Rod Mullinar.

When was Dead Calm released and how long is it?

Dead Calm was released in 1989 with a total runtime of 1h 36m.

What was the box office and production budget of Dead Calm?

Dead Calm had a reported production budget of $10.4M and grossed $7.8M at the worldwide box office (0.75 return on budget, classified as a underperformed).

Who composed the musical score for Dead Calm?

The original motion picture soundtrack for Dead Calm was composed by Graeme Revell.

Is Dead Calm based on a book or true story?

Dead Calm is adapted from the following source material: Novel: "Charles Williams".

What is the age rating and content advisory for Dead Calm?

Dead Calm holds official age classifications: AU: M (Mature — Recommended for viewers 15 and older.); DE: 16 (FSK 16 — Restricted to viewers aged 16 and older.); FR: 12 (Interdit aux moins de 12 ans — 12+ only.); GB: 15 (Suitable only for 15 years and over.); US: R (Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.).