Is Deep Water Horizon Based on a True Story? Ending Explained
by Janani
Updated Apr 10, 2023
What is Deepwater Horizon?
Deepwater Horizon is a famous biographical disaster film released in 2016. It is based on the Deepwater Horizon explosion and oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The film is directed by Peter Berg, and the screenplay is written by Matthew Michael Carnahan and Matthew Sand. It features a star-studded cast, including Mark Wahlberg, Kurt Russell, John Malkovich, Gina Rodriguez, Dylan O'Brien, and Kate Hudson. Deepwater Horizon is based on the article "Deepwater Horizon's Final Hours," written by David Barstow, David Rohde, and Stephanie Saul, which was published in The New York Times on December 25, 2010.
Is Deep Water Horizon Based on a True Story?
The Deepwater Horizon is a disaster film that was inspired by true life events, which was based on an article published by The New York Times in the aftermath of the incident. The screenplay, written by Matthew Sand and Matthew Michael Carnahan, expands upon the original report titled "Deepwater Horizon's Final Hours," which was authored by David Barstow, David Rohde, and Stephanie Saul. In reality, Deepwater Horizon was a MODU (Mobile Offshore Drilling Unit), which could be relocated to where oil reserves were discovered and were intended for drilling in extremely deep waters. It was considered one of the most sophisticated rigs of its kind, capable of dynamic positioning, and was constructed by Hyundai in 2001.
Is Deepwater Horizon a Real Story?
On April 20, 2010, the Deepwater Horizon oil drilling rig, located in the Macondo Prospect in the Gulf of Mexico, experienced an explosion and subsequently sank. This tragic incident resulted in the deaths of 11 workers on the rig and also led to the largest oil spill in the history of marine oil drilling operations. The damaged Macondo well caused approximately 4 million barrels of oil to spill into the ocean over a period of 87 days until it was finally capped on July 15, 2010. The United States government filed a complaint in District Court against BP Exploration & Production and other parties believed to be responsible for the spill on December 15, 2010.
Deepwater Horizon Ending Explained
The conclusion of Deepwater Horizon showcases a display of remarkable heroism. Mike Williams, an electronics technician portrayed by Mark Wahlberg, is stranded on a blazing oil rig. As he gazes fearfully at the inferno raging around him and the Gulf of Mexico below, he gives an encouraging speech to a frightened crew member named Andrea (played by Gina Rodriguez from Jane the Virgin). Afterward, he throws her off the rig before making a daring leap of his own. Evading flames and rubble, he descends hundreds of feet into the ocean.
The depiction of the events in the movie Deepwater Horizon closely follows the narrative in Mike Williams' 60 Minutes interview, which initially attracted director Peter Berg to the story. In the interview with Scott Pelley, Williams recounts his conversation with crew member Andrea Fleytas and his ultimate decision to throw her off the rig to ensure her survival. Mark Wahlberg's portrayal of Williams' jump is also harrowing. However, journalist Loren Steffy, who extensively covered the disaster, notes that Williams contradicts himself in the same 60 Minutes interview, claiming that he jumped first and left Fleytas behind. Additionally, Steffy highlights discrepancies in different accounts of Fleytas' escape, with Fleytas telling Coast Guard investigators that she fell out of the life raft while chief electrician Chad Murray claims she was in it.
What makes Deepwater Horizon such a captivating and unsettling movie is its blending of true accounts from survivors with the familiar tropes and cinematic conventions of disaster films. The film includes scenes such as Wahlberg's character's daughter explaining the inner workings of the oil rig, executives from BP pushing for faster work, and the heart-stopping moments of characters leaping to safety. Director Peter Berg captures these events with his signature camera style, immersing the audience in the chaos and confusion. The movie strikes a balance between Hollywood fiction and real-life heroism, though at times it becomes challenging to distinguish one from the other.
Deepwater Horizon Trailer
Is Deep Water Horizon Based on a True Story - FAQs
Deepwater Horizon is a 2016 American biographical disaster film.
Peter Berg directed Deepwater Horizon.
Deepwater Horizon was released on September 13, 2016.
Mark Wahlberg acted as Mike Williams.
Gina Rodriguez acted as Andrea Fleytas.