Exclusive: Retired Submarine Commander Talks New Film ‘Hunter Killer’

While films like “Halloween” and “A Star Is Born” continue to dominate the box office, an incredibly relevant military thriller has moved its way into multiplexes.

“Hunter Killer,” which stars Gerard Butler (pictured in the middle) and Gary Oldman (pictured above on the right), follows the fictional kidnapping of Russia’s president by a rogue general and the submarine captain (Butler) and Navy SEALs tasked with getting him back.

“Hunter Killer” was the top new film to open in theaters this past weekend; audiences have responded far better to it than have traditional critics — 86 percent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes versus 36 percent.

Part of the film’s appeal may be its unusual feeling of authenticity.

The film is based on a novel — titled “Firing Point” — written by Don Keith and Commander George Wallace.

Wallace served for 22 years in the Navy on various nuclear submarines, including the USS John Adams and the USS Woodrow Wilson. He eventually commanded the Los Angeles class nuclear attack submarine USS Houston out of San Diego, California, and Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

Commander Wallace, now an author and avid marathon runner, retired in 1995 and lives with his wife in Virginia.

LifeZette spoke with Commander Wallace by email about the new film based on his book, his military service and whether the world will see more “Hunter Killer” adventures down the line.

Question: How did your real-life experiences contribute to the novel “Firing Point” and this film adaptation?
Answer: First off, let me reiterate that this is fiction. The plot is entirely a work of our imagination. Having said that, we tried very hard to portray the life aboard a boat in a very realistic manner. We used many occurrences that I encountered as stimulus for occurrences in the story.

We dealt with our “message” on two levels. On one level was the excitement and entertainment of a fast action techno-thriller. That part is pure imagination. The other level is, to me anyway, the much more compelling story of the crew interactions and dedicated teamwork at a very high level on a day-to-day basis.

Telling that story is where my life experience on the boats plays out. I don’t think anyone can portray that environment without actually living it.

Q: You served for over 20 years on nuclear submarines. What should civilians know about what our military men endure to serve our country?
A: I find that, by and large, civilians have very little concept of life aboard a boat. And it’s not surprising, given that we are the “silent service.”

The submariners that I know are, pretty much without exception, highly dedicated, highly intelligent, superbly trained sailors who put up with long separations from family and friends, who live in cramped quarters in a dangerous environment where they depend on each other in a way that is hard for an “outsider” to imagine.

Q: You’ve competed in many marathons — how did that training equip you for serving our country?
A: I would say that it was the other way around. My military experience taught me the perseverance and mental toughness to keep going, even when it hurt and the finish line seemed a very long way off.

Q: There is quite a cast to this move. Gerard Butler, Gary Oldman, Common (pictured above on the left), Linda Cardellini (pictured above on the far left), etc. Did you ever fantasize about actors for this story and how do you feel about the final cast of the film?
A: I felt that the final cast is fantastic. They bring a real sense of authenticity to the film.

Q: In a pie-in-sky fantasy world, what is your ultimate goal for this movie?
A: Pie-in-the-sky, “Hunter Killer” is a fantastic success with great audience acceptance — and the studio comes back for sequels.

“Hunter Killer” is in theaters now. For more on “Hunter Killer,” check out the video below: