MovieChat Forums > Open Water 2: Adrift (2006) Discussion > Why oh why didn't they...

Why oh why didn't they...

posted 12 years ago by AndersHede
16 replies | jump to latest

Make a human ladder ?

The strongest woman lifts the lightest women, then a man dives under the first woman, lifting her and the one she carries, and the two remaining men dives and lifts the now somewhat heavy ladder. The can all keep balance by leaning towards the ship. It is so obvious.

Perhaps other elements with men lifting/pushing the women could work too, but damn, they were terrible to watch and actually deserved a poor fate (given that it is fictional)

And even if you say "nah, dont think it'll work" then you cant argue that it hurts watching them not even trying.

[–] Stirchley 12 years ago

^I re-watched the movie yesterday and I thought the exact same thing as you. I was thinking one strong man would be the base and then everyone else would climb up from him, but your way makes a lot more sense.

Another thing they should have done would be to have the smallest lightest woman climb up the clothing ladder. Probably would have worked that way.

[–] MyOpinions 12 years ago

Another thing they should have done would be to have the smallest lightest woman climb up the clothing ladder. Probably would have worked that way.

This was my thought, too, during that scene.

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[–] puirt-a-beul 12 years ago

Make a human ladder ?

But they had nothing to stand on or press down against to allow them to lift someone up above the water. If you stand on someone's shoulders in open water, where they can't stand on the bottom (of a pool or beach), all that happens is you push them downwards until displacement is balanced by buoyancy.

I think their best chance was when they made the rope from their bathing suits and one of them tried to climb back up ... why they didn't band together and at least try to help push the guy upwards (same problem, but they could have helped propel hi upwards at least to some extent while he got a grip on the deck or the railing) I have no idea.

But the bottom line for me: I can understand the braggart guy didn't think when he jumped in the water without lowering the ladder first, but why the heck did anyone go into the water without first checking how they were going to get back onboard?!

You might very well think that. I couldn't possibly comment.

[–] BoSoxRule 12 years ago

"But the bottom line for me: I can understand the braggart guy didn't think when he jumped in the water without lowering the ladder first, but why the heck did anyone go into the water without first checking how they were going to get back onboard?!"

Because then there wouldn't be a movie. It's what Roger Ebert refers to as an Idiot Plot.

I'm happiest...in the saddle.

[–] puirt-a-beul 12 years ago

Because then there wouldn't be a movie. It's what Roger Ebert refers to as an Idiot Plot.

Well of course I understood that. I was talking about within the world of the film itself — it makes no sense in the characters' world for them to do that.

That's when I get annoyed at a film — when it breaches its own internal logic.

You might very well think that. I couldn't possibly comment.

[–] BoSoxRule 12 years ago

It could happen, people are stupid.

I'm happiest...in the saddle.

[–] Globalcharmer 12 years ago

I believe that's what happened to the Mary Celeste. The crew and passengers became intoxicated with the leaking alcohol fumes and decided to go for a swim. They forgot to lower the ladder and, unable to get back on the ship, decided to swim for France. Unfortunately, being too modest to shed their waterlogged clothes and shoes, they drowned just short of Champagne Province.

[–] artistathome 12 years ago

The human ladder sounds ok but it wouldn't have worked. The people on top of the bottom guy would have just driven him further underwater until everyone was back in the water.

I mean it is a perfect way to drown the bottom guy. He hsa nothing to brace himself to.

The best thing to have done was open the square whatever the heck was in it would have given them a handhold. Losing the knife made it impossible to undo the screw.

Listen, you'd be surprised how stupid people are, even when not drinking.
Some boats/yachts prevent this problem by having a permanent set of small steps built into the side of the boat.
Then larger steps you let down.

But then there wouldn't have been a movie.

[–] Lee1179 12 years ago

WHy not have the strongest guy put on the life jacket and have the lightest girl get on his shoulders with another guy underneath the guy pressing his feet upwards?

[–] TheIcon2 11 years ago

Life Jackets are rated for certain weight. Having 300lbs of person hoisting them in the air isn't as easy as it sounds. Maybe for some water polo players or something but think of yourself in a swimming pull with a 100lb weight. Now push that up in the air. Even get a friend to help. Now you have to push not just the weight but your friend as well in the air.

Hoisting someone into the air is worth a try however I see it being a failed attempt.

[–] susanemccool 11 years ago

Stirchley and MyOpinions (if you're still out there) you should read the plot summary at Wikipedia - thanks, Zando777 - as it addresses the bathing suit rope issue in quite an amusing way!

(Actually, Wiki described the *entire* movie - talk about spoilers - so don't go there for a "summary!" But something tells me people here know that.)

[–] susanemccool 11 years ago

I was trying to think of a "technical" term to explain why I don't see a ladder-in-the-water working, but I guess "displacement" would be it, puirt-a-beul. (Also "drown," ninaskids!)

[–] forthesafetyofpuppies 10 years ago

Strong guys throw light woman who hangs on and pulls herself up. Done.

___
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[–] jonnnk 10 years ago

I doubt she'd have the strength to pull herself onto the boat

[–] ccbeachgirl 10 years ago

A lot of women could...but if not, maybe adrenaline could have kicked in?
I'd at least try it. They tried to rush everything, which is a big reason for the fail after fail.

[–] sebacba 10 years ago

This is a work for "Mythbusters"