Posted on 09/10/2016 7:06:29 AM PDT by Kaslin
The story of Chesley 'Sully' Sullenberger could’ve been fodder for a predictable inspirational film that ends with the main character climatically saving 155 lives (including his own) onboard a disabled plane. But director Clint Eastwood isn’t known for taking that route. As a director, he’s known for asking larger questions and he’s done so in movies likeFlags of our Fathers(2006) and the controversialAmerican Sniper(2014). He’s continued that route withSully, a feature that daringly presents the Captain as an introspective man who faced off againsthis critics after his incredible act of heroism.
Tom Hanks stars as the title character, a pilot who faced the toughest 208 seconds of his life on January 15th, 2009. In less than three and a half minutes, the plane he was piloting was struck by a group of birds who paralyzed the vessel. Alongside his loyal co-pilot Jeff Skiles (Aaron Eckhart), Sully made an intense water landing on the Hudson River. The passengers were all safe but Sully’s reputation wasn’t.
As the film explores, Sully’s choices that day were intensely scrutinized by investigators, insuranceofficials and bureaucrats.
After a brief opening dream sequence, the movie shows Sully’s journey after the dramatic landing — flashbacks later show the events of the flight — as he faces these questioners.
In his methodical story, Eastwood focuses on the facts of the case. This is a serious film about the investigation and there’s barely an extraneous moment in it.
Instead of sentimentality or schmaltz, the film offers a sturdy performance from two-time Oscar winner Hanks who quietly conveys the emotions of the even-keeled captain. Here, Hanks is is tasked with bringing to life a captain we thought we knew. In the media, Sully was often simply portrayed as a resolute hero. In the story, we watch Sully as an introspective pilot who couldn’t help relieving those 208 seconds. Even as he was publicly adamant that he did the right thing, the captain was constantly re-evaluating and reassessing his actions in private.
The screenplay was written by Todd Komarnicki and adapted from the bookHighest Duty(co-written by Chesley Sullenberger and Jeffrey Zaslow) but the story never feels like a simplistic tribute to the captain. This is a movie that is more interested in offering a complete portrait of the captain and the investigation than it is in simply offering praise for his actions. With that in mind, Laura Linney is given limited screen time as Lorraine, Sully’s wife who kept him grounded during this difficult period.
There are two major settings in this film. There are several scenes that take place in the cold outside where Sully walks and talks privately with Skiles. Then there are scenes inside — in tight-quartered investigation rooms and conference areas — where there’s plenty of heat but little warmth exhibited by cynical investigators.
The dichotomy of these settings is similar to the dichotomy of how Sully was viewed at the time. By the outside world, Sully was a hero to be revered, applauded and respected. To the investigators (looking for weaknesses in his story), Sully was a target to be questioned, scrutinized and criticized. Both perspectives are portrayed here with the captain caught in the middle of the fracas.
Viewers can make up their minds onSully but Eastwood offers here a fuller glimpse of the captain than what we’ve seen before. It’s a telling and daring look at a sturdy captain who faced some of the greatest criticisms of his characteraftera daring act of bravery.
Looking for more movies about inspirational figures? Clickhere for a list of10 movies about American patriots.
Bean Counters and Bureaucrats (investigators) should never be pilots.
I’ve seen what happens when companies have those types running them. True leaders and pilots must react too quick for analysis. Sully did. The passengers all lived.
Interesting ...I plan to see it Tuesday with friends.
In another note...how does something get released with no editing out the many “typo” mistakes? Is this personal, not journalist released? Then sorry to criticize!
I thought the movie well written and acted. Sully was a admirable hero. I was also happy to see the Co Pilot lauded in the movie and those that responded rapidly to the accident.
surely a tag is unnecessary
It’s always very easy to second guess the actions of others. The best any of us can do in such a situation with especially a short time frame is pick an option, focus and execute. It worked for this Captain. Later critiques and with lessons learned exercise following such an experience is to be expected. I consider him a professional and a hero.
What does the TWA800 crash have to do with this? TWA800 wasn’t brought down by a flock of Canada geese
Bean Counters and Bureaucrats (investigators) should never be pilots.
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A lot of European and Asian airlines like to hire button pushers.
What does the TWA800 crash have to do with this? TWA800 wasn’t brought down by a flock of Canada geese
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Maybe they were shoulder launched geese.
Then forever question your decision......that's just human nature.
After it all died down, I'm sure nobody ever gave a second thought about the aftermath and what Sully's life was like afterwards. I'm glad Eastwood took that approach......
“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better..." T.R.
With all the time in the world,sitting at nice stationary desk, has anyone come up with a better option?
I learned that Clint is 86 and apparently he accomplished this project at around 85
Clint is my Hero...... at 74 Clint is challenging me to keep on keeping on and producing within my ability.
Opening Dream Sequence. The sign of a lazy writer.
You’re Deplorable!
I heard on NPR that this movie was just an Eastwood attack on the honorable professionals in the NTSB. Rules are more important than people. All you right wing fanatics will be made to pay!
In 1978 my groundschool book said: “Power off emergency on takeoff? DON’T turn back. Hit the softest cheapest thing you can find”. You only turn back when you can do a more or less normal power off landing.
I have just seen the trailer on TV. I didn’t know Sully’s actions were second-guessed by his management. Interesting.
Engines out at low altitudes over a giant metropolitan area full of people.
In a jet full of fuel, he looked down and picked the only clear space to crash (worse case) but then managed to execute a good water landing (best case).
It was a good decision made in close to a split second.
Just curious, what happens to the career of say a 40 year old airline pilot who fails his annual physical?
And is it not MADDENING to see Kalstrom — who quashed and whose agents intimidated or ignored the mass of witnesses who SWEAR they all saw flame trail (a missle?) rise up to strike the plane — dragged up on TV now to opine on these new situations?
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