Flight shows that although "functioning alcoholics" may seem to live manageable/successful lives, underlying issues and problems will eventually reap horrible consequences.

Rating: 8/10 (9 February 2013)

After spending the entire evening partying with Katerina Marquez (Nadine Velazquez), SouthJet Airlines pilot, Captain Whip Whitaker (Denzel Washington), begins his day as usual by abusing drugs and alcohol. He then boards flight 227 en route to Atlanta, where he and his copilot Kent Evans (Brian Geraghty) fly the aircraft despite the harsh weather and turbulence. In mid-flight, the pilots lose all control. The aircraft and all 207 passengers on boards are spiraling to a certain death. Despite all of the circumstances, Whip is able to fly the aircraft upside down and make an emergency landing. Whip awakes in a hospital to see an old friend Charlie Anderson (Bruce Greenwood) whom complements Whip on his piloting skills and emergency landing. Whip now realizes that his life has been changed drastically. Although Whip may seem like a hero, Charlie Anderson works with the pilot's union and Whip's negligence will be questioned. In efforts to maintain Whip's innocence, Charlie hires a lawyer (Don Cheadle) to evade all of the allegations. While the trial is underway, Whip is tortured with both internal and external conflicts outside of the courtroom. He and his newly acquired and troubled girlfriend Nicole (Kelly Reilly) are forced to undergo trials and tribulations that many addicts endure. Finally, Whip must confront his problems and make an ultimate choice between innocence or freedom.
Flight shows that although "functioning alcoholics" may seem to live manageable/successful lives, underlying issues and problems will eventually reap horrible consequences. Much like the film Bad Lieutenant: Port of New Orleans starring Nicolas Cage, the main characters have honorable/heroic careers but they take advantage of the public's trust. They both are responsible for thousands of civilian lives while operating under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Their addictions seem to be much deeper than their control.
The filmmakers of Flight use the camera angles to enhance Whip's internal conflict. In one scene, Whip enters a bar after being many days sober. Whip orders an orange juice, but the bartender unintentionally urges Whip to order alcohol. The camera zooms in on Whip as he struggles to refuse the bartender's offer. The viewers see the pain and lack of determination in Whips' eyes as he relapses into his addiction. The filmmakers also use story structure to contribute to the theme. From the beginning, we see that Whip has a poor relationship with his ex-wife and son. However, the viewers are not aware of how serious the situation is. As Whip begins his descent into addiction, we become more aware of how troubled Whip has been. Finally, Whip starts to contemplate recovery. Once Whip enters into this new chapter in his life, we become fully aware of his problems.
Flight brings the viewers into the life of an alcoholic. As Whip numbs his pain with alcohol, the viewers are also unaware of the seriousness of the situation. However, the film expresses that addicts may seem to have it together, but underneath a false exterior; they are desperate for recovery. Viewers will see just how troubled Whip is, while witnessing the transformation of a human being.