A Fall from Grace

Rating: 9/10 (3 November 2012)

This film is highly recommended.
The friendly skies aren't all that friendly in Robert Zemeckis' Flight, a well-written melodrama that deals with alcoholism and drug abuse, America's fascination with heroes, and the news media's zeal for the behind-the-scenes investigation.
Flight is a film about a man's fall from grace, both literally and figuratively speaking. The man in question is "Whip" Whitaker, an ace aviator, alcoholic, and drug user. After avoiding a fiery crash that saved many lives, in the film's best sequence, Whip is thrust into the public spotlight. It seems much easier controlling his aircraft than his own life choices. Hiding behind his dark aviator glasses cannot hide the fact that Whip was high on alcohol and cocaine when flying that plane. With the media frenzy caused by his heroic aerial maneuvers and the FAA opening up the case, Whip may have successfully navigated his plane to safety, but there's still enough turbulence ahead on his bumpy road to recovery. Upside down may be a perfect phrase to describe Whip's plane, but it also describes his life, one that is still in turmoil as he tries to avoid his personal free fall in this tragic aftermath.
Director Robert Zemeckis returns to the live action format after experimenting in computerized animation with mixed results ( Beowulf, The Polar Express, and his best effort, Disney's A Christmas Carol ). However, his prior knowledge in that area of technology has helped to produce a dazzling set piece involving the near crash that begins this film.
It is the most memorable portion of Flight, a beautifully constructed sequence that shows off his skills by seamlessly incorporating sound and CGI effects, taut editing, specific camera angles, and carefully selective photographic images which create a harrowing white-knuckle moment in cinematic history. ( Special mention must go to his assembled production crew: cinematographer Don Burgess, film editor Jeremiah O' Driscoll, and special effects supervisor Michael Lantieri. Also, Alan Silvestri's subtle and original score serves the film well without over-emphasizing the action on screen except for the inclusion of some pop standards that counteract that effect. )
After this thrilling action-packed scene, the film settles on the emotional and sometimes predictable storyline of the film's main character and his bout with alcohol. The film does not shy away from the seedier side of its anti-hero and his drug dependency. Casting is foremost in this role, especially if the film is to gain the momentum from which it began. Fortunately, Zemeckis has wisely put Denzel Washington in that pilot seat.
Now Washington has always been a fine actor, but lately he has relied too heavily on his leading man status and charisma to carry him through ill-conceived roles. ( Just try sitting through Unstoppable or The Book of Eli as proof. ) His strength as an actor has always been in flawed characterizations and villains ( Training Day, Malcolm X, The Hurricane ). Here the actor gives one of his most powerful performances in years.
The fine supporting cast includes Kelly Reilly, delivering a strong performance as Nicole, a young drug user whom Whip befriends, Tamara Tunie as Margaret, a flight attendant and friend, Bruce Greenwood as his union representative and friend, and a scene-stealing John Goodman as Harland Mays, his hipster supplier. Don Cheadle teams with Washington again, this time as his crafty lawyer. Their sparring as attorney and client gives the audience the privilege of seeing these two talented performers play off each other so skillfully.
John Gatins wrote the literate screenplay and keeps his character-driven situations as realistic and honest as possible, except for a slightly maudlin uplifting ending that might satisfy most moviegoers. ( To me it seemed too preachy and self-righteous, regardless of Washington's acting prowess. ) Still, Flight is an exciting action thriller, skillfully directed by Zemeckis and flawlessly acted by Washington, who creates an intense character study of an alcoholic, a man in crisis unable to stop his downward spiral until he begins to realize that he can't fly away from himself or his real issues. GRADE: B+
Visit my blog at: www.dearmoviegoer.com
ANY COMMENTS: Please contact me at: jadepietro@rcn.com
NOTE: Surprisingly, only two films so far this year have made my "Highly Recommended" status: Argo and The Amazing Spiderman. This finally makes three! ( Let's hope there is more to come this holiday season! )