Sully: Miracle On The Hudson (2016)

Review

96min

Genre:      Fact-based, Drama

Director:   Clint Eastwood

Cast:        Tom Hanks, Aaron Eckhart, Laura Linney…and more

Writers:    Todd Komarnicki, Chesley Sullenberger and Jeffrey Zaslow

-Synopsis-

Clint Eastwood directs and Tom Hanks stars in a biographical drama about one fateful event in the life of Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger; the veteran US Airways pilot who saved 155 lives when he made an emergency landing of his crippled Airbus on New York’s Hudson River after it was struck by a flock of birds in 2009, and as a result became an unwilling accidental hero and global overnight celebrity, with all the trappings that come with that.

For the last third of his 45 year directorial career to-date, Clint Eastwood has shown a clear interest in biographical tales, and ever since 2006’s ‘Flags of Our Fathers’ a clear gravitation towards the human drama behind stories of real “American heroes”, which reached fever pitch with the hugely successful and equally divisive ‘American Sniper’ in 2014.

Now armed with the charms of Tom Hanks, Eastwood uses his considerable experience to craft a classic “ordinary” man in extraordinary circumstances story, about a highly-trained everyman turned national hero and unwitting overnight celebrity, in this rare contemporary feelgood true story with a happy ending.

Tom Hanks stars as the experienced and unflappable American pilot; who along with his co-pilot Jeff Skiles (Aaron Eckhart) made a split-second decision after losing both engines when his Airbus A320 was struck at low altitude by a huge flock of geese directly over New York city, not return to a local airport but instead make an emergency water-landing on the freezing Hudson river, saving every soul on board and potentially many more in the city.

Based on Chesley Sullenberger’s autobiography ‘Highest Duty: My Search for What Really Matters’, ‘Sully: Miracle on the Hudson’ also tells the story of the man behind the story, and in particular his struggle to balance his personal emotions with his duty as a pilot and the immediate global adulation which his actions inspired. Not to mention the little know federal investigation into the incident which was extensive and took a personal toll, with investigators relentlessly going through evidence and simulations while questioning his actions, suggesting that “Sully” could have returned to an airport rather than endangering lives.

By any measure ‘Sully’ is a captivating drama, and one which works on multiple levels; as a disaster flick it’s tense and gripping when it needs to be, although it’s inevitably hampered in the drama stakes by the burden of truth. Nevertheless the story switches back and forth between the aftermath of the accident and flashbacks to the extraordinary events of the day, with Eastwood and his regular cinematographer Tom Stern brilliantly and simply bringing to the screen one of the most enthralling plane crashes/landings in recent cinema history. All while bringing to the fore the extraordinary actions of the plane’s captain in not only safely landing the stricken plane, but working with his team to ensure the safe rescue of everyone on board, under difficult circumstances.

But moreover ‘Sully: Miracle on the Hudson’ is a solid character drama and a fascinating look at the makings of a popular American hero, particularly in the context of instant mass media and considering the very rare notion that the individual in question is universally revered. Screenwriter Todd Komarnicki adds a conflict element to “Sully’s” already full plate by ramping up the post accident investigation and portraying some of the lead investigators in a negative light, which culminates in a final courtroom drama with some legitimate tension despite the fact we know our hero will ultimately be exonerated. And it must be said that in reality the only thing the FAA process and its investigators can be accused of is stringently doing the job that the airline industry and federal law requires of them.

For most film fans there will be the irresistible urge to compare this film to the 2012 Robert Zemeckis fictional drama ‘Flight’ starring Denzel Washington, which at first glance and considering how much is shared between the two might seem inspired by 2009’s “Miracle on the Hudson”, until you discover that ‘Flight’s’ screenwriter wrote the story at the start of this century making this an unsettling case of life imitating art.

But hindered by the burden of truth and the lack of a dark side to the main protagonist, ‘Sully’ never reaches the dramatic heights or the gripping tension of ‘Flight’, and indeed the main criticism of Eastwood’s latest biography lacking a certain gravitas or character development rings somewhat true. Apart from the impressive but brief reconstruction of the accident, there’s very little legitimate dramatic tension or a real deconstruction of “Sully’s” psyche and how the events affected it, perhaps it’s because we all know the basics of the narrative going into what is already a rather familiarly structured drama.

Nevertheless Eastwood uses his no-frills minimalist storytelling approach to good effect here in crafting a simple, short-but-sweet picture which has more than enough going for it to make up for any dramatic and structural shortcomings. Perfectly cast in a role which demanded an instant admiration for the character, Hanks delivers a typically steady and sympathetic lead performance, ably supported by his “co-pilot” Aaron Eckhart and a solid supporting cast.

Together they bring to the screen a positive and hopeful story for a city scarred by the tragic spectre of the last time a commercial airliner swooped low through the New York skyline, and also a simplistic study of a ubiquitous mass-media addicted to tragedy and glory, all-too-often creating popular heroes, but in this case actually focused on one who really deserves the title. And ultimately that’s what ‘Sully’ successfully brings to the screen; a tribute to duty and professionalism through the story of a man whose practical, even-keeled and unquestionable character ultimately saved the lives of hundreds on board and probably many more on the ground… a real American hero.

The Bottom Line…

Despite being constrained in the drama stakes and lacking the quality to make it an instant Clint Eastwood classic, ‘Sully’ is a simple but effective and captivating cinematic experience which illustrates the human story behind the extraordinary event which created a true modern hero. A rare true story that’s filled with positivity and hope, showcasing the best in professionalism and the human spirit.

Similar films you may like (Home Video)

Flight (2012)

Denzel Washington stars as an experienced and talented but troubled airline pilot, who becomes an unwitting overnight hero when his extraordinary actions save many people after he miraculously crash-lands his stricken plane; but his reputation and freedom are threatened when investigators uncovered some worrying personal issues in this gripping drama from visual maestro Robert Zemeckis.

Directed by Robert Zemeckis and starring Denzel Washington, Don Cheadle and Kelly Reilly among others.

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