Flight is a powerful movie that solidifies (as if he wasn’t already) Denzel Washington as an A-list actor and a Movie Star in my humble estimation. This entire film relies on Denzel’s powerful acting to make the emotional impact work. In the hands of a lesser actor, this would be a role that would tempt one to over act, which would actually diminish the force of this character. What Denzel is able to convey with just his eyes and minor facial expressions is more emotionally moving than anything a stage thespian could convey. The title is misleading, because this film is more about a man’s battle with his personal demons than anything to do with flying.
Whip Whitaker (Denzel Washington) is an airline pilot who has a problem with drugs and alcohol. He lives a hard life of narcotic ups and downs, but he is able to function in everyday life. In fact, he is a great pilot. This becomes evident when he miraculously crash lands a plane after a severe mechanical malfunction saving almost everyone on board. He is worshiped as a hero until his hospital toxicology reports come back showing that he was legally drunk when he was flying the plane. What starts out as media worship turns into a media circus as the investigation is taken to the airwaves and the court of public opinion.
Out of all the lives that were saved, five people did die. Even though his landing was nothing short of miraculous, the prosecutors need someone to blame for the deaths. A drunk pilot is the perfect scapegoat for the plane manufacturer and airline. The media smells blood in the water and goes after Whip with a vengeance. Whip escapes the media frenzy and hides out on his grandfather’s abandoned farmhouse to try and deal with his problems. His life crosses with a woman named Nicole (Kelly Reilly) who is dealing with her heroin addiction. She is his hope and conscience while at the same time being a mirror to what he has become. She is perfectly cast as she is beautiful, but her eyes are full of hurt and vulnerability. Her life is out of her control and she is desperately trying to claw her way back up. Unfortunately, Whip is an anchor, threatening to drag her down.
Denzel does a great job portraying a man who realizes he has a problem, yet at the same time can lie even to himself that he can handle it. He disposes of all the liquor in his house only to completely restock it a day later. He thinks he is above AA meetings, because that is for people who can’t handle their problems. He is trying to come to grips with his alcoholism all the while facing the possibility of life in prison. Not an easy task. The film evolves from a plane disaster movie to a character study and Denzel does it adeptly.
Denzel isn’t the only one who turns in a great performance. Don Cheadle plays the union lawyer assigned to represent Whip. Don plays the consummate professional who must defend a man he dislikes intensely. Someone who offends every morale fiber that he has. Once again, a subtle performance that could have been played over the top. John Goodman does play Whip’s drug dealer Harling over the top, but in this case it fits. Harling is big hearted and affable and seen as welcome relief by Whip. Harling is a big part of Whip’s problem, but his friendship and support is never in doubt which makes it harder for Whip to see how truly damaging Harling is. Goodman brings heart and good humor to a role that is ultimately one of the more damaging aspects of Whip’s life.
The crash scene at the beginning is truly edge of your seat stuff, but that is over in the first 15 minutes, so don’t go expecting this type of movie. From beginning to end, this is a movie that examines the battle a man has with himself. I predict that Denzel will be nominated for another Academy Award for this. It will be well deserved. He is an actor who truly knows that less is more. The clip I have linked below is a good example of how Denzel can convey a man whose world is closing in around him in which he is unable to lie his way out. It’s all done through the eyes and facial expression. It takes an accomplished actor to do this.
I recommend this film despite being a little heavier than the trailers would lead one to think.
I give this film *** stars.
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