Academy Award winning director Robert Zemeckis (“Forrest Gump”) scores again with “Flight,” a rough look at the life of an alcoholic and the repercussions of the lifestyle. Being the second R rated film of his career, it is obvious that darker, dirtier subject matter does not phase the talented director. “Flight” proves to be one of the hardest hitting films of the year, showing even greater depth from not only Zemeckis’s craft – but especially that of Denzel Washington.
The last few years Washington’s performances have consisted of repetitive action roles that still worked because of his signature demeanor that we all know and love. Films such as “The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3,” “The Book of Eli,” and “Safe House.” Although good in their own ways, these films robbed Washington of his true 2 time Oscar winning potential. Finally, he has shown it again here in this film with a character controlled by addiction – it is Denzel like you’ve never seen him before. It even takes us out of the comfort zone to see him in this way.
Being an alcoholic and cocaine snorter, Whip Whitaker (Washington) wakes up after a late night of debauchery to make his morning flight. Being an airplane pilot, Whip starts off the flight by getting high on oxygen and downing a screwdriver. He still manages to land the plane after a malfunction that renders it incapable, however. Out of the something like 112 people on board the plane, 6 die – leaving someone to blame for the deaths.
Enter Hugh Lang (Don Cheadle), a lawyer sent to investigate the criminal aspect of the accident, who helps try to get Whip out of the possibility of life in prison for intoxication. On the opposite side, Ellen Block (Melissa Leo) is looking for someone to blame and with Whip’s chances running slim – he needs to quit drinking. The film also stars Bruce Greenwood, Kelly Reilly, and John Goodman.
The fim walks a tightrope for its 2 hr. 18 min. duration. It forces the audience to decide if they want Whip to get away with it, or get punished for his habits – which have left him separated from his family. It is a hardcore drama that hopefully will merit an Oscar nod for Washington’s realistic performance. It is in no way a family “feel good” movie, it achieves its goal of depicting a very real and harmful addiction that splits into themes of religion and morality.
“Flight” is now playing in theaters everywhere.
