Here in the Hills

Sunday, March 03, 2013

flight

"FLIGHT" is a very interesting complex film about a very interesting complex man. There is a fantastic turn-the-plane-over-upside-down-action-filled crash landing, and because of the great skills of the seasoned pilot, played by the always exceptional Denzel Washington, only 6 people perish out of 150+ aboard when the possible horror should have been that everyone would have died given the many malfunctions of the airplane.

In truth, this film is really not about airplanes, crashes and flying so much as it is about one man's 'flight' from the truth of himself. The crash and it's aftermath are the catalyst for our main character having to come face to face with himself.

Washington plays an alcoholic/drug addicted man who cannot face the truth of this fact. His ability to fly the plane and take the chances he did in this horrific emergency in spite of the fact that he was pretty much drunk at the time is a testament to his talents as a first class pilot. A brilliantly talented 'functioning' alcoholic, one might say. But, of course, not really.

This film is the story of his coming face to face with his addictions, and what happens when he does.

I LOVED Denzel Washington's performance----it is a Bravura Performance with not a false moment. Sometimes we forget what a truly gifted actor he is because of some of the films he has made---particularly in these last ten years or so. Don't misunderstand me---Denzel Washington is never bad. The thing is, he doesn't always get to show such vulnerability and such depth of personal feeling as he does in this film. "FLIGHT" gives him that opportunity and he delivers 150%!!!

For me, his, was The Best Performance by an Actor in 2012. No way he was going to win this year, but, if I were handing out Golden Globes, and the SAG Award, and the Oscars...Mr. Washington would have gone home with one of each.
There are some other wonderful performances in 'Flight'---Don Cheadle, John Goodman, Bruce Greenwood and Kelly Reilly---all of whom are stellar! But it is Denzel Washington's film----all the way.

If you haven't already seen this film, (It is rent able on DVD and also available 'on demand') it is very very much worth seeing, in my opinion----especially if any of you have had an Alcoholic/Addict in your life. You will recognize the journey from denial of oneself to truthful acceptance of oneself----not an easy journey, ever, and each person's journey is unique to them, except for the fact that it is a journey that must be taken if one is to survive.

This film deals with this journey with such honesty and such raw emotion that it leaves you spent, but it also leaves you with hope for his future.

I think this is a very important film because it says, it is possible to face your demons and come out on the other side. And Denzel Washington's skill, heart and innate humanity as an actor is what drives this film to it's truthful conclusion and it's ultimate hope.

More To Come.......

21 Comments:

Arkansas Patti had this to say:: I had taken this movie off my list when my sister said she could not even finish watching because it upset her so much. She is a HUGE Denzel fan.
I am trusting your review as always and will put it back on my list. Perhaps it was just too dark a portrayal for my Sis. Thanks Naomi.; Sunday, March 3, 2013 at 3:57:00 AM PST
Jojo had this to say:: I loved this film and like you, I felt his performance was amazing. There were times in the film I felt his face took on the distortion, turmoil and dishevelment. I never get to see all of the nominated films but even with the ones I see, my opinions are rarely in agreement with the winners.

I love reading your film reviews and in some cases your posts have encouraged me to see a film I might not have bothered with otherwise.; Sunday, March 3, 2013 at 4:39:00 AM PST
LL Cool Joe had this to say:: I've read the reviews on this film and I really want to see it. I love Denzil and can already tell it's going to be a powerful performance. And doesn't he look good for his age? I doubt I'll get to see this film on one of my plane journeys for obvious reasons so I'll have to get the DVD!; Sunday, March 3, 2013 at 6:55:00 AM PST
Jeanie had this to say:: I remember your saying in an email how much you thought of this movie and Denzel Washington's performance. I do have on-demand, so I'm sure I'll be checking this one out very soon!; Sunday, March 3, 2013 at 7:33:00 AM PST
DesLily had this to say:: I haven't seen this but I have to say I've never seen one of Denzel's movies that I didn't like his performances! He's a wonderful actor. (and easy on these old eyes! lol); Sunday, March 3, 2013 at 10:39:00 AM PST
VV had this to say:: This didn't come to our theatre so I will have to Netflix it. Great review.; Sunday, March 3, 2013 at 4:26:00 PM PST
kenju had this to say:: I have not seen this or any other movie for about 2 years. I doubt that will be remedied soon, but I will put it on the future list. I love Denzel, and I think he should have played Alex Cross in the movies made from Patterson's books. He is the one I always pictured when I read them.; Sunday, March 3, 2013 at 8:23:00 PM PST
Nikki - Notes of Life had this to say:: This film intrigues me, and now I've read your review I definitely want to see it! Thank you :)

I hope you're well.; Monday, March 4, 2013 at 11:30:00 AM PST
Ileana had this to say:: When you review a film you love you do it in such a way that I feel it must be the very next movie I watch. I plan to check out the movie on Netflix (I have a long list and never get around to seeing ANY MOVIES lately due to my busy schedule...but soon, my friend, soon...now that hockey season is over and things will hopefully slow down, I'll add it to the list).

I haven't been touched by a movie in so long and I think I would recommend something like this to a couple of friends I know, one in particular who is struggling with her addiction. Thanks for the heads up.

Hope you are doing well, sweet friend. It's been a while since we've chatted.; Monday, March 4, 2013 at 4:27:00 PM PST
Riot Kitty had this to say:: Were you ever a movie critic? You would be a good one! You have a keen eye and write so well.; Monday, March 4, 2013 at 8:37:00 PM PST
Pat had this to say:: I agree with Riot Kitty.
I have to be careful what I watch just now although I am so into Breaking Bad and its characters that it doesn't upset me. I'm not talking about the morality of it all - just the pure technique.
I expect in time I shall enjoy any film you recommend.; Wednesday, March 6, 2013 at 8:27:00 AM PST
Lydia had this to say:: Flight is a film to be respected.

It dealt head on with the cruel reality of addiction. The toll it takes just not on the addicted, but on everyone around them. The compromises made when it is someone we love that is difficulty. To deal with both justice and forgiveness- all within the frames of a single movie- I am in awe.

I've watched the movie twice so far. I expect I'll watch it again, peeling back the nuance behind the denial and the pain.

I cannot imagine anyone but Denzel Washington in the lead role. And the soundtrack- I'm very partial to music.

Whenever a plane hits turbulence, I wonder how many passengers now go " Please don't let the pilot do a Denzel" ( I did).; Wednesday, March 6, 2013 at 11:17:00 AM PST
Deana had this to say:: Have this on my "to watch" list. I love Denzel but I think you're right in some of his action movies haven't shown the depth he can actually go. One of my favorites by him will always be "The book of Eli." For some reason I loved that movie. Then in "Safehouse", a more recent one, well that wasn't his best stuff. I know these action guys sometimes make big bucks for not such great acting.; Thursday, March 7, 2013 at 5:21:00 PM PST
Shammickite had this to say:: I haven't seen this film and I don't know if I want to. I'm not really comfy with films about something going wrong with either the pilot or the plane during a flight. Just a bit too stressful for me.; Friday, March 8, 2013 at 4:38:00 PM PST
Diane J Standiford had this to say:: I loved this film. Denzel is always so genuine.; Friday, March 8, 2013 at 7:16:00 PM PST
rashbre had this to say:: Denzel plays some great loner 'man with a mission' type roles so this should be interesting when we get it here.

Maybe not one for watching on planes though.; Sunday, March 10, 2013 at 9:54:00 AM PDT
Chickie had this to say:: I went to find this in Redbox tonight and it was already rented. I'll try again another day! It does look interesting.; Sunday, March 10, 2013 at 11:55:00 PM PDT
joared had this to say:: I didn't see this film when in our theater but had made a note to view it in the future. I, too, think Denzel is a good actor. Your account of this movie enhances my interest.; Saturday, March 16, 2013 at 12:11:00 AM PDT
Vagabonde had this to say:: I really like Denzel Washington and it is true that he was perfect for this movie. You gave an excellent review. I wish you would write reviews for the LA Times.; Monday, March 18, 2013 at 4:50:00 PM PDT
colleen had this to say:: Great review. I was on the fence about this movie, but now am convinced to see it if just for Denzel's acting alone. I guess I was thinking it was a disaster plane movie with a twist but it seems twist (the human aspect) IS the main part of the film. So, sold.; Thursday, March 28, 2013 at 8:09:00 AM PDT
Lilly had this to say:: I haven't seen his one yet but I have to say anything with Denzel in is worthwhile. The man has the star quality and is a joy to watch and hasvthat amazing voice to top it off. He is my idea of a true Hollywood star. Thanks for your review Naomi.; Saturday, March 30, 2013 at 5:58:00 AM PDT