Despite quality components, films don’t always add up to the sum of their parts. Average direction, wasted supporting players, and a formulaic script can undo the value of a stylish scene, a tense sequence, or a standout performance. Directed by Robert Zemeckis (A Christmas Carol), Flight is the latest case in point. It may forever be remembered for an applauded turn by star Denzel Washington, but its lacklustre efforts in other areas are considerable.
At first glance, Washington’s role as pilot Whip Whitaker keeps with his recent action-oriented focus, following Safe House, Unstoppable and The Book of Eli. Yet Whitaker immediately proves a complex protagonist, with his heroics proceeded by drinking and drug-taking. The veteran aviator is far from sensible or sober when his aircraft fails, but nonetheless manages to save the majority of his crew and passengers. At first, his actions are lauded; later, when his impaired state is revealed, widespread jubilation turns to concerned interrogation.
As Whitaker, Washington is at his conflicted best, steering the character through an emotional journey of discovery. From his over-inflated confidence and charisma, to the crumbling of his façade as he faces the impact of his addictions, Washington is physically and psychologically compelling, effortlessly inhabiting the intricacies of the struggling protagonist. It is fitting that awards nominations have followed for his most accomplished performance in years. Alas, his exceptional efforts are left to flounder thanks to a middling screenplay and ordinary execution.
Better known for heart-warming sports offerings (Coach Carter, Dreamer and Real Steel among them), writer John Gatins relies upon convention in constructing the scenario. Every plot point is telegraphed well in advance, employing clichés in place of logic, even as the film ponders the consequences of reckless choices. Zemeckis does little to infuse the script with depth, instead wallowing in the inherent melodrama. Indeed, only one aspect stands out in a narrative or stylistic sense: the plane crash that anchors the feature.
For Flight’s first 25 minutes, tension is expertly cultivated as the trajectory of the doomed aircraft unravels. From a technical standpoint, this proves the film’s highlight; afterwards, the frenetic energy, seamless cross-cutting and delicate combination of different characters (including Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows’ Kelly Reilly as a recovering junkie) fades in favour of performance-driven theatrics. And while Reilly, John Goodman (Argo), Bruce Greenwood (Super 8), and Don Cheadle (The Guard) all impress in supporting roles, each merely pad out the premise. Accordingly, Flight is competent but never challenging, grounded by Washington’s prowess yet marked by its inconsistency in all other areas.
Rating: 3 stars out of 5
Flight
Director: Robert Zemeckis
USA, 2012, 138 min
In cinemas 31 January
Distributor: Paramount
Rated MA
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