Denzel Washington glides back to the big screen in the mystery drama “Flight,” delivering an outstanding performance and making the movie a success. The film, directed by Robert Zemeckis (“Forrest Gump”), is marked by its intriguing plot and exceptional performances by the cast.
Washington stars as Whip Whitaker, a veteran, high-functioning alcoholic and current commercial airline pilot, who miraculously lands a malfunctioning aircraft, saving 96 of the 102 passengers on board – all while highly intoxicated.
The plot is simply gripping, leaving audiences high-strung and waiting with bated breath as the captain’s story unfolds. Unfortunately, this story is somewhat diminished by several of the subplots in the film that feel underdeveloped, primarily those concerning Whitaker’s ex-wife (Garcelle Beauvais, “Franklin and Bash”) and son (Justin Martin), as well as the romantic interest in the form of Nicole Maggen (Kelly Reilly, “Sherlock Holmes”), a recovering heroin addict and tragic beauty.
The main plot, however, concerning the ongoing investigation and Whitaker’s struggle with addiction, serves as the rock upon which the film is based, outshining some of its weaker subplots.
The opening scenes, featuring the plane crash and the measures Captain Whitaker takes to save the lives of those on board, are engrossing to say the least, making effective, extensive use of visual effects to create a realistic portrayal of the high-intensity circumstance.
In his role as the captain, Washington embodies the excess Whitaker indulges himself in, playing one of his more convincing roles in recent years. The subtle balance between supreme confidence and insurmountable internal problems is a delicate one and much like his character, Washington finds his center even in trying times and performs his duty.
The supporting cast also acts admirably throughout the film. John Goodman, as Whitaker’s hilarious, ponytail clad cocaine dealer, recalls elements of Walter Sobchak, of “The Big Lebowski,” and offers some much needed comic relief. Don Cheadle, too, delivered a standout performance as Whitaker’s lawyer who, though he despises the captain, does everything he can to prevent him from facing criminal charges.
Perhaps the only performance that falls flat was that of Reilly as Nicole. Lack of screen time and her passivity in the film makes her performance unfortunately lackluster.
The soundtrack consists primarily of songs from the 1970s – even including an apt muzak rendition of The Beatle’s “With a Little Help from My Friends” – a choice that seems intended to bring a sense of history to Washington’s character, but instead feels somewhat displaced within the modern plotline.
Zemeckis once again finds his directorial groove in “Flight,” striking a delicate contrast between laugh-out-loud funny moments and gut-churning pathos, creating a drama with substance abuse as the star and Washington as the bridge by which the audience can begin to relate to someone in such a desperate, trying situation.
Though elements of the movie attempt to ground the film, Zemeckis and Washington pull up on the movie’s controls, saving the film and guiding the supporting cast and plot safely to a splendid, dramatic finish that will leave audiences not only thinking, but empathizing with the struggle of a particularly enigmatic man who embodies the struggle of humanity to reject indulgence.
