Film discussion: Sully

November 14, 2016
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As far as I know, there aren’t any scheduled events on Tuesday that hold the potential for gut-churning tension. Accordingly, in the time-honored reversal of advice for which the entertainment industry is so justly famous, I’m going to recommend that you come to The Music Hall on Tuesday night and watch a tense movie about a plane crash.

Or, to use the words of the hero of Sully, a movie about a controlled water landing of a commercial jetliner in the Hudson River. And there’s some stuff in there about the subsequent FAA investigation into the event, but I don’t think that’s going to be a big deal.

There are three reasons to see this movie, besides the general rule that it’s always a good idea to go to a movie and take the opportunity to get your hands on some of the Music Hall’s excellent popcorn for free.

First, (and I don’t think I’m giving anything away here) you already know the outcome of the story! So there’s no danger of adding psychological insult to injury. Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger is a hero and a fabulous pilot and he saves a whole bunch of lives. You may even have seen the documentary, which was very good. This will be better.

Second, this is a Clint Eastwood movie, which always raises interesting questions about his directing style and his notion of what it means to be an American and a hero.

Third, this is a Tom Hanks movie, with all that that implies. In a Tom Hanks movie, there’s always something interesting to watch. Nobody ever catches Hanks “acting,” and he always finds some humanity in his characters, even the ones who kill people for the Mob. If you need someone to play a hero, he’s your man.

Plus, as a bonus, if you happen to be cooking a goose for Thanksgiving, this movie will make you feel quite at ease with the bird’s demise.

I hope to see you there, which will be in The Historic Theater at 7:00 on Tuesday night.

And if you can’t make it, have a fabulous Thanksgiving! We will be back in the discussion business on the Tuesday following (November 29), with a showing of Cameraperson. Enjoy!