Pub.lished Movie Reviews
Pushing Tin (1999)
"Pushing Tin" (1999) offers a riveting narrative that revolves around a feud between two air traffic controllers, each possessing a distinctly different personality. One is portrayed as cocky and unyielding, while the other exudes a more restrained and laid-back demeanor. This inevitable clash of characters significantly impacts their lives, adding a compelling layer to the story.
John Cusack brilliantly embodies the role of Nick Falzone, a confident, hotshot controller who seems to have it all together. He is at the top of his game professionally and enjoys a blissful marital life with his endearing wife, Connie, convincingly played by Cate Blanchett. The transformation of Blanchett from the regal Elizabeth I to a New Jersey housewife is simply astonishing. Falzone's life is a routine - working the night shift, indulging in greasy meals at the local diner, feeling fatigued but satisfied.
However, the equilibrium of Falzone's life is disrupted with the arrival of Russell Bell, a maverick controller from the West, played by Billy Bob Thornton. Bell is an intriguing character who easily gets under people's skin. With his unshaven look, his penchant for riding a hog, and his nerve-wracking habit of scheduling planes dangerously close together, Bell becomes a source of both awe and anxiety. He is married to a tantalizing 20-year-old named Mary, portrayed by Angelina Jolie, who dresses provocatively and adds an extra dash of drama to the plot.
What makes "Pushing Tin" stand out is its unique setting - an air-traffic control center. This is a world that has not been much explored in cinema. The movie skillfully captures the intense atmosphere inside the control center, where controllers, absorbed in their computer screens, bark out instructions at such a rapid pace that it's hard to comprehend how pilots keep up.
The filmmakers do a fantastic job of painting a realistic picture of the high-stress environment in an air traffic control center, where depression, nervous breakdowns, heart attacks, and hypertension are part of the job description. Amidst this pressure-cooker scenario, conflicts inevitably boil over, adding another layer of complexity to the narrative.
"You land a million planes safely, then you have one little mid-air...
and you never hear the end of it"
- you are under the age of 15, as it has some adult content and language.
- you don't like drama or comedy films.
- you are not interested in movies about air traffic controllers or workplace conflicts.
- sequences of stressful situations can make you overly anxious.
- you prefer movies with high-action or fantasy elements, as this film is more grounded in reality.
Airplane! (1980)
If you enjoyed "Pushing Tin" for its aviation element, "Airplane!" is another movie you might consider. This classic film incorporates unexpected humor into a high-stress airplane situation, similar to some of the scenarios depicted in "Pushing Tin." Despite its comedic tone, "Airplane!" has been lauded for its authentic depiction of aviation procedures.
The Terminal (2004):Directed by Steven Spielberg, "The Terminal" tells the story of an Eastern European man who becomes stuck in New York's JFK Airport when his passport is no longer valid due to a political coup in his home country. The movie, much like "Pushing Tin," focuses on the complications and inner workings of the airport industry, blended with unique character-driven plot lines.
Up in the Air (2009):This film will appeal to "Pushing Tin" fans who appreciated the personal and professional conflicts arising from a career that centers around aviation. "Up in the Air," starring George Clooney, explores the occasionally isolating life of a frequent flyer, revealing profound insights about loneliness and connection.
Flight (2012):If you were interested in the tension and high-stakes atmosphere in "Pushing Tin," "Flight" with Denzel Washington may be a great follow-up. Similarly laced with dramatic air traffic control scenarios and personal struggles, this movie delves deeper into the ethical questions faced by those in the cockpit.
Sully (2016):This biographical drama directed by Clint Eastwood is based on the autobiography of Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, an American pilot who became a hero after landing his damaged plane on the Hudson River. If you liked the flight-related drama and human interest narratives in "Pushing Tin", you'll find "Sully" similarly compelling.
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