Flight is a 2012 American drama film directed by Robert Zemeckis, written by John Gatins, and produced by Walter F. Parkes, Laurie MacDonald, Steve Starkey, Zemeckis, and Jack Rapke. The film stars Denzel Washington as William "Whip" Whitaker Sr., an alcoholic airline pilot who miraculously crash-lands his plane after a mechanical failure, saving nearly everyone on board.
Plot
The film follows the story of Captain William "Whip" Whitaker, an alcoholic and drug-abusing airline pilot who miraculously crash-lands a malfunctioning airliner, saving almost all of the passengers on board. The plot delves into Whip's turbulent personal life, including his struggles with addiction, his strained relationships, and his affair with a flight attendant.
The movie portrays the harrowing flying scene where the plane is saved by being flown upside down, followed by a mechanical malfunction that sends the aircraft into an uncontrollable nosedive. Despite the investigation that follows, Whip's heroic actions in the face of crisis are highlighted, and the film explores the complexities of his character and the consequences of his addiction.
Trailer
Full Cast
- Denzel Washington as Whip Whitaker
- Nadine Velazquez as Katerina Marquez
- Don Cheadle as Hugh Lang
- John Goodman as Harling Mays
- Kelly Reilly as Nicole
- Bruce Greenwood as Charlie Anderson
- Melissa Leo as Ellen Block
- Brian Geraghty as Ken Evans
- Tamara Tunie as Margaret Thomason
- Nadine Velazquez as Katerina Marquez
- Carter Cabassa as Son on Plane
- Adam C. Edwards as Father on Plane
Director: Robert Zemeckis
Writer: John Gatins
Box Office Gross: $161,772,375
Distributor: Paramount Pictures
Genre: Drama, Mystery & thriller
Release Date (Theaters): Nov 2, 2012
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 2, 2014
Themes & Reception
The themes in the film Flight involve a range of complex and interconnected elements, including:
Additionally, the theme of flight itself, as seen in the movie, can symbolize freedom, escape, and aspiration. The act of flying and the metaphor of flight are used to convey the characters' desires, struggles, and the pursuit of personal goals.
The reception of Flight has been marked by discussions about the essential contradiction embodied by the protagonist, Whip Whitaker, who is portrayed as a skilled professional pilot while simultaneously grappling with addiction. The film's portrayal of this duality has sparked conversations about the message and themes conveyed, with some viewers interpreting the plane crash as a metaphor for the protagonist's alcoholism and the inherent struggle within him.
Overall, Flight has been the subject of diverse interpretations and discussions regarding its themes, characters, and portrayal of human complexity, contributing to its enduring impact on audiences and critics alike.