JohnDoe
Bryn
BrentonThe China syndrome (1979)
October 17th 2006 10:29
THE CHINA SYNDROME
DVD Cover
Writers:Mike Gray and T S Cook
Starring:Jack Lemmon, Jane Fonda, Michael Douglas, Scott Brady, James Hampton, Peter Donat
“I may be wrong, but I'd say you're lucky to be alive. For that matter, I think we might say the same for the rest of Southern California-”Greg Minor
2006: Our politicians debate the virtues of nuclear energy as an alternate fuel source and plan to install more reactors.
1979: Made over 25 years ago, the argument remains the same as does the inherit corruption and misinformation of big business and the media. You have to be a little disturbed at the timely nature and modern relevance of the China Syndrome.
The film begins with a sense of urgency, showing the normal pressures of live news casting. Kimberly Wells, (Jane Fonda) is a fluff piece reporter looking to be taken seriously and move past, cat-stuck-in-a-tree-style news fare.
Determined and sassy she teams up with indie photographer Richard Adams (Michael Douglas) to do a series on alternate energy sources. A routine visit to the Ventana Nuclear Power plant sees the pair witness a near disaster. Capturing it all on tape, Kimberley and Richard are soon in the throws of a massive cover up.
John Doe Says:
Frightening, but purely coincidental, just 13 days after this films premiere in 1979, the disaster at Pennsylvania’s Three Mile Island erupted.
Nuclear power is literally hundreds of times more efficient than traditional electricity, however the price of human error and cost cutting make it a massive gamble even if we could dispose of the waste responsibly.
The film doesn’t get bogged down in arguing for or against, instead it just shows the problem with the public safety. The same rich men who own these plants also run the media (reality), so impartial reporting on the subject is never going to happen. Worse still, the plant is designed and run to make a profit; hence corners will be cut with maintenance and upkeep.
The story is deceptively simple, the tight dialogue and precise execution is its strength.
The performances all round are phenomenal, Jack Lemmon (Glengarry Glenross, the Odd Couple, The Apartment) as the man in charge of the control room plays tortured and tormented with grace and fragility.
Hanoi Jane (Klute, Barberella) is convincing and draws our sympathy and understanding. Michael Douglas (Coma, The Star Chamber, Wonderboys) over the years has gained undeserved criticism; roles like this prove that he is a talented and skilled thespian to rival his father.
Directed with assured confidence the film never feels like a lecture, diving head long into presenting a story that is as much about media corruption as it is nuclear disaster.
Informative and constructed like a page turning airport novel, on the surface it is a satisfying thriller, beneath it is a film with a point and one we should all think about.
The DVD:
A good picture transfer, the film benefits from being presented in its 16:9 widescreen format. The audio is Dolby Digital 2.0 and there is a trailer and cast and crew info.
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Comment by Aaron
I saw it last night...oh man it's terrible. I will forbid anyone from seeing that movie.
Aaron.
Comment by Cibbuano
20/20 Filmsight
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Fonda? What a cutie!
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
Once he did fatal Attraction he became a caricature. Thankfully Wonderboys and Traffic came along and redeemed him in my eyes.
As for Jane Fonda aka barberella.......va va va va voooom