"Sully" Review

Title: Sully

Directed by: Clint Eastwood

Written by: Todd Komarnicki

Year: 2016


Clint Eastwood has had quite the prolific career in the film industry, both as an actor and as a director. He has become an icon in both respects, and he aims to further build his career with this latest biopic. But just how in the world do you make a movie that focuses on a moment that lasted just over 200 seconds? Can this film soar to great heights, or does it call for an emergency landing?

Captain Sullenberger successfully lands a plane on the Hudson River after experiencing dual engine loss. Though the event was miraculous, investigations have been launched into what actually happened on the plane, and Sully's reputation and career are on the line. Based on actual events.

Tom Hanks is a world-class actor and, unsurprisingly, turns out another good performance as the titular character in Sully. He gives a very subdued but evocative performance that resonates with the audience. Hanks brings out the humble nature of the real-life figure gracefully and to astounding effect. Aaron Eckheart is also on top-form, portraying Jeff Skiles, Sully's co-pilot. Eckheart is a powerhouse character actor, and he slips into this role with tremendous ease. He strikes the chord of realism and believability terrifically. The chemistry between these two actors is great and their interactions are charming.

So how is it that a feature length film can be made about a 208 second event? What the picture focuses on is the investigation that followed the Miracle on the Hudson. What many are unaware of is that Sully was heavily questioned over the incident, which put his career in jeopardy. The film's plot revolves around the on-going investigation as Sully recounts memories from the accident. This was a brilliant approach as it brings to light a major side of the issue that was not publicized. The story is thoroughly engaging and quickly paced. Though the movie is only 96 minutes in length, it never feels rushed.

Clint Eastwood's direction is the best aspect of the film. The way he tackles the material is very understated and modest, but simultaneously sure-handed and confident. Eastwood proves his mastery from the director's chair, as he is able to make this event both entertaining and emotionally stirring. He manages to fit all the necessary components of the story within a short runtime, without the final product feeling hurried or glossed-over.

Eastwood also employs clever camerawork to enhance the storytelling elements. My favorite instance of this is when Sully is running alone at night. He is crossing a bridge and there is heavy fog billowing behind him. The scene is framed in a long-shot, diminishing Hanks' stature, but his shadow cast in the fog is enormous. This symbolizes the duality of Sully; many view him as a hero, without knowing his story (the large shadow in the thick but empty fog). But in reality, he is a humble man, who viewed his actions as those of a pilot, not a hero. This is a beautiful shot and very telling of the character from multiple perspectives.

Something that comes across very well in this picture is tension. I refer specifically to the plane sequence. Scenes from the incident are peppered throughout the narrative, but eventually the entire scene is played out cohesively. Knowing the outcome of the event will not change a thing. The suspense is cranked up to the maximum and the filmmaking is absolutely masterful. This is obviously the standout scene of the film, and you may find it hard to breathe as the sequence unfolds.

The film also ends on a magnificent note. The investigation is coming to a close, and the tapes from the plane will be played for the first time. Watching the results of the simulators, listening to Sully's defense, and finally hearing the tapes from the incident makes for a riveting spectacle, and a rousing finale. The movie ends on such a powerful scene, making the experience as a whole all the more memorable. My only issue with Sully could be classified as a nitpick. Some of the visual effects are a bit dodgy in quality, which can be distracting.

I went into Sully expecting a good movie. However, what I ended up watching was a great movie. The execution of the story is well handled; Hanks and Eckheart are excellent; Eastwood's direction strongly propels this film; and the landing scene and finale are worth the price of admission alone. I do not believe Sully will get the attention or praise it deserves, and I believe this a wonderful film. Aside from occasionally showing its budget through its effects, Sully is a winner of a picture, and truly spectacular.

Grade: A