Fail Safe (2000)

Oscar? winner George Clooney (Syriana Ocean's Thirteen) and Emmy nominated Noah Wyle ("ER" "Librarian: Quest for the Spear") head an all-star cast in this tense and powerful Cold War thriller performed live on network TV (CBS). An electrical malfunction prevents the Pentagon from stopping a pilot (Clooney) whose jet has been mistakenly ordered to drop nuclear bombs on Russia. Facing world nuclear annihilation the American President (Richard Dreyfus) must choose between an all-out war or the planned nuclear bombing of New York City as compensation. Based on Sydney Lumet's classic 1964 "Playhouse 90" presentation from the novel by Harvey Wheeler and Eugene Burdick. Directed by Oscar-nominee Stephen Frears(The Queen The Grifters Dangerous Liaisons). All-star cast includes Richard Dreyfus Noah Wyle George Clooney Don Cheadle Harvey Keitel James Cromwell Hank Azaria Sam Elliott.Running Time: 84 min.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: DRAMA Rating: NR UPC: 085391865322 Manufacturer No: 18653 Product Description

Lousey remake

As a huge fan of the original film this remake was going to have a hard time impressing me anyway, but this production was dull and almost unwatchable. The 'live TV' attempt adds nothing and it fact makes you appreciate the value of editing in films because unintentionally the actors step on each others lines, and background stage noise is evident in the film.

I appreciate that they stayed true to the original story which was terrifying and gripping but the biggest diappontment are the scenes between the President and his translator. Done by Henry Fonda (and a suprisingly good) Larry Hagman in the original film, the dialogue between these two men is the high point of the film for me. But in this version with Richard Dryfuss and Noah Wiley, the scenes are totally 'flat' and undramatic.

Bought this for $5 in a bargain bin so I have no complaints but as a film and remake of a classic this was a waste of time. July 10, 2008

What gives here?

This adaptation of Fail Safe is disappointing. With a terrific story and a number of very fine cast members, it's hard to know why this has fallen flat on its face. Perhaps it was due to the live television format in which it was broadcast in 2000 (not really done since the late 50's and early 60's.)

Perhaps one problem is the tendency to compare it to the 1964 film with Henry Fonda, Dan O'Herlihy, Walter Matthau, Frank Overton, Larry Hagman and others, all of whom did an excellent job.

In this version, for example, I had trouble imagining Richard Dreyfuss (the President) in anything other than one of his comedic roles. Brian Dennehy as General Bogan you would think would be a stand out but you hardly notice him there. Harvel Keitel, one of my very favorite actors, seems wooden and bored as he delivers his lines.

One thing I liked about this presentation was a small twist they add regarding a last minute communication to the bomber pilot (George Clooney) from his family.

The story itself needs no exposition here. It is a riveting story set during the cold war. I read the book in junior high and first saw the 1964 version a couple of years before reading the book. The movie is as powerful for me now as it was when I saw it more than 40 years ago.

I give Clooney (the producer) credit for trying to revive an old style live television drama. I think it was a good idea to try. This production just has no fizz.

Still, if you are a fan of the story itself I would recommend you see it. If you've not seen the 1964 movie yet, see this TV version first. April 20, 2008

Clooney is a genius!

Clooney, here and in Good Night and Good Luck, analyses after September 11 certain assumptions about what Americans are, in living black and white. The premise of the original movie and book, that an American president would make the sacrificial decision in Fail-Safe is unbelievable today but it was believable under JFK and even Eisenhower. Richard Dreyfuss' Jewish presence makes it so.

Harvey Keitel is just perfect as Blackie.

I did miss one thing. Blackie, in the original movie and in the book, has a recurring dream of a matador which is resolved at the finish: but for the same reason the directors of the new teleplay didn't dare show a girl dancing in Spanish Harlem to show what was sacrificed in an America trying not so damnably hard to deny its Afro-Carib roots, today's audiences would have been mystified by "the matador: I!" September 20, 2007

Stiff TV Movie STINKS

Don't bother watching this - even if you like the Clooney guy.... This production is stiff, recorded live for TV and the acting really rots; not to mind the sets and goofs. You would be better off watching the original. This is a dead movie - don't waste your money on this! July 13, 2007

Classic Life Television

When I ordered this DVD I expected a movie production. I don't know where I got that impression but when I watched the opening credits I remember feeling disappointed, cheated almost to the point of stopping the DVD. I am glad I didn't. It took a few minutes for me to adjust to the medium in which I was experiencing art. I am old enough to remember Studio 90, Hallmark Hall of Fame or even life productions of Howdy Doody and situation comedies. This DVD put me back in an art form that does not exist anymore and I miss it. I have read the book and now experienced the live television production. A classic with modern applications July 5, 2007

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