The ensemble cast’s acting is strong (notably Sandra Bullock and Matt Dillon), and the weaving together of threads is expertly handled. What spoils the film is the very intrusive, jarring music that just doesn’t suit the scenes it soundtracks. Also, the visuals seem over-filtered.
A drunk, coked-up pilot (Denzel Washington) crash-lands a jet in a miraculous style but struggles to control his addictions during the legal investigation that could clear his name.
It’s moving, and doesn’t end how you might expect. Washington brings real depth to the part. I especially liked his recovering heroin addict girlfriend played by Kelly Reilly.
Not even the presence of John Goodman as a clownish drug dealer can ruin the film, although Goodman still gives it his best shot. His appearance changes the tone and risks making the whole thing into a farce. But thankfully his scenes are brief.
Based on a true story, this is a gripping and desperately sad drama starring Sean Penn. He plays Samuel Bicke, a furniture salesman who is suffering at work and in his personal life and who – amid a mental breakdown – decides to kill the president.
Penn is absolutely superb, making you feel his utter isolation and his heartbreaking descent through a series of personal tragedies. He is estranged from his wife (Naomi Watts) and children, is bullied by professional colleagues and sees his plans to set up his own business rejected.
Nixon himself is cleverly woven into the story through the use of archive footage shown on news broadcasts.
When Bicke finally undertakes his assassination attempt we really feel for him. It’s not that you’re rooting for him to succeed – history already tells us that he will fail – but you yearn for him to be happier and to find peace.
