Runtime: 1 hour and 36 minutes
Tom Hanks doesn’t like to play it safe. In his latest film, “Sully,” Hanks takes on the role of Chesley Sullenberger, a heroic pilot who isn’t quite ready to show off his cape.
Directed by Clint Eastwood and based on a true story, the film wastes no time introducing viewers to the humble protagonist and his co-pilot, Jeff Skiles (Aaron Eckhart). As seen in the theatrical trailer, Captain Sully successfully lands U.S. Airways Flight 1549 on New York’s Hudson River, and although all passengers and crew on board are rescued, the pilot remains troubled by the incident, having multiple flashbacks to the emotionally and physically exhausting day: January 15, 2009.
On top of that, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) acknowledges the fact that Captain Sully safely (and successfully) made the swift, emergency water landing, yet the board members still want answers, opening up an investigation after the so-called miracle on Hudson takes place.
From the start, viewers will root for Captain Sully, hoping that his story finishes without a crash-and-burn ending. But the machine vs. human debate soars to new heights as the pilot fights to defend his swift choice.
The film doesn’t linger on action scenes for long. Rather, it allows engaged viewers to take a break with its moderately paced flow. Pauses, or caesuras, allow for moments of reflection, and it’s in those moments that viewers gain a better understanding of the humble hero
Bombastic noises and quick, jarring cuts immediately bring viewers to the forefront of the action. The opening scenes, full of calamity, contain the element of shock, reeling viewers in through a series of flashbacks. The sequences are accompanied by a majestic score, along with a montage that gives viewers just a sample of the pilot’s overwhelming, internal thoughts.
“Sully” is one film that breaks the rules when it comes to having a typical narrative structure, especially since it’s not the heroic-drama most viewers expect to see when thinking of the genre. Captain Sully, who’s been flying for 42 years, isn’t asking for attention. The humble hero is merely trying to make sense of the complex event and move on.
All in all, Hanks and Eastwood deliver a film that humanizes the hero in the most authentic form. “Sully” is a must-see for those looking for a stellar window-seat drama.