Watch: Denzel Washington Saves Lives, Loathes Self In Trailer For Robert Zemeckis' 'Flight'

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by Kevin Jagernauth
June 6, 2012 7:29 PM
11 Comments

While most people would be thankful to be alive after surviving a horrific plane crash, in "Flight," the newest drama from Robert Zemeckis (and his first live action film in over a decade), it's just the start of the story about a man who is either very skilled, very lucky or both.

Penned by “Real Steel” writer John Gatins, the drama centers on a commercial airline pilot (Denzel Washington) who successfully lands a badly damaged plane, saving lives in the process, and is lauded as a hero by the press. But it’s soon revealed that he’s an alcoholic and drug-addict, and was under the influence at the time of the incident. The film features a pretty great supporting cast including Melissa Leo as an investigator keen to expose the pilot for his negligence, Don Cheadle as his lawyer, John Goodman as his rough-around-the-edges pal, and more. Overall, it looks solid enough we suppose, though the emphasis on spectacle -- capped off with the kind of ridiculous shot of the plane flying upside down -- diminishes the drama somewhat. Also, didn't we see "Fearless" already?

Anyway, if it's delivered right, this could be an Oscar play for Washington, and you can never count him out. "Flight" opens on November 2nd. Watch the trailer below along with a new pic from the film.

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More: Flight, Denzel Washington, Robert Zemeckis, Film Trailers

11 Comments

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Huffy | June 8, 2012 12:33 PMReply

The music and the subject matter makes it seem almost Scorsese-esq but I don't get the feeling from the trailer that Zemeckis fully committed to making a full-on character piece about a self-destructive man. Just get the feeling of commercial sheen from the trailer. Hope I'm wrong.
Scott Baiowulfgang Amadeus | June 7, 2012 10:23 AMReply

Is this a remake of the French film Piche? Sure seems like it.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1679641/plotsummary

Regardless, Zemeckis doing live action again, a handful of Oscar nominees in the lead roles and a great supporting cast (c'mon, James Dale Badge as "Gaunt Young Man" that sounds like an extra's role.) Definitely looking forward to seeing how this turns out.
James | June 7, 2012 9:27 AMReply

This is a terrific idea for a movie. Hope the execution pulls it off. Denzel and Zemeckis are safe hands.
Alan | June 7, 2012 4:47 AMReply

"Overall, it looks solid enough we suppose, though the emphasis on spectacle -- capped off with the kind of ridiculous shot of the plane flying upside down -- diminishes the drama somewhat. Also, didn't we see "Fearless" already?" Well, I did, but clearly you didn't because - other than a plane crash and, ummm, a male lead - these two films look nothing alike. 'Fearless' is an expressionistic drama about letting go, the freedom that a near-death experience affords you and how that moment can distance yourself from loved ones. This one looks like an intense political story in which a decent, but troubled and self-loathing man is scapegoated by his own airline. I have 'Fearless' at home: would you like to borrow it?
BEF | June 7, 2012 10:22 AM

Yeah, that's like saying "who needs 'Gangster Squad' we have 'L.a. Confidential'?" "Fearless" focused on passengers, this focuses on the pilot who would experience a different sort of guilt and corporate railroading. I wish I could still see the trailer to see what it looks like. Sometime soon enough. (it was down during this visit)
Rebecca | June 7, 2012 2:03 AMReply

This looks interesting but regardless I love Denzel. Also, I wonder if it's like that military movie where he felt guilty but saved more lives in the end, the one with Meg Ryan, that'd be interesting. (I didn't read the script)
p nasty | June 6, 2012 11:44 PMReply

Denzel is back. So is Robert Zemeckis.

This looks incredible.
d | June 6, 2012 10:11 PMReply

I really like the looks of this, to be honest. Denzel looks great.
Mr Anonymous | June 6, 2012 10:01 PMReply

I think this looks fantastic. That shot of the plane flying upside down gave me chills! Looking forward to this. Could be a major crowd-pleaser.
Glass | June 6, 2012 7:40 PMReply

I could swear all trailer-cutting companies agreed Gimme Shelter was added to the "WAY too cliche, even by movie marketing standards" list back in 2008.
bonzob | June 6, 2012 11:12 PM

Agreed. I mean, I think they actually use it really well here, but the whole time I was like "Gimme Shelter, again? Really?"