Deep Impact Review
by Ron Strong (RS080455 AT PACBELL DOT NET)May 13th, 1998
DEEP IMPACT
Review by R. L. Strong
PARAMOUNT PICTURES & DREAMWORKS SKG presents a Zanuck/Brown Production of a Mimi Leder Film "DEEP IMPACT" Robert Duvall, Tia Leoni, Elijah Wood, Vanessa Redgrave,
Maximilian Schell, Leelee Sobieski and Morgan Freeman. Cinematography by Dietrich Lohmann,
Original Score by James Horner, Production Design by Leslie Dilley, Edited by Paul Cichocki &
David Rosenbloom, Associate Producer: D. Scott Easton, Executive Producers: Steven Spielberg,
Walter F. Parkes, Joan Bradshaw, Produced by: Richard D. Zanuck , David Brown,
Screenplay by Bruce Joel Rubin & Michael Tolkin Directed by Mimi Leder
It's summer again. It's only obvious in that this is the time of year when the studios pull out their big, effects laden productions and attempt to coerce every young adult and teenager into a movie theater for two hours of escapism. What's the big deal? Well, with the film 'Deep Impact' we have a combination effort, something that is at once a big splashy effects picture and an emotional human drama. Unfortunately, for those under the age of 17. The film deals with issues and ideas that most young people could not concern themselves with.
On a dark night, a group of high school students are gathered on a hillside stargazing for a science project. Leo Biederman (Elijah Wood) spots something out of the ordinary and nonchalantly decides to send along the information to Astrology researcher, Professor Wolf (Bob Balaban). That information is identified as a comet, the size of New York City (7 miles) which is on a collision course with Earth.
Continuing the story, Lenny Lerner (Tia Leoni), a struggling field reporter for the MS/NBC cable news network; is chasing after a story about the possible infidelities of Press Secretary Alan Rittenhouse (James Cromwell). Lenny has received information through various sources in Washington leading her to believe that the Press Secretary is having an affair with a woman named Eli. Confronting Mr. Rittenhouse at his boat (where he seems to be stockpiling supplies), Lenny questions him about his affair. The confrontation leads Lenny to believe that she is on the right track. It is at that moment that she is detained by the secret service. She is taken to the White House, where she is question as to what she knows of Eli. Realizing that she may be misunderstanding the situation, Lenny researches the name Eli. She finally discovers that it is an anagram for "Extinction Level Impact".
As stated at the top of this article, 'Deep Impact' is a unique film for this time of year. Usually, films of this nature carry very little weight story-wise. These films are usually high concept projects with quick payoffs and predictable situations ('Daylight', 'Independence Day', 'Volcano', etc.). While these films are entertaining in their own right, you don't really expect anything in the way of depth from them. This is what makes 'Deep Impact' so compelling and so disappointing. The film takes time to develop its situation and it's characters. There is an honest attempt at character depth here that is refreshing. Nevertheless, at the same time, there is not enough. This film would work better if it had an extra 30 minutes tagged onto it. Enough to give us a chance to get to know all of these diverse individuals.
The performances in the film are nothing special, although Tia Leoni deserves recognition for her fine turn as Reporter Lenny Lerner. She gives us a solid view of a woman isolated from human contact and consumed by her career until disaster strikes. Her drive and hard work are rewarded, to the point of survival. The choices Lenny makes give the character a marvelous arc and makes her the most believable portrayal in the film.
Robert Duvall is always a joy to watch. His, Spurgeon Tanner, a retired NASA astronaut and last man to walk on the moon, is a man who has nothing else to live for. His wife has passed away; his sons are essentially estranged from him. Tanner has only one thing left in his life and that is his accomplishments. Taking the mission to attempt to save the Earth, is a call to arms. A military man all of his life, Tanner will risk his life to perform his duty. Moreover, he does it as a testament to his wife.
The other performances in the film are all acceptable in their individual performances. Maximilian Schell as Lenny's father Jason Lerner, probably fairs worse in the film, as we are never really given a chance to know the character. Morgan Freeman makes the most believable On-Screen President since Ralph Bellamy in 'Sunrise at Capbobello'. Vanessa Redgrave has a marvelous turn as Robin Lerner, recently divorced and alone. Her portrayal of a woman unable to cope with her loneliness is both pitiful and painful. The surprise performance of the film is newcomer Leelee Sobieski as Sarah Hotchner. Her naturalness and depth of emotion belay her mere 15 years of life. This is a young talent to watch. While some have unflatteringly referred to her as Helen Hunt Jr. (due to a slight resemblance), it's would be a shame if her ability was neglected simply due to her physical traits.
The screenplay by noted writers Bruce Joel Rubin and Michael Tolkin is one of the most intelligent in recent years. Events are not telegraphed as much as they are inevitable. There are serious attempts here to raise the level of believability in the script. Logic prevails in all of the situations. There are no heroic moments without cost. There is no sacrifice without pain. No salvation without loss. This is the antithesis of action films, and it is a welcome relief.
Mimi Leder handles the film well enough. There are moments, that have a television drama look to them, little flourishes that almost get in the way of the drama. This is not problematic, just distracting. Ms. Leder shows real talent in handling her actors. Every performance is keyed to a fine note.
This brings up the disappointing part of the whole enterprise. Also, with so many characters and sub plots, the film has the same disjointed feel of every other dissater epic. There are also moments when knowing asides are used as comic relief. This has the effect of diminishing the drama. While a little humor would be acceptable, lines such as "Don't worry so much, it's not the end of the world." are just too noticeable. In addition, some of the emotional grandstanding towards the climax of the film rings false. It's just a little too maudlin for it's own good. This also brings up the Lenny's final acceptance of her fate. It's developed so quickly that it doesn't ring true.
'Deep Impact' is a fine film, and one that may linger in memory longer that one would expect. There are moments, which are emotionally powerful. Moreover, there are political ideas brought to fore that are uncomfortable. It's flaws, while not as cumbersome as other films, are still distracting.
On a scale from * to *****, 'Deep Impact' rates ***=.
Copyright ) 1998 R. L. Strong
Nothing in this article may be quoted or re-printed with the expressed written permission of the author.
Originally posted in the rec.arts.movies.reviews newsgroup. Copyright belongs to original author unless otherwise stated. We take no responsibilities nor do we endorse the contents of this review.
