Review of Capricorn One (1977) by Stuart K — 23 Apr 2012
Written and directed by Peter Hyams, this is a very original and very gripping sci-fi thriller that's more science fact than science fiction, if you believe the Apollo Moon Landings were faked. But, this came out at a time when political thrillers like The Parallax View (1974) and All The President's Men (1976) caught the mood of America at the time, this took it in a fantastical direction, and it works.
Capricorn One is set to be the first manned rocket to go to Mars, with Colonel Charles Brubaker (James Brolin), Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Peter Willis (Sam Waterston), and Navy Commander John Walker (O.
J. Simpson) at the helm, but at the very last minute, it's discovered that there's a problem with the life support system, so the take off goes as planned, but Brubaker, Willis and Walker aren't on board, they're whisked away by Dr.
James Kelloway (Hal Holbrook), who explains the situation to them, and announces they're going to fake it. So, they create the surface of Mars in a studio, but NASA technician Elliot Whitter (Robert Walden) finds out, but not before he alerts journalist Robert Caulfield (Elliott Gould) that something might be up.
It's a thrilling and exciting film, and Hyams was always an underrated director, and this is one of his best films, and this has appearances from David Huddleston, Karen Black and Telly Savalas flying a crop duster.
It's got good moments of action and drama, and sits proud with over conspiracy theory films, even if this is fiction.
This review of Capricorn One (1977) was written by Stuart K on 23 Apr 2012.
Capricorn One has generally received positive reviews.
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