This Wednesday, August 14th, I am unbelievably proud and excited to be hosting James Bridges' "The China Syndrome" for my next 'Nick's Pix' screening at Classic Cinemas' Lake Theater, a beautiful movie palace located in the heart of downtown Oak Park.
"The China Syndrome" is one of the very best films of the 1970's. It features Jane Fonda, Jack Lemmon, Michael Douglas, and a myriad of other terrific character actors.
I LOVE this movie, and vividly remember first seeing it at the Norridge Theater on the northwest side of Chicago the weekend it opened.
I was 13 going on 14 at the time, and I had just started to deep dive into cinema, learning as much as I could about movie history, filmmaking, and the art form in general.
I was absorbing so much film-related stuff, so quickly, that my head was spinning, and this movie was one of the first that I analyzed to death (from the making of the film, to the behind-the-scenes stories, to the marketing & distribution, and more).
What It's About
The plot involves a small news team who witness an "accident" at a local California nuclear power plant and become entangled with a conspiracy that the company wants to cover up.
A supervisor at the plant, who wants to speak the truth, becomes concerned for his safety and his life, and the whole thing builds to a terrifying climax.
On the simplest of levels, it is a terrific, intelligent thriller that fits nicely into the wonderful era of great conspiracy thrillers of the 70's, the most paranoid decade of them all.
Director James Bridges keeps his focus razor sharp, and shoots with documentary-like precision, building the tension exponentially until the devastating and thoroughly satisfying ending.
The cast is uniformly terrific with Fonda, Douglas, and, especially, Lemmon (who was nominated for an Oscar for his great performance in the movie) doing some of the very finest work of their careers.
The movie is also a biting indictment of television news, especially in its portrayal of female reporters at a time when sexism and discrimination were rampant in the business.
These ladies were considered to be nothing but pretty faces, existing to do fluff pieces about birthday parties for animals, store openings, etc.
Fonda (who was never shy about her politics and beliefs) is extraordinarily effective in the film, balancing the acceptance of her position and her battle to be taken more seriously as this huge and important story falls into her lap.
Douglas has never been so appealing, sharp and wickedly effective as the rebellious cameraman determined to get the truth to the public whose lives are put in danger.
But, this is really Lemmon's show, and his brilliant performance is the heart of the entire movie.
The wonderful hangdog quality and every man charm he brings to the character add immeasurably to the emotional effectiveness of the film. It's one of his very best performances...and he has given A LOT of great performances.
Overall, this is a true nail biter, a thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat and also make you think.
The 1970s: What an Era
"The China Syndrome" is also a sterling example of why the 1970's was the best decade for film ever.
This movie came out at the tail-end of that grand decade, becoming a lovely bookend for thrillers like "The French Connection," "The Conversation," and "Three Days of the Condor."
Now, real life events surrounding the release of this movie are just as compelling as the film itself.
"The China Syndrome" was released on March 16th, 1979, with solid reviews, but little fanfare, and very slow box office.
Then, on March 28th (less than two weeks after the film's release), a REAL nuclear power plant incident occurred at the Three Mile Island Power Plant in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
The reactor malfunction released radioactive gases and radioactive iodine into the environment, making it the worst accident at a U.S. commercial nuclear power plant in history.
The accident resulted in heightened safety concerns among the public, hundreds of protests around the country, and many new regulations for the nuclear industry. It also scared the hell out of everyone.
And...."The China Syndrome" became a huge hit. Fate intervened and saved Columbia Pictures from having a box office disaster.
Nick's Pix!
I am honored to partner with the wonderful people at Classic Cinemas to host "The China Syndrome" as part of my monthly 'Nick's Pix" series.
At each event, we hang out beforehand and then I introduce each film. Afterwards, I share more about the movie, do some trivia, and giveaway some cool prizes.
These get-togethers are a blast and a terrific way to meet each other, and watch a great movie on the big screen!
So, come out and see this amazing thriller on the big screen (it is rarely seen in movie theaters)!
I'll share more details about this wild true story and many more little known facts about this outstanding film.
See you all on Wednesday, August 14th at 7pm, at the Lake Theater in Oak Park!
Thanks, and please SUBSCRIBE to my weekly NEWSLETTER. Consider also joining me on Patreon as a paid subscriber to help keep this thing going. Thanks again!
