Television Review: Fail Safe (2000)

At the end of 20th Century broadcast television in USA began to lose its dominance and give way to emerging world of cable television. This could be partly explained by too much adherence to formula and unwillingness to rock the boat with experimentation. As a result, television films or series that could be characterised as “events” became quite rare. One of such rare occurrences was airing of Fail Safe, 2000 television play directed by Stephen Frears.

The film is based on the 1962 novel by Eugene Burdick and Harvey Wheeler, adapted in 1964 by Sidney Lumet into eponymous feature film. The new version is set in mid 1960s, during the Cold War. Squadron of US strategic bombers commanded by Colonel Jack Grady (played by George Clooney) is patrolling the airspace between USA and Soviet Union. Routine mission gets a sinister turn when Grady receives order to advance towards “fail safe” position and start nuclear attack on Moscow. The order was sent due to error in electronic equipment, but General Bogan (played by Brian Dennehy), Grady’s superior, discovers that he is unable to send order to Grady to cancel his mission and that the world is increasingly likely to be destroyed in thermonuclear war. President of United States (played by Richard Dreyfuss) is informed about the situation and he reacts by calling Soviet prime minister and trying to talk him from launching their own nuclear attack in retaliation. While his diplomatic efforts appear to work, attempts to call off or even shoot down Grady’s bombers fail, making nuclear incineration of Moscow all but certain. That leaves President with drastic and extremely grim option to save mankind from self-destruction.

2000 version of Fail Safe, aired by CBS netowrk, is both experimental and the recreation of television past. The play began with brief introduction by legendary CBS news anchor Walter Cronkite who explains that the play the audience would see is being aired live, just like those plays have been aired on broadcast television in 1950s and early 1960s. Just like the plays from such periods, they are aired in black-and-white instead of colour. And this works very well in the context of the film. Grainy textures, limited sets and live studio atmosphere of so-called “First Golden Age of Television”, together with the use of black-and-white amplifies the Cold War aesthetic, emphasizing the stark moral dilemmas and anxieties of the era.

On the other hand, this experiment might alienate modern viewers accustomed to larger budgets and colour in films with such themes. The camerawork also feels restrained, the sets minimal, and the acting style deliberate and theatrical. Yet, within these constraints, the tension builds masterfully. The ticking clock of a nuclear Armageddon becomes palpable, drawing us into the desperate attempts of President and General Bogan to avert disaster. New Fail Safe doesn’t look that much different from the old Fail Safe, which isn’t that surprising, because Lumet had learned his trade working exactly on television plays Stephen Frears has recreated in his work.

Frears had very good cast at his disposal, with actors enthusiastically trying to compensate lack of razzmatazz with their strong performances. Richard Dreyfuss embodies the desperate hope and moral burden of the President, his voice cracking with the weight of impending catastrophe, while Brian Dennehy portrays the resolute, conflicted General with nuance, showcasing the human cost of military orders. Noah Wyle is also good as President’s interpreter, just like comedian Hank Azaria plays Strangelovian character of Professor Goeteschele. It is George Clooney who delivers the least convincing performance, although it could be attributed to overmelodramatic script.

Just like Lumet’s original version, Frears’ television play serves as a stark warning. Unlike 1964 film, which was made shortly after Cuban Missile Crisis, Frears’ work was aired in halcyon days of post-Cold War order and it was viewed as nothing more than glimpse into the past. But today we know that it was also a glimpse into the future, because the world today, with increasing tensions and nuclear brinksmanship is more likely to experience incidents like those depicted in Fail Safe. Although disturbing, this television play serves its purpose by reminding us of devastating consequences of nuclear war, fragility of peace and what human error, miscommunication and blind obedience to authority could lead to.

RATING: 7/10 (+++)

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