The China Syndrome. This 1979 movie was released on the heels of the Three Mile Island disaster in central Pennsylvania, almost as a pseudo-drama-mentary. The story of a close call nuclear disaster at a fictional California nuclear power plant and the ensuing attempted cover-up. I have seen bits and pieces of this, but never in its entirety. One part cereal packet science lesson, and two parts conspiracy theory, this unlikely pairing blends into one tense thriller. Made during the end of the 70's "Disaster Craze" The China Syndrome is a much more subdued, personal disaster movie, due largely to the fact that the powers-that-be tried desperately to cover up the mess, and the public never found out. The name of the movie refers to the phenomenon that would occur in the event of a catastrophic, overall meltdown. When that happened, the technicians would say "the core will drop through the Earth and come out in China" and voila, the nickname for a meltdown was born. This is an edge-of-your-seat drama. A reporter's odyssey through a once in a lifetime story, and the effect that this particular story has on world events.
I do understand that certain people are not "Fonda" Jane, but all politics aside, she is great in this. A "fluff" reporter who stumbles into this story, she does a wonderful job showing the shock and awe (sorry, but in this case the term applies literally) of someone thrown into the middle of a potential disaster. A young Michael Douglas portrays her "liberal left" cameraman/director, and again, has a marvelous performance. Jack Lemmon absoulely steals every scene that he is in. Hands down my favorite performance next to Glengarry Glen Ross. Amazing enough for an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor, A BAFTA (British Oscars) and Cannes Film Festival winner for the same category. Just....wow.
If you are a fan of conspiracy films, Jack Lemmon, or just well crafted films, see this movie. Do not let a 40+ year grudge against a young, naive (read:stupid) actress keep you from one of the best disaster/conspiracy films ever made. Given the situation in Japan, also, once again, a relevant film. 9/10.
See you tomorrow, and GO WATCH A MOVIE!!
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