Fail-Safe (1964) is a tense Cold War thriller that examines the catastrophic consequences of nuclear warfare and the fragile balance of international diplomacy. The film centers on a critical malfunction in the U.S. Air Force’s nuclear command system, which mistakenly sends a squadron of American bombers on a mission to attack the Soviet Union with nuclear weapons.
As the bombers approach their target, the President (Henry Fonda), along with his military and political advisors, must act swiftly to avert total nuclear war, even as the situation spirals out of control. A desperate phone call with the Soviet Premier further complicates matters, exposing the limitations of communication, trust, and human error in a world teetering on the brink of annihilation.
Fail-Safe is a gripping exploration of the terrifying implications of the nuclear arms race, underscoring the delicate nature of global peace and the decisions that could lead to worldwide disaster—a threat that remains almost as urgent today as it was during the Cold War.
The Humanist Cinema of Sidney Lumet
Corruption, racism, moral decline – these were the themes that American director Sidney Lumet explored in his films. Lumet created entertainment in the first place, but never just entertainment. Lumet’s films are thought provoking examinations of modern society. The combination of amusement and social engagement was already evident in Lumet’s feature film debut, 12 Angry Men (1958), an iconic courtroom drama in which a white jury deliberates on the verdict of a Puerto Rican defendant. With classic films like Dog Day Afternoon (1975) and Network (1976), Lumet delivered sharp critiques of the media that have only grown more relevant over time. See these and other films this winter in De Balie!
7 films by Lumet between Dec 27 and January
From 12 Angry Men to Dog Day Afternoon and Network: revisit the greatest films by American master Sidney Lumet in De Balie. Corruption, racism, moral decline – these were the themes that American director Sidney Lumet explored in his films. Lumet created entertainment in the first place, but never just entertainment. Lumet’s films are thought
The Humanist Cinema of Sidney Lumet
The Pawnbroker (1964) is a poignant drama about grief, trauma, and survival, centered on Sol Nazerman (Rod Steiger), a emotionally detached Holocaust survivor who runs a pawnshop.
The Humanist Cinema of Sidney Lumet
Dog Day Afternoon (1975) is a gripping crime drama based on a true bank robbery that quickly spiraled into a chaotic standoff.
