The China Syndrome
Dir: James Bridges
1979
*****
James Bridges' thriller, The China Syndrome, is the 70's only really intelligent disaster film that doesn't actually have a disaster in it. In many respects it lead the way for thrillers as we know them today, with perhaps the help of 1974's The Taking of Pelham 123's influence. The science may not add up, although recent history has shown us that there is much the general public isn't aware of regarding Nuclear power and mistakes (disasters) can, have and will happen. This isn't a 70's paranoia film without anything to back it up with either. What the story really does well though is compare the relationship that the media, big business, industries and Government have with one another. The complexities and politics of each is explored intelligently throughout. The end scenario is gripping cinema at its best and something I believe 70's cinema has done better than any other decade. The cast is immaculate; Jane Fonda, Michael Douglas and Wilfred Brimley are all brilliant but it is Jack Lemmon who just about steals the show as Jack Godell, maybe one of his most underrated performances.