a miracle
On January 15, 2009, New Yorkers witnessed a surreal scene live: the Airbus A320 of US Airways Flight 1549, whose engines sucked wild geese, crashed into the Hudson River. The 150 passengers and five crew will disembark safely… a miracle they owe Chesley Sullenberger, says Sully, a 65-year-old former fighter pilot with a steely mind, who knew how to stay calm even in the event of an incident. The plane crashed into the icy waters of the river. This is the true and extraordinary story that Clint Eastwood decided to adapt for the big screen. The project is ambitious, and Clint knows it all depends on the cast: He needs to find the right actor to play Sullenberger.
a proof
The lucky winner will have to add credibility to the personality of this outstanding pilot, who is a mix of charisma, self-control and humility. Challenge! One actor naturally stands out in Eastwood: Tom Hanks. Hadn’t he already commented on heroes like Jim Lovell? Apollo 13, and Captain Phillips, stories based on true events in the movie of the same name? Eastwood calls Tom Hanks and offers him the role. The proud actor still hesitates: on the set he knows the reputation of the uncompromising, even cruel Clint Eastwood. Moreover, the two artists have never worked together. Despite this reluctance, Tom has an explanation: “The incredible televised footage of these passengers taking refuge on the plane’s wings came to my mind and I accepted.” The challenge was very tempting.
an expert
In order not to disappoint Eastwood, Tom Hanks is prepared in a very professional way. He reads the captain’s autobiography, noting every detail of the accident. He visits Sullenberger at his home near San Francisco. The man, who is impressive with his calmness, greets the player as follows: “I have more than forty years of flight, and I was finally judged 208 seconds of flight 1549. I’ll tell you about them. Later, in the movie, you can do whatever you want with me…” Undeterred, Sully knows that no matter how well done, a fiction’s feelings will never be written down. During this meeting, the two men like each other. Sullenberger offers the actor and Aaron Eckhart (who plays co-pilot Jeff Skiles) to train them in flight simulators and teach them the precise moves and jargon of captains. It’s a solid education that Tom can put to good use after the movie’s release and success. “Now when there is turbulence on the plane, everyone is looking at me. I stutter a few technical signs and people breathe a sigh of relief…”
Sully It will air on Monday, March 6 at 21:10 on France 3.
Jean-Baptiste Drouet
Source: Programme Television
Joseph Fearn is an entertainment and television aficionado who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a keen eye for what’s hot in the world of TV, Joseph keeps his readers informed about the latest trends and must-see shows.
