Airport

Airport is a captivating, dramatic film that falls under the genre of disaster and action-thrillers and beautifully combines elements of suspense, drama, and intricate storytelling. Released in 1970, it is based on the bestselling novel of the same name by Arthur Hailey, which was published in 1968. Directed and co-written by George Seaton, this gritty and suspenseful film, with its robust plot and star-studded cast, marked the inception of the ‘disaster film’ genre, and its success spawned several sequels and countless imitations in the years that followed.

The film unfolds in a bustling Midwestern airport on a snowy winter's night. An ensemble cast, including Burt Lancaster, Dean Martin, Jean Seberg, Jacqueline Bisset, George Kennedy, and Helen Hayes, weaves multiple subplots that churn up the story's pace. Burt Lancaster plays Mel Bakersfeld, the dedicated but harried airport manager who juggles work stress, a failing marriage, and the taxing responsibility to keep the airport running despite relentless snow and a blocked runway.

Airport is not merely a disaster movie. Layer upon layer of personal drama and character development are skillfully woven into the narrative. Dean Martin portrays the role of a proficient yet philandering pilot who finds himself caught in an illicit affair with a beautiful flight attendant portrayed by Jacqueline Bisset. Soon, they both find themselves entangled in a swiftly escalating emergency onboard their Boeing 707 jet airliner.

Meanwhile, at ground level, the movie vividly portrays the chaos and flurry of an operational airport. From the air traffic controllers at work to the maintenance crews on the ground, and the business executives in their offices, vivid portrayals of these entities effectively create an authentic atmosphere of airport life. Helen Hayes received an Academy Award for her performance as a quirky, relentless, and sympathetic stowaway who adeptly exploits the busy conditions in an airport to her advantage.

As the movie unfolds, all of these stories become invested with the main tension of the film. A dangerous plot by one of the passengers on-board the Rome-bound flight threatens to turn their world upside down, testing the characters' resourcefulness, determination, and bravery. The conflict facilitates a meticulous choreography of suspense and anticipation, inflating the pressure till it reaches its compelling climax.

George Kennedy brings levity and charisma to the screen in his role as Joe Patroni, a no-nonsense, tough-talking chief mechanic who plays an indispensable role in the unfolding drama on the ground. His character would be the only one to return in all the 'Airport' sequels, growing in prominence with each film.

Airport masterfully layers character drama and thrilling spectacle, all against a ticking clock. The orchestration of behind-the-scenes operations, robust character development, and a climactic disaster narrative truly paved the way for future disaster films. Alfred Newman's grand, sweeping orchestral score further adds to the film's overall charm and complements the larger-than-life events of the movie.

The movie was a box-office hit and received many awards and nominations. These included ten Academy Award nominations, notably Best Picture, Best Cinematography, and Best Art Direction, with Helen Hayes winning for Best Supporting Actress.

With its memorable performances, high stake scenarios, skillful storytelling, and iconic music, Airport became definitive in its genre. It takes audiences on a tension-filled journey with emotional depth, impactful character arcs, and nail-biting suspense, all set in an operational airport. It's undoubtedly a film that serves as an influential benchmark to the disaster film genre.