Flight Plan, the new action thriller with Jodie Foster as the Mother in desperate search of her missing 6 year old daughter, Julia, is all that I anticipated it to be. The trailers to the movie set the viewer up to preface the direction and outcome of the movie and what is to come is the result of tricks of the viewers mind.
The story begins with the death of David Pratt, Foster’s husband. He is shown in his casket, his death the result of a mysterious accident falling from a building. Foster and her daughter are in Berlin and board the brand new state of the art airplane in Berlin en route to Long Island to accompany the casket for burial. After Foster falls asleep, her daughter disappears. This is as much of the plot that can be revealed without ruining the ride that is to come.
Upon later reflection, the movie has several plot holes that are not apparent as the story unfolds. For instance, why is she on this particular flight? Why is she not seated in first class? One clue to this plot is that she is one of the engineers that designed the engines but no one on board, the crew, the Air Marshall seem to know that she is flying on the very airplane that she designed. Is this a plot flaw or key to the plot? Is this the one question that would have solved the mystery of Foster’s daughter’s disappearance?
Foster’s fear as the story unravels is grave. She does an outstanding job of showing the panic and fear from the loss of her husband to the disappearance of her daughter. Is she in fact crazy, bereaved with the loss of her husband? The passengers and crew certainly think so. Again, very important to the plot. She shows her emotions so well that I was teary eyed and chilled just watching her, somehow knowing exactly her dispair. Even vulnerable, she equally shows strength with her resolve to find her daughter who she maintains is on the flight.
This movie is set up to trick the participants, both in the movie and those who are viewing the movie, invoking great Panic, Conspiracy, Loss, Doubt, Fear and guilt... In one scene where Foster is searching for her daughter, she confronts two passengers of Arab decent. Yes, we all questioned whether this was, in fact, a circumstance for which they were certainly involved. Were they? Even posing the possibility prompted guilt for those watching the film.
The special effects were outstanding. In particular, the landing of the great aircraft landing in New Founland with a side camera shot. Yes, there are other great effects but these you will have to see yourself (to indulge you now would spoil the plot). Also noteworthy is the performance of Sean Bean as the pilot. He was good in his role, but underplayed in my opinion, particularly because he is such a good actor.
After seeing this movie, I was riddled with many questions, all revolving around the plot and the perceived holes therein. If you have your own ideas about the movie and what the outcome will be: Was the daughter even a passenger? Is Foster crazy? Is there a conspiracy? will help to heighten your altitude to what tricks lay ahead...
I hope that once you have had a chance to experience this film, you will leave a comment. This is one movie that warrants more discussion afterward and I truly look forward to hearing from you!