Black Sunday

Year: 1977

Grade: B

Country: USA

Director: Frankenheimer

Review

not a sports movie at all, but the end took place during the super bowl so i figured now was as good a time as any to watch this film. it’s probably more applicable a film now than it was when it came out. it’s about palestinian terrorists using a blimp in an attempt to carry out an attack during the superbowl. it’s well-directed and written…it gives us just enough information at each juncture – we’re not lost, but we’re still somewhat in the dark throughout most of the film. through most of the film i was actually rooting for the palestinian woman and her american cohort because the film does a good job of balancing the two sides. the terrorist aren’t completely crazy and the americans/israelis aren’t complete saints. the tension of the film builds pretty well considering how long the film is and that’s testamento to frankenheimer’s direction. cross-cutting and slowly giving the audience information allow the film to carry a good head of steam going into the final 20 minute climax. the acting and score (john williams) are also high points. a fine political thriller.