As someone who is a huge fan of the movie, but is well aware of its flaws, as well as its many great thrills, I want to talk about little-discussed things that both make this movie so enjoyable...as well as detract from it.
First are some of its flaws.
1) Exploding the Water Tanks.
While this was done clearly for dramatic effect (and taken from one of the two novels this movie is based upon), it is completely unrealistic. When told of the plans to blow up these water tanks, the structural engineer tells Steve McQueen that the tanks hold a total of one million gallons of water. This equates to nearly 8 million pounds. No building in the world could handle that much weight (except, maybe on the ground floor, with LOTS of concrete and/or steel to support such a massive load). And why would you need so much water on the top floor?
2) A Chain of Giant Explosions
During the scene where the scenic elevator is thrown of its track, we see several very large explosions, which look like bombs or TNT going off in sequence. During a fire in a high-rise, this wouldn't happen.
3) Breeches Buoy Disaster
When the breeches buoy (in reality it is a Boatswain's Chair, used by the Navy and Coast Guard) collapses, you can see the rope falling from ABOVE the rooftop. Clearly, someone goofed on the effect.
There are many other mistakes in the laws of physics, special effects, etc. throughout the movie. But these are the three that I found most bothersome in terms of reality.
Now, my favorite things that make "TI" my all-time favorite disaster movie.
1) John Williams Masterful Score (A perfect 10)
From the brilliant composer and conductor of the London Symphony Orchestra, who brought us the classic scores from "Star Wars", "Jaws", "Superman", "Raiders of the Lost Ark", etc., we have here perhaps his most underrated film score (which I am listening to as I write this). Right from the get-go, ("Main Title") we get the rousing helicopter flight over the Northern California coastline / hills / San Francisco Bay and City, leading up to the landing on the rooftop of the Glass Tower. Later on, we get the dramatic "First Victims" (the people burned up in the express elevator, and "Trapped Lovers", which highlights the deaths of Dan and Lorrie). From there on, John Williams score gets more thrilling, as Steve McQueen is told of the plans to blow up the water tanks, and calls Paul Newman to tell him about the plans ("Passing the Word").This is followed by the background music that follows Steve McQueen in the helicopter flight to the rooftop, and Paul Newman going up the staircase, past the fire. This great music follows them through planting the explosives and down past the fire, as well as watching the remaining party-goers tying themselves down. As the clock on the detonators counts down, the music builds the suspense until detonation (titled "Planting the Charges").
Then, as the water subsides, we see the survivors wake up and survey the aftermath, with Williams' music (titled "Waking Up") so subtly adding to the conclusion of the life-and-death drama.
"Finale" follows events down in the Plaza (outside the building), where we see some of the survivors, whom get grim news about loved ones. Steve McQueen gazes upon the temporary morgue filled with dead firefighters. Paul Newman looks upon the smoldering remains of the Glass Tower, and tells girlfriend Faye Dunaway that the building should be left as a "monument to all the B.S. in the world". McQueen stops to talk to Newman, telling him about how many people died, and why such tall buildings are "fire traps". As McQueen walks to his car and drives through the maze of fire trucks, John Williams' score comes to a rousing conclusion. This is followed by "An Architect's Dream" / End Credits".
All told, John Williams score does a remarkable job of adding to the film's entertainment value (especially the most dramatic parts). I have to give Willams' a perfect 10 for this.
2) Steve McQueen's "Chief O'Hallorhan" (A perfect 10)
Steve McQueen was originally offered the role of the architect as played by Paul Newman. McQueen thought the role of the Battalion Chief was much more dramatic...and no argument here. He took the role very seriously, and didn't disappoint. He was awesome during the scenic elevator rescue. Watching his response to the plan to blow up the water tanks, and asking his boss "How do I get back down?" (to which his boss gives him a non-verbal reply and look of dread), McQueen retorts "Oh sh-t". Then when he calls Newman to tell him about the plans to blow up the water tanks, Newman asks McQueen "How are they gonna get the explosives up here?", McQueen deadpans "Oh they'll find some dumb son-of-a-bit-h to bring them up". These two scenes alone make the movie worth watching! I have to give McQueen a 10 for his performance.
3) Cinematography, Set Designs & Special Effects (overall a 9 out of 10)
Virtually everything about these three categories was magnificent. Even with some of the special effects gaffs,I have to give credit to the photographic effects, set design and special effects people.
Overall, when you look at the positives and negatives, I feel that, 45 years after its theatrical release (December, 1974), this movie holds up very well from an entertainment and dramatic point of view!
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