Fate Is the Hunter

Fate Is the Hunter is a 1964 black and white American drama film. At its core, it is a mystery, suspense, and aviation film, exploring the disquieting circumstances and puzzling aftermath of a commercial airliner's unexplainable and disastrous crash. Directed by Hollywood veteran Ralph Nelson, known for his keen eye for detail and realistic storytelling, this film features a star-studded cast including Glenn Ford, Nancy Kwan, and Rod Taylor.

The film revolves around an air crash investigation led by Sam C. McBane (Glenn Ford), an aircraft safety investigator determined to uncover the truth behind the catastrophic plane crash that claimed the lives of all but one of the onboard passengers. Meticulous and determined, McBane remains convinced that something other than human error or mechanical failure is to blame. Furthermore, McBane feels personally driven to resolve the mystery, having been a close friend to the pilot, Jack Savage (Rod Taylor), whom he cannot believe would be responsible for such a disaster as has been alleged.

The narrative delves into a profound and intricate examination of destiny, chance, and human error, which are all thematically tied together by the film's title, "Fate Is the Hunter". As McBane delves deeper into the case, the storyline peels back the layers, presenting clues, examining evidence, and introducing characters that gradually piece together the inexplicable chain of events leading up to the tragedy.

In the role of McBane, Glenn Ford delivers a remarkable performance, bringing depth to his character's mission, grounded by his stubborn belief in his friend's innocence and his relentless pursuit of truth. Nancy Kwan also establishes a strong presence in the movie, playing a flight attendant who is the sole survivor of the crash, with a memory blocked by the trauma of the event. Her performance is heartfelt, adding an emotional dimension to the film.

Meanwhile, Rod Taylor's depiction of the experienced and competent pilot, Jack Savage, also adds depth and intrigue to the plot. Through a series of flashbacks, the audience is given insights into the man behind the controls, thereby deepening the mystery surrounding his part in the calamitous flight.

Fate Is the Hunter's suspense is amplified by the cinematography of Milton Krasner, who managed to create a suspenseful and mysterious atmosphere through shadowy visuals and sharp angles. Krasner's use of black and white injects a neo-noir aesthetic into the film, amplifying its tension. This is harmoniously accompanied by an Oscar-nominated musical score composed by Jerry Goldsmith, who ties the elements of suspense, mystery, and drama together compellingly, heightening the emotional stakes and intensifying the narrative arc.

The film's script, written by Harold Medford, is based on the bestselling 1961 memoir by aviation writer Ernest K. Gann. However, it's important to note that aside from the title and the aviation background of the primary characters, the film's story is entirely fictional and unrelated to any of the real-life aviation incidents documented in Gann's book.

While the film primarily deals with suspense and investigative intrigue, it also artfully explores enduring themes of friendship, loyalty, survival, and the human capacity to withstand adversity. Each character in the film presents a unique perspective on the limitations of human control in the face of what's deemed as fate or chance, adding layers of philosophical undertones to the narrative.

In essence, Fate Is the Hunter stands as a classic cinematic piece of the 1960s, offering more than just a diverting mystery. Its multi-faceted portrayal of complex characters, a captivating plot filled with suspense, and thoughtful exploration of life's great uncertainties make this film a must-see.