Skyjacked

Skyjacked is a thrilling 1972 film that vividly blends suspense, action, and drama into a masterpiece that vividly captures an era when air travel was still considered a novelty, and the term "aircraft hijack" was beginning to haunt the industry. Directed by John Guillermin and produced by Walter Seltzer, Skyjacked is based on the gripping novel 'Hijacked' by David Harper. The movie boasts an all-star cast led by the vigorous Charlton Heston, the versatile James Brolin, and the elegant Yvette Mimieux, who all deliver outstanding performances in a high-stakes drama that unfolds thousands of feet in the air.

The story spins around an ordinary transcontinental flight that escalates into a nightmare of terror and suspense when it gets hijacked. Charlton Heston plays the role of the stoic and audacious Captain Henry 'Hank' O'Hara, whose skill and courage are put to the ultimate test. Heston, renowned for his roles in grandiose productions like Ben-Hur and Planet of the Apes, brings his commanding screen presence and indomitable charm, effectively keeping the audience on their toes throughout the film's tense moments.

James Brolin, with his boyish good looks and palpable screen charisma, portrays Sergeant Jerome K. Weber, a Vietnam War veteran who finds himself in an explosive situation forcing him to face demons from his past. His complicated character brings in raw emotional depth and fascinating psychological complexity to the story. Brolin's nuanced performance makes Sergeant Weber's transformation and internal conflicts in the crisis, credible and compelling.

Yvette Mimieux, best known for her performances in The Time Machine and Where the Boys Are, never fails to bring grace and sophistication to her roles. In Skyjacked, Mimieux portrays the role of Angela Thacher, an elegant and vulnerable passenger on board and an integral part of the star-studded ensemble. Her portrayal of Thacher's personal journey and her interactions with the other characters adds an interesting human drama element to the cinematic suspense thriller.

The plot of Skyjacked carefully navigates through the treacherous territory of a hostage situation unfolding in an airplane cruising at an altitude of 35,000 feet. The screenplay unfurls with a deliberate pace that matches the tension onboard the aircraft, pulling the audience deeper into the throes of suspense. The interplay of characters, their internal conflicts and evolving personal relationships, further heighten the scenario's dramatic intensity, making the audience root for them as they grapple with a life-and-death situation.

The exceptional directing prowess of John Guillermin, renowned for his work in The Towering Inferno, can be observed in Skyjacked's tight, focused narrative - each scene meticulously staged to extract maximum suspense and tension. The film's visual storytelling is bolstered by strong cinematography, notable for its detailed close-ups that give a claustrophobic feel - enhancing the sense of being trapped in an airplane with the hijacker.

The movie also manages to provide insightful commentary on the post-Vietnam war sentiment prevalent in the early 1970s, the nascent airline industry's vulnerabilities, and the socio-political climate of the time. Skyjacked can, therefore, be considered both an entertaining suspense thriller and an intriguing historical snapshot of that era.

The sharp editing, atmospheric sound design, and the riveting music score by Perry Botkin Jr. together augment the movie's mood, making the viewing experience visceral and immersive. The plot twists and turns, keeping audiences guessing till the end, making Skyjacked a commendable entry in the Hijack sub-genre of suspense thrillers.

Whether you're a fan of airborne disaster films, someone looking to explore classic 70s cinema, or simply in the mood for an edge-of-your-seat thriller, Skyjacked is a great choice that is bound to keep you entertained, engaged, and rooted for its entire runtime.