The Aeronauts
In 1862 headstrong scientist James Glaisher and wealthy young widow Amelia Wren mount a balloon expedition to fly higher than anyone in history. As their perilous ascent reduces their chances of survival, the unlikely duo soon discover things about themselves -- and each other -- that help both of them find their place in the world.
Director:
Tom Harper
Cast:
Felicity Jones, Eddie Redmayne, Himesh Patel
Screenplay:
Jack Thorne, Tom Harper
Screening Date:
Nov 23, 2019
Studio:
Amazon Studios, Mandeville Films, One Shoe Films, Popcorn Storm
Running Time:
1h 40m
| Excellent | Very Good | Good | Fair | Poor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13.5% | 21.6% | 40.5% | 13.5% | 10.8% |
“Loved it! A total thrill ride. So beautifully shot and scaled
from one dramatic moment to the next and yay for a female
hero and for not turning it into a love story. Well, at least not
an outright one! Thanks!” Jeanne K
“I never understood adrenaline junkies, even to advance
science. As someone who considers flying coach roughing it I
must admit that the cinematography had me nervous, jumpy
and enthralled. I think the back story was somewhat vague.
What was the missing? Was the planning for this venture
adequate? Why didn’t she wear more practical shoes? Good
story! Excellent acting! Beautiful visual effects! But I don’t
believe that this is totally true. Just an afterthought: The song
at the end was so awful!”
“Learned some science. The characters were not well
developed.”
“Best scene – the dance where he becomes emotional and she
becomes as analytical and observant as Sherlock Holmes.”
“Very stressful to watch. Ms. Rennes and the scientist are
always on the edge of death when in the air. Not only that but
distant balloon shots are without the actors at the movie’s
moment of action.”
“Thanks for promoting science and presenting a story when
people were inspired – not intimidated - by science. In today’s
times it’s sad that we have to repeat that science is based on
facts and facts are facts.”
“Boring!”
“Fun to watch save for some scenes - lack of oxygen, frozen
limbs, etc. Felicity Jones should get an Oscar for her
shenanigans!”
“It’s a child’s movie and only if the child is interested in the
subject.”
“I loved the look of the film as much when the film was on the
ground as much as those (mostly) authentic aerial shots. And
while we’re at it the audio was pretty cool as well. Church bells
at 15,000 feet!”
“Much more fun to watch than THE CURRENT WAR, but even
that’s a little unfair. That was an art film and this is a Saturday
afternoon matinee thriller. I have room for both in my cue.”
“This would make a good afterschool special.”
“I enjoyed this thrill ride, just enough science to make it
interesting, but this ain’t no Science Channel special.”
“Superb performances - I love them both, but honestly they
don’t have a whole lot to do. Still I will definitely suggest it to
others, especially knowing that many of the shots were actually
filmed in a balloon!”
“We haven’t seen a cliffhanger – balloon hanger? – in a while,
and I loved it. A guilty pleasure I grant you but still fun.”
If you'd like to know more about the film...
"How the High Flying World of 'The Aeronauts' Was Brought to Life" Interview with director, Tom Harper and other members of the crew about how they were able to bring this high flying adventure to life. https://www.imdb.com/list/ls025849840/videoplayer/vi1764802329?ref_=nm_hp_395_aero_i_1
Article by inews detailing the true story of James Glaisher in comparison to the film's portrayal. https://inews.co.uk/culture/film/aeronauts-true-story-film-james-glaisher-real-life-pilot-amelia-rennes-921370
Interview by The Hollywood Reporter with director, Tom Harper, Eddie Redmayne, and Felicity Jones. They discuss the production challenges of filming in a hot airballoon and their experience working together again. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKQhz5Ge9-o
