Command and Control (Movie)

2 Min Read
Title — Command and Control
Available on — PBS, Amazon Prime Video
Production Country — United States
Release Date — 2017
Chronicling a 1980 Titan II missile accident, this sobering documentary weighs the balance of power and safety involving weapons of mass destruction.

🪶 Story & Synopsis

In the documentary film “Command and Control” directed by Robert Kenner, viewers are taken back to the tense atmosphere of the Cold War era as the film explores a harrowing incident that occurred at a nuclear site in Damascus, Arkansas in 1980. The film is based on Eric Schlosser’s non-fiction book of the same name, which delves into the history of nuclear weapons and defense systems, shedding light on the risks and potential consequences associated with handling such powerful weapons.

The narrative unfolds to reveal how a fatal explosion at a Titan II missile complex in Damascus, Arkansas, brought the world to the brink of disaster. Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, the film exposes the alarming truth about the management of America’s nuclear arsenal and the grave implications of human error in such high-stakes situations. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the fine line between protection and destruction when it comes to nuclear weaponry.

Robert Kenner, known for his impactful documentary “Food, Inc.,” skillfully brings to light the hidden story of the Damascus accident, offering a gripping account of the events that unfolded and the individuals involved. The film resonates with audiences by capturing the palpable fear and uncertainty that permeated the Cold War era, emphasizing the fragile balance between peace and peril in a world armed with nuclear capabilities.

🧑 Cast & Crew

Actor Role
Michael Bideller
Andreas Birnbaum
Tom Brokaw
Robin Brosch
Harold Brown

💬 Reviews and feedback

Picture this: A high-stakes thriller where the fate of the world rests on the edge of a missile silo, not in the hands of secret agents or superheroes, but in the grip of human error. Welcome to the heart-pounding documentary, Command and Control, a film that delves into the chilling true story of an accident at a nuclear site during the Cold War.

Directed by Robert Kenner, this documentary takes us back to September 1980, when a seemingly minor incident at a Titan II missile silo in Arkansas snowballed into a crisis with catastrophic potential. The film unravels the tense chain of events that led to this terrifying moment and sheds light on the frantic efforts made to prevent a disaster of unimaginable proportions — an explosion that could have unleashed a warhead 600 times more powerful than the bomb dropped on Hiroshima.

Themes and Tone

The overarching theme of Command and Control is one of human fallibility in the face of immense power. It explores how a simple mistake can escalate into a nightmare scenario with global implications. The tone is gripping and suspenseful, drawing viewers into the heart of a high-pressure situation where every decision carries life-and-death consequences.

Acting and Characters

While Command and Control is a documentary, it doesn’t feature traditional acting per se. Instead, it relies on real-life accounts from individuals who were involved in or affected by the events at the missile silo. These firsthand testimonies bring an authenticity to the narrative, making it all the more compelling.

Direction

Robert Kenner’s direction in Command and Control is masterful. He skillfully weaves together interviews, archival footage, and dramatic reenactments to create a riveting narrative that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. Kenner’s ability to build tension throughout the film culminates in a gripping climax that leaves a lasting impact.

Cinematography and Production Design

The cinematography in Command and Control is both visually striking and informative. Through carefully composed shots and dynamic camera work, the film captures both the scale of the missile silo complex and the intensity of the unfolding crisis. The production design effectively recreates key moments from 1980, immersing viewers in a bygone era fraught with tension.

Special Effects

Command and Control relies more on archival footage and realistic reenactments than flashy special effects. However, it’s precisely this grounded approach that lends credibility to the storytelling. The documentary’s emphasis on authenticity over spectacle serves to underscore the gravity of the events it portrays.

Editting & Pace

The editing in Command and Control is sharp and precise, maintaining a brisk pace that never lets up. The seamless transitions between different narrative threads keep viewers engaged while building towards a climactic resolution. This tight editting enhances the film’s tension, mirroring the urgency felt by those involved in averting disaster.

Dialouge & Score

The dialogue in Command and Control is impactful, conveying both technical information about nuclear weapons procedures and heartfelt emotions from those directly affected by the crisis. The score complements these dialogues beautifully, heightening suspense during critical moments while underscoring emotional beats with subtlety.

Binge-watching Tips:

  • To fully appreciate , immerse yourself in its world by watching it in one sitting. The continuous buildup of tension will keep you hooked until its nail-biting conclusion!
  • If you’re intrigued by documentaries that explore historical events with real-world consequences,

In conclusion,

“”, receive/10!“”.””. “/10! “.”-Roger Ebert”..”

Pros Cons
Reveals unlikely chain of events Some viewers may find it boring
Highlights efforts to prevent a nuclear explosion May not appeal to fans of action-packed thrillers
Provides harrowing details of a nuclear accident Documentary style may not suit all audiences
Examines human error in a critical situation Not a light-hearted or entertaining film
Raises awareness about the dangers of nuclear weapons Focuses on a specific historical event

Feedback

  • Command and Control (film) - Wikipedia

    • April 17, 2016

    Running time

    92 minutes Country United States Language English

    Command and Controlis a 2016 American documentary film directed by Robert Kenner and based on the 2013 non-fiction book of the same name by Eric Schlosser. It was released initially in the United States at the Tribeca Film Festival and then in the United Kingdom at the Sheffield Doc/Fest on June 11, 2016. It is based on the 1980 Damascus Titan missile explosion in Damascus, Arkansas between September 18–19, 1980. The film aired on the PBS network series

  • Command and Control (2016) - IMDb

    • dromasca
    • Nov 19, 2016
    • How long is Command and Control?Powered by Alexa

    Details

    • Release date
    • Country of origin
    • Official sites
    • Language
    • Also known as
      • Управление и контроль
    • Filming locations
      • Damascus, Arkansas, USA(shots of current state of silo site)
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    • Gross US & Canada
      • $57,635
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $5,385
      • Sep 18, 2016
    • Gross worldwide
      • $57,635
    • Runtime1 hour 32 minutes
    • Color

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  • Command and Control | American Experience | PBS

    Music ByMark AdlerEdited ByKim Roberts, A.C.E.Directors of PhotographyPaul Goldsmith, A.S.C.Jay RedmondProduced ByRobert KennerMelissa RobledoEric SchlosserBased on Command and ControlBy Eric SchlosserStory ByBrian Pearle and Kim RobertsScreenplay ByRobert Kenner & Eric SchlosserDirected ByRobert KennerMotion Graphics ByMindbomb FilmsAdditional PhotographyHelivideo ProductionsRyan LoefflerAssistant EditorsJon BolerjackRyan LoefflerMusic SupervisorBruce GilbertSound RecordistsTaki OldhamMelissa RobledoCo-ProducerBrian PearleProduction ManagerLiz SheaArt DirectorWilliam Stewart

⚠️ Explanation (Spoiler)

In the documentary “Command and Control,” directed by Robert Kenner, viewers are taken on a gripping journey back to a chilling incident that occurred at a Titan II missile complex in Damascus, Arkansas in 1980. This eye-opening film, based on Eric Schlosser’s book, delves into the management of America’s nuclear arsenal and the catastrophic consequences that can unfold when the very weapons meant to protect us turn into threats capable of our destruction.

The story unfolds with minute-by-minute accounts from Air Force personnel, weapon designers, and first responders who found themselves at the heart of the crisis that fateful night. The documentary meticulously reconstructs the unlikely chain of events that led to the accident and the frantic race against time to avert a disaster involving a ballistic missile carrying the most potent nuclear warhead ever created by the United States – a warhead with a destructive power 600 times greater than the bomb dropped on Hiroshima.

Set against the backdrop of the Damascus incident is a riveting historical narrative tracing America’s nuclear weapons program from World War II through the Cold War, drawing extensively from recently declassified documents. “Command and Control” serves as a cautionary tale, shedding light on freak accidents, close calls, human error, and extraordinary acts of heroism. It compels viewers to confront the enduring dilemma that has plagued the U.S. since the dawn of the nuclear age: How can we manage weapons of mass destruction without succumbing to their potential for annihilation?

The film’s meticulous attention to detail and the firsthand testimonies of those involved in the Damascus incident provide a visceral and thought-provoking exploration of the high-stakes world of nuclear weapons. It underscores the delicate balance between technological prowess and the inherent risks posed by these formidable instruments of power.

Through expert storytelling and a blend of historical context and real-life narratives, “Command and Control” offers a sobering reflection on the perils of nuclear weapons and the imperative for responsible stewardship in an age where the consequences of a single misstep could be catastrophic.

👪 Parents Guide & Age Rating

TV-PG

Age Rating and Parental Guide:

Age Rating:

Command and Control is a documentary film that deals with the 1980 Damascus Titan missile explosion in Arkansas. Due to its intense subject matter and historical footage, this movie is recommended for viewers aged 13 and above.

Parental Guide:

Sex & Nudity:

The film contains no sexual content or nudity.

Violence & Gore:

There are intense scenes of explosions and the aftermath of a missile accident. Real-life footage of the incident may be distressing for some viewers.

Profanity:

Minimal profanity is used in the documentary.

Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking:

No depictions of alcohol, drugs, or smoking are present in the film.

Frightening & Intense Scenes:

The film includes real-life footage of a missile explosion and its consequences. This may be intense and emotional for some viewers.

Parents should be aware that Command and Control is a thought-provoking documentary that sheds light on a critical event in history, but it may not be suitable for younger audiences due to its intense themes and visuals.

📺 Streaming and where to watch

streaming service extra information
PBS You can watch Command and Control on the PBS website.
Amazon Prime Video You can watch Command and Control on Amazon Prime Video.

❝ Quotes and Cult

  • If you believe and have prepared your followers, the followers will believe.
    Colin Powell
  • Instead of command and control, managing the creative process is about facilitating and permitting.
    John Kao

🤖Command and Control Reddit Talks

Command and Control is a 2016 American documentary film directed by Robert Kenner about the 1980 Damascus Titan II missile incident, in which a worker accidentally dropped a socket into a missile silo, causing a chain reaction that nearly led to a nuclear explosion.

The film was praised for its gripping storytelling and its insights into the dangers of nuclear weapons. However, it also sparked some controversy, with some critics arguing that it was too one-sided and did not give enough attention to the safety measures that were in place at the time of the incident.

Here are some of the topics that were discussed on Reddit in response to the film:

  • The dangers of nuclear weapons: Many Redditors expressed their concern about the dangers of nuclear weapons, and some argued that the film was a timely reminder of the need for nuclear disarmament.
  • The importance of safety measures: Others argued that the film was too one-sided and did not give enough attention to the safety measures that were in place at the time of the incident. They argued that these measures helped to prevent a nuclear explosion and that they should be credited for their role in keeping us safe.
  • The role of human error: Several Redditors discussed the role of human error in the incident, and some argued that it was a reminder of the need for vigilance and careful attention to detail when working with dangerous materials.
  • The ethics of nuclear weapons: A few Redditors also discussed the ethics of nuclear weapons, and some argued that the film raised important questions about the morality of using such weapons.

Overall, the film sparked a lively and thought-provoking discussion on Reddit about the dangers of nuclear weapons, the importance of safety measures, the role of human error, and the ethics of nuclear weapons.

Top discussions

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What is the movie Command and Control about?

“Command and Control” reveals the unlikely chain of events that caused an accident involving a ballistic missile carrying the most powerful nuclear warhead ever built by the United States. It explores the efforts to prevent the explosion of this warhead, which was 600 times more powerful than the bomb that destroyed Hiroshima.

What is the documentary about the missile silo?

The documentary “Command and Control” directed by Robert Kenner examines how human error led to an explosion at a nuclear site in a Titan II missile silo in Arkansas in 1980. It delves into the implications of this accident and its connection to mutually assured destruction.

What is the summary of Command and Control?

“Command and Control” by Eric Schlosser is a non-fiction book that explores various accidents and unexpected events in the history of nuclear weapons and defense systems. It investigates the risks associated with handling these weapons and the potential consequences of a grave error.

What is the movie about the nuclear accident in Damascus?

The movie “Command and Control” reveals the long-hidden story of a deadly accident at a Titan II missile complex in Damascus, Arkansas in 1980. It exposes the truth about the management of America’s nuclear arsenal and the dangers posed by weapons built for protection.

What does the movie Fail Safe reveal about life during the Cold War era?

The movie “Fail Safe” captures the paranoia of the Cold War era by effectively depicting the pervasive atmosphere of fear and suspicion that characterized that period in history.

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