Air Force One (film)

Air Force One (film)
Name	Air Force One
Director	Wolfgang Petersen
Producer	Gail Katz, Jonathan Shestack, Wolfgang Petersen
Writer	Andrew W. Marlowe
Starring	Harrison Ford, Gary Oldman, Glenn Close, Wendy Crewson, Liesel Matthews, Paul Guilfoyle, Xander Berkeley, William H. Macy, Dean Stockwell
Music	Jerry Goldsmith
Cinematography	Michael Ballhaus
Editing	Richard Francis-Bruce
Studio	Beacon Pictures, Radiant Productions
Distributor	Columbia Pictures
Runtime	124 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English
Budget	$85 million
Gross	$315.2 million

Air Force One (film). A 1997 American political action thriller directed by Wolfgang Petersen and starring Harrison Ford as James Marshall, the President of the United States. The plot centers on the hijacking of the presidential aircraft, Air Force One, by Russian terrorists led by Ivan Korshunov (Gary Oldman), forcing the President to engage in a desperate fight to save his family and country. The film was a major commercial success and received mixed to positive reviews from critics, with particular praise for its tense action sequences and Ford's performance.

Plot

Following a state dinner in Moscow, President James Marshall boards Air Force One with his family and staff, only for the aircraft to be seized by Ivan Korshunov and his team of rogue Russian Special Forces operatives posing as journalists. Korshunov demands the release of the imprisoned fascist General Alexander Radek (Jürgen Prochnow). After most passengers and staff are ejected, Marshall, a decorated veteran of the Vietnam War and recipient of the Medal of Honor, hides aboard and begins a guerrilla campaign against the hijackers. With the help of loyal aides and agents, including Gibbs (Xander Berkeley), he works to thwart the terrorists while the Vice President, Kathryn Bennett (Glenn Close), and the National Security Advisor (Dean Stockwell) manage the crisis from the White House Situation Room. The climax involves a daring mid-air rescue operation by the United States Air Force and a final confrontation over the Atlantic Ocean.

Cast

* Harrison Ford as President James Marshall * Gary Oldman as Ivan Korshunov * Glenn Close as Vice President Kathryn Bennett * Wendy Crewson as First Lady Grace Marshall * Liesel Matthews as First Daughter Alice Marshall * Paul Guilfoyle as Chief of Staff Lloyd Shepherd * Xander Berkeley as Secret Service Agent Gibbs * William H. Macy as Major Norman Caldwell * Dean Stockwell as Defense Secretary Walter Dean * Jürgen Prochnow as General Alexander Radek * Tom Everett as NSA Advisor Jack Doherty * Donna Bullock as Press Secretary Melanie Mitchell

Production

Development began at Columbia Pictures with a script by Andrew W. Marlowe, inspired by the concept of "Die Hard on Air Force One." Director Wolfgang Petersen, known for Das Boot and In the Line of Fire, was hired to helm the project. Principal photography took place primarily at Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City, California, where elaborate sets, including a full-scale replica of the aircraft's interior, were constructed. A retired Boeing 747 was used for exterior shots. The score was composed by the legendary Jerry Goldsmith. The production faced challenges, including script revisions to strengthen the President's character and logistical hurdles in filming complex aerial sequences.

Release

The film premiered in Los Angeles on July 21, 1997, before its wide theatrical release in the United States and Canada on July 25, 1997, by Columbia Pictures. Its marketing campaign heavily emphasized the high-stakes premise and Harrison Ford's star power. It opened at number one at the North American box office, competing directly with Men in Black and Contact. The film was subsequently released internationally throughout the remainder of 1997.

Reception

The film received mixed to positive reviews from critics. Review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes reports a 78% approval rating based on contemporary reviews. Praise focused on the relentless pace, Harrison Ford's compelling portrayal of a heroic president, and the effective villainy of Gary Oldman. Critics from The New York Times and Chicago Sun-Times highlighted its efficient, crowd-pleasing action. However, some, like Roger Ebert, criticized the plot for its implausibility and jingoistic tone. The film was nominated for two Academy Awards for Best Film Editing and Best Sound, and won the MTV Movie Award for Best Action Sequence. Commercially, it was a significant hit, grossing over $315 million worldwide against an $85 million budget.

Legacy

*Air Force One* solidified Harrison Ford's status as a premier action star and became a defining film of the late-1990s action genre. Its iconic line, "Get off my plane!", delivered by Ford, has entered popular culture and is frequently referenced. The film's premise of a besieged leader fighting back directly influenced later action and political thrillers. While not as frequently cited in critical retrospectives as some of Petersen's other work, it remains a staple on cable television and is remembered for its high-concept execution. The film also sparked brief public fascination with the security protocols of the real Air Force One and the United States Secret Service.

Category:1997 films Category:American action thriller films Category:Films directed by Wolfgang Petersen Category:Columbia Pictures films