In the 1990s, classic disaster films experienced a highly successful revival after the genre boomed in the 1970s. With ‘Twister’, ‘Deep Impact’, ‘Armageddon – The Last Judgment’, ‘Daylight’ and ‘Volcano’, the decade again produced many box office successes. A blockbuster is often forgotten in this series, but can easily compete with the films mentioned: “Dante’s Peakfrom 1997.
The disaster film directed by Roger Donaldson (“Thirteen Days”) and starring Pierce Brosnan (“The Ghost Writer”) and Linda Hamilton (“Terminator 2 – Judgment Day”) is all about a devastating volcanic eruption. Haven’t you seen the exciting film yet? Then you can watch it today, December 7, at 10:50 PM on Vox. Is the broadcast date too late for you? Then you can easily switch to the Blu-ray, which is currently available on Amazon for a small price:
That’s what “Dante’s Peak” is about
The residents of the quiet town of Casacade Mountains in the northwestern United States live in constant danger as the local volcano Dante’s Peak could erupt at any moment. After two tourists die painfully in the hot mountain springs, volcanologist Harry Dalton (Pierce Brosnan) arrives to investigate whether an eruption may be imminent.
Although the readings are troubling, Dalton’s boss, Dr. Paul Dreyfuss (Charles Hallahan) tells him to sound the alarm: hasty panic-mongering could ruin the city’s tourism industry. However, Dalton still turns to Mayor Rachel Wando (Linda Hamilton) to tell her about his concerns. While they hold a press conference together to inform the citizens of the impending dangers, the volcano erupts and threatens to bury the town under a rain of ash.
A moving highlight from the 90s
Armed with a budget of a whopping $115 million (equivalent to almost $300 million today), Roger Donaldson was able to take full advantage of his desire for destruction. It’s no surprise that the action-packed catastrophe moments really pack a punch.
When the gigantic ash cloud thunders towards the city or the glowing lava rain descends on the fleeing residents, “Dante’s Peak” unleashes beautiful spectacles that have lost none of their impact to this day.
It is precisely this aspect that ultimately lingers in the memory of “Dante’s Peak”. But not just because there are great photos here, but because Roger Donaldson has mastered the art of grounding the disaster with emotions. “Dante’s Peak” is one of those disaster films where the fear, suffering and disorientation of the people are an important part of the impact of the images rather than delivering a soulless battle of effects.
And for this, the director of “Dante’s Peak” has assembled an impressive cast: Pierce Brosnan and Linda Hamilton are great in the leading roles and effortlessly understand how to get the audience’s sympathy on their side. The chemistry between the two protagonists is also crucial to the aforementioned point that there is a certain emotional world behind the spectacular images. You simply buy the fight for survival of both, which of course turns out to be all the more exciting.