We have Powers Booth playing Powers Booth, this time as a Superfortress Pilot. Strangely, his persona works here. Fast-paced, dramatic, and tension-filled, for sure. But that's not enough to save the confusing and distorted story. First of all, the attempt to set-up sexual tension between Booth and De Mornay ends up in Death Valley at 1:00 am - dry and cold. But, that's turns out to be a minor fault. Anyone trying to pay attention to geography, location, who's where, and who's been bombed, will be quickly confused. You cannot immerse the audience into the confusion and chaos of the story line. It just doesn't work. As for the story line, itself, there's is no clear explanation for how the Secretary of Interior becomes President, and how he gains control of our entire nuclear arsenal in a moment of crisis. Kudos to Rip Torn and Landau, and loved Jones' anger ("Will someone give me a cigarette? A REAL cigarette!"). Other potential contributions are misused, most notable McNichol who becomes a wasted fly on the wall. All in all, the direction and loose script make for a disappointing film, which could have been oh so much better.
Review of By Dawn's Early Light
