Fail Safe (2000)

100% of critics liked it
(5 reviews)
76% of users liked it
(991 ratings)

A seemingly-minor electronic error sets the world on the verge of nuclear annihilation in this made-for-TV adaptation of the novel by Eugene Burdick and Harvey Wheeler (which was previously filmed in 1964). Due to the burn-out of a piece of circuitry, a computer orders a U.S. Air Force jet on a… More A seemingly-minor electronic error sets the world on the verge of nuclear annihilation in this made-for-TV adaptation of the novel by Eugene Burdick and Harvey Wheeler (which was previously filmed in 1964). Due to the burn-out of a piece of circuitry, a computer orders a U.S. Air Force jet on a strategic bombing raid, destroying targets in Russia with nuclear weapons. As Generals Bogan (Brian Dennehy) and Black (Harvey Keitel) desperately search for a way to recall the planes once the mistake has been discovered, the bomber's commander, Col. Grady (George Clooney) sets out on his mission with grim determination, while the President (Richard Dreyfuss) and his translator (Noah Wyle) stay in contact with the Soviet premier, trying to convince him that this was all a terrible mistake. Fail Safe was first presented as a live television broadcast which aired on CBS on April 9, 2000. The supporting cast includes Hank Azaria, Don Cheadle, James Cromwell, and Sam Elliott. Star George Clooney spearheaded the unique project and served as executive producer. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 2 hr.
Directed By: Stephen Frears
Genres: Drama, Action & Adventure, Television, Mystery & Suspense

In Theaters: Apr 9, 2000 Wide
On DVD: Jun 5, 2007

Critic Reviews

Pablo Villaca, Cinema em Cena
Dreyfuss se sai particularmente bem nesta mais do que eficiente versão do material que deu origem ao ótimo filme de Lumet. E o fato de ter sido encenado ao vivo é algo que contribui bastante para o tom de urgência exigido pela narrativa.
Rory L. Aronsky, Film Threat
...it can't be denied by any means the caliber of talent that's spread throughout these 84 minutes.
James O'Ehley, Sci-Fi Movie Page
Probably the most senseless remake since Gus van Sandt's shot-for-shot remake of Hitchcock's classic Psycho.
David Cornelius, DVDTalk.com
This is one of the most notable television projects in recent memory.
John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis
...well acted, exciting, timely, relevant, and agonizing. For fans of live theater, especially, it is a definite treat.
John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis
It's not quite as gripping or suspenseful as the earlier theatrical movie, but with a great cast, it's almost as good.
Christopher Null, Filmcritic.com
It's a fabulous original film and a worthwhile redo -- but it comes about 20 years too late.

Read all 7 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Michael G

For all intents and purposes, a live TV version of Sidney Lumet's classic cold war thriller. A great cast even if some of the casting decisions leave you scratching your head. (Hank Azaria in the Walter Matthau role?) For the most part, the TV version copies the film version… More
For all intents and purposes, a live TV version of Sidney Lumet's classic cold war thriller. A great cast even if some of the casting decisions leave you scratching your head. (Hank Azaria in the Walter Matthau role?) For the most part, the TV version copies the film version verbatim with the exception of George Clooney and Don Cheadle trying to add a little social relevence and a serious dumbing down of Azaria's/Matthau's role. A great companion to the original even if it doesn't quite touch it.