Predicting the weather might not seem like a life-altering endeavor, but “Pressure” makes a case for its importance.
In the World War II drama, Gen. Dwight Eisenhower is eager to choose a day to invade Normandy, but he is concerned what a storm might do to his mobilization. He calls in a Scottish meteorologist, James Stagg (Andrew Scott), and tasks him with determining the best course of action.
Brendan Fraser, left, and Andrew Scott in the World War II movie "Pressure."
Naturally, an American, Irving Krick (Chris Messina), is bent out of shape. He thinks he’s Eisenhower’s expert but doesn’t get the nod. The two have totally different ideas: Krick thinks the weather will be fine on June 5. Stagg says a storm is brewing.
To make the drama resonate, director Anthony Maras does a little scene-setting. Krick relies on past calls; Stagg is more scientific.
In play, the two are particularly good. Scott is staid and unyielding; Messina is loose and arrogant.
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Andrew Scott plays meteorologist James Stagg in "Pressure."
Only Brendan Fraser — as Eisenhower — is questionable. He’s not the force we remember from history books; he’s a man trying to determine who’s best. If he makes the wrong call, the war could be lost, thousands could die.
Amplifying this seemingly minor angle is what makes “Pressure” worth watching. Decisions made at all levels affected world affairs. Coming together to work as one is what gave the Allied Forces the edge.
Brendan Fraser plays Gen. Dwight Eisenhower in "Pressure."
Based on a 2014 play, the film struggles to open up (the battle scenes are brief; the arguments are not), but it has enough tension to make something historic seem fresh and interesting.
When Allied leaders meet around a table, it’s interesting to see the dynamics that come into play. Here, Fraser’s Eisenhower exerts power and becomes the man we remember. “Pressure” is best in a chapel when the heft of the decision becomes evident.
Scott owns the film — and deserves to get more forceful roles. When he stands firm, “Pressure” reminds us of a day when the best and the brightest made decisions and we didn’t have to worry about their motives.
