The Brink of War
- 9 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Yes, it can be occasionally clunky, but as a history lesson on the cold war and a moment in time that changed history in dramatic fashion, THE BRINK OF WAR is packed with great acting by its trio of leads.
Set in October 1986, the world's two nuclear superpowers, the USA and USSR are in a dangerous period of escalation that teeters on war.
USA President Ronald Reagan (Jeff Daniels) and Soviet Leader Mikhail Gorbachev (Jared Harris) agree to meet in Iceland in a very remote, secure location.
At Reagan's side is George Schultz, Secretary of State (JK Simmons) who serves as a guiding hand and sounding board for the President.
Daniels (The Purple Rose of Cairo) takes an interesting approach playing Reagan. He avoids a full-on impression of the President, relying more on some subtle voice mannerisms and makeup to play him. But for those of us that remember these actual events, he truly evokes the power, charm and stubborn traits of Reagan. It's a fascinating take when you comp it to Dennis Quaid's strong impact and more direct embodiment in 2024's "Reagan".
The reliably excellent Jared Harris (Chernobyl) looks very much like Gorbachev and brings a presence of strength and cooperation to the meetings as a once-in-a-lifetime Soviet leader much more ready for change than the hardliners in charge back home. As Harris ages, he exudes the same kind of screen presence and power that his father, Richard Harris did for many years.
Rounding out the trio is JK Simmons as Schultz. He's caught in the middle of Reagan's stubborn approach and the formality of the global meeting, but begins to realize that what happens on this tiny, freezing little spot on the globe could change the future of the planet.
Watching Daniels, Harris and Simmons spar is an absolute blast. It feels almost like a Broadway play with a trio of powerhouses sparring across history.
However, when the film diverts its attention away from the events at the actual summit, it slows to a crawl, mired in unnecessary distractions that bog down the already deliberate pace.
While both Nancy Reagan and Raisa Gorbachev are well portrayed, by Hope Davis and Branka Katic respectively, you could eliminate every scene they're in and the film would not suffer.
Some of the other "American team vs Soviet team" arguing in the basement and their "drawing lines on the floor to mark their territory" shtick also feels like it's leaked in from a lesser film. The payoff never quite lands on anything around the supporting, lesser storylines, including repeated diversions to two reporters covering the summit.
BUT, anytime our three main characters were on screen, I was captivated and wrapped up in the history being portrayed. The Reagan/Gorbachev showdowns are amazing and perfectly rendered.
A majority of the movie was filmed at Höfði House in Reykjavik, Iceland, which is the actual site of the Reykjavik Summit. It's a smart choice and gives the film an air of both commitment and authenticity.
Writer and Director Michael Russell Gunn spent years working researching his film. He interviewed former United States Secretary of State Schultz at Stanford University in Palo Alto, California before Schultz's passing in 2021. Gunn also received and reviewed newly declassified transcripts from the Reykjavik Summit.
Other than an over reliance on scenes of the Icelandic scenery to bridge scenes, Gunn stages the dialogue-heavy film well, keeping you visually engaged in the stagnant setting.
If you love historical dramas and reenactments of pivotal moments, there is a lot to like hear. It could have greatly benefited from some of the cuts mentioned above to streamline the story and provide more focus on its key figures, but it's still a fine, educational film.
I learned a lot and enjoyed being in the presence of Daniels, Harris and Simmons.
THE BRINK OF WAR craftily negotiates a B-, thanks to it's powerful leads.
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