I HAPPENED TO CATCH THE BRAVO PRESENTATION of "Apollo 13" tonight, and have a few observations. First off, my buddy Cap, who is always on the lookout for attention to the period in any film, would have been proud. Along with the hair styles and those horrible 60's horn-rims, there is no shortage of smokers in the film.
The command center at NASA Houston was teaming with smokers, despite the room being filled to capacity with sensitive computer gear. My how far we've come. Nowadays one is forbidden to light up even at a recording studio, which, for those who have spent any time in a recording studio know, is almost impossible.
In one scene, as we look at astronaut Jim Lovell's family and friends wait breathlessly by the television for word on the outcome of re-entry, there is a shot of an ash tray on the coffee table that must be the size of a hubcap. And, it's cigars for everyone at NASA as the crew touches down safely.
Secondly, I like to believe that the portrayal of Gene Kranz by Ed Harris is accurate and, if so, Kranz embodies a spirit and optimism that we should all strive for. "Apollo 13" has one of those "catch your breath" moments in which Kranz turns to two NASA suits discussing the situation as "potentially the worst disaster in NASA history," and exclaims that he believes it will be NASA's "finest hour."
The film portrays Kranz as a hero, which he most certainly was in that period, mostly due to his attitude. Optimism would seem to be a pre-requisite for doing great things, and somewhere in there is a lesson that America's liberals could learn from.
Thirdly, it is noted at one point in the film that both the House of Representatives and the Senate had passed resolutions calling for the American people to pray for the astronauts of Apollo 13. Imagine that. I guess, since there were no modern liberals around at the time to stop them, the U.S. government was allowed to pass this "blatant violation" of church and state.
In 1970, at the time of Apollo 13, the astronauts peril was ours as well, and I would find it hard to believe that American atheists saw congressional call for prayer as forced religion. The resolutions were almost certainly passed with unanimous bipartisan support. If the same resolutions were suggested today, I envision a bitter partisan battle, cries of constitutional violation, and a fabricated theocracy scare. The difference between then and now is a striking illustration of which party has changed since that time.
While cigarettes and horn-rimmed eyeglasses are always a novelty to behold in a period piece such as "Apollo 13," it turns out that the most quaint detail added to the movie was the acceptance of public displays of religion in our society.
It's funny. Ten years ago that detail was all but unrecognizable.
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