Nightbreaker

Screen Time: (6)- Geoffrey assumes the "wacky costar" role.
Woundage: (7)- Ground Zero. 'nuff said.

Aesthetics: (7)- you've gotta love a man with a sense of humor (and a pair of eyes) like Python's.

It's long been my contention that Geoffrey Blake's main function in any Emilio Estevez film is to be abused, tortured, destroyed, or otherwise injured. Nobody is quite sure why this is, but Nightbreaker is no exception to the rule. As a matter of fact, I'd call it Exhibit A for the prosecution. Why, you ask? Because he gets nuked. That's right. So he's had practical jokes played on him, napkins thrown at him, and he's even been shot in the head. But being placed three miles from Ground Zero pretty much takes the cake where Blake abuse is concerned.

On the serious side, this film is an extremely sobering and thought-provoking look at the ethically dubious nuclear tests that took place in Nevada immediately after World War II. I've made my roommate, my parents, and my best friend watch it with me, and all agree with me that it's definitely a film that makes you really question some of the moral decisions our government made during the Cold War. (It was especially significant to me, as the Cold War is, in my opinion, one of the most fascinating times in U.S. History.) Emilio Estevez and Martin Sheen are brilliant as two sides of the same coin- the young, idealistic doctor and the older, contemplative doctor.

Geoffrey is also excellent (as usual), heading the list of an incredible supporting cast. He plays Corporal Pynchon, aka Python. ("Don't ask," he says by way of explanation.) Python's not too bright, to put it nicely. He's got a great sense of humor, and he's welcome comic relief in the face of a very serious issue. Apparently, Python's a pretty popular guy, as you hear people talking to him all the time off-camera. (Either that or he needs to be told several times to do things.) His character definitely illustrates the obliviousness of most of the soldiers at the base, and adds a little lighthearted touch to keep the movie from being totally depressing.

Unfortunately, the final fate of Python's regiment is not a happy one. They are placed dangerously close to Ground Zero during the fifth Nightbreaker bomb, and are hit with shockwaves from the blast. The regiment survives, but it is obvious that none will go unaffected by the radiation. Most likely, Python ended up with leukemia, along with the rest of his buddies. It's a very sad thought, but the gravity of the subject matter is no reason to skip this movie. It's amazingly put together and often overlooked.