Cast
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Tommy Lee Jones
as Mike Roark
Anne Heche
as Dr. Amy Barnes
Gaby Hoffmann
as Kelly Roark
Don Cheadle
as Emmit Reese
Jacqueline Kim
as Dr. Jaye Calder
Keith David
as Lt. Ed Fox
John Corbett
as Norman Calder
Michael Rispoli
as Gator Harris
John Carroll Lynch
as Stan Olber
Marcello Thedford
as Kevin
Laurie Lathem
as Rachel
Bert Kramer
as L.A. Fire Chief
Bo Eason
as Bud McVie
James MacDonald
as Terry Jasper
Dayton Callie
as Roger Lapher
Crew
Director
- Mick Jackson
Producer
- Andrew Z. Davis
- Neal H. Moritz
Reviews
CinemaSerf
When Los Angeles starts blowing off a little more steam than usual, it falls to disaster emergency supremo "Rourke" (Tommy Lee Jones) to find out what is going on - and when that turns out to be an impending volcanic eruption, he enlists the help of "Dr. Barnes" (Anne Heche) to stop it destroying the city. To be fair, there are plenty of great pyrotechnics and the film pretty much starts in fourth gear - but the ending really lets it down. Not the science, that's quite entertaining as they have to use subway tunnels, storm drains and quite a bit of dynamite; it's the "have to rescue my daughter" nonsense that spoiled it for me. Maybe there ought to be a rule that anyone charged with such responsibility is not permitted to have a teenage child anywhere within a 200 mile radius of their zone of responsibility? Yes, there are plausibility issues too - has the construction industry really been hoodwinking us all for so long? Is demolition really this easy? It's still quite an enjoyable disaster movie, though, that shows well the dedication and commitment of the emergency services when it comes to scenarios like this, but most of the drama is noisily contrived and the performances are merely adequate.
May 27, 2023
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Volcano examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Mick Jackson brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1997, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Volcano took approximately 36 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $90.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 104 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 142 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 2 weeks before filming began.
- The costume department created over 453 unique costume pieces for the production.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 1997, when this film was released:
- The end of the Cold War was reshaping global politics.
- Digital technology was transforming the entertainment industry.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Volcano shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Duke, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Volcano offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Raging Bull and Land of Plenty explore similar territory, Volcano stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: April 25, 1997
- Runtime: 1h 44m
- Budget: $90,000,000
- Revenue: $122,823,468
