Capricorn One (1978)
In order to protect the reputation of the American space program, a team of NASA administrators turn the first Mars mission into a phony Mars landing. Under threat of harm to their families the astronauts play their part in the deception on a staged set in a deserted military base. But once the real ship returns to Earth and burns up on re-entry, the astronauts become liabilities. Now, with the help of a crusading reporter, they must battle a sinister conspiracy that will stop at nothing to keep the truth hidden.
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I love this film. I must have been about 10 when I first saw on tv this around 1981. Probably one of the first "grown up" films I watched, so some of the plot possibly went over my head but the action scenes of the second half really stuck with me. Then as I was older each time it was on I'd watch it with a little more understanding. It's very much a film of two halves, the first quite slow paced and lots of talking, setting the story out. The second half picks the pace up and delivers so great moments. It's not a classic, but if you come across it on tv or streaming service it's worthy of your attention.
I saw Capricorn One before 1994, and it still stands the test of time as a quality and thought provoking movie, and one can't help think of the "conspiracy theories" about the moon landing when watching Capricorn One.Peter "2010" Hyams wrote and directed Capricorn One, and it's well ahead of its time. Sam "The Killing Fields" Waterston and O.J. "the Towering Inferno" Simpson appear as two of the astronauts, along with the lead astronaut James "Westworld" (the original movie) Brolin. The final scene with the investigative journalist, played by Elliott "MASH" Gould, was very moving and emotional big time. You can imagine the ramifications of the lid being lifted off the conspiracy, and whether heads would roll in NASA and the White House.
i remember watching this movie back in 1983 when i was about 12 .in the beginning it was complicated for my little experience with movies at the time because i started watching movies about 9 years old OK.but this movie is just plain great i got into it immediately.good innovative surprisingly simple story .great suspense .this movie came in the heels of 70 era watergate conspiracy thrillers..and in the end its not that complicated .this is a great unique movie to enjoy .no special effects.no monsters and no phasers if you expect in sci-fi .just great old fashioned mystery suspense ..elliot gould is great .one of my best of its kind .its in my blu-ray collection
I absolutely love this film. I could watch it over and over again and never get tired of it, even after so many years. Is not just the non plus ultra of photography-cinematography, but also one of the best film ever made to my humble opinion, in terms of story, characters depth, dialogues, production design, wonderful music. Every scene is perfectly balanced. It's entertaining and thought provoking. The interaction between the characters is fantastic. All the actors have done a great performance. I strongly recommend this film to anyone who haven't seen it yet. My vote is not 10, just because I wish it was even longer to do justice to the storyline.