Pressure

Weather is something that affects us all, though it’s also something to which most of us pay little attention unless there are potential or actual consequences at stake; then they often take on paramount importance. The impact can be somewhat ameliorated with an accurate forecast, but that’s often problematic, even with today’s advanced technology. So it can be hard to fathom what it might have been like to predict the weather without it, as was the case in the 1940s, when meteorology was just beginning to come into its own as an accepted science. Such was the case in June 1944, when Allied Forces in Europe were planning the D-Day invasion of France’s Normandy coast, the largest contingent of air, ground and water forces ever assembled, and the subject of the latest offering from writer-director Andrew Maras. Given the complexity of the operation, the lead organizer of the attack, Gen. Dwight “Ike” Eisenhower (Brendan Fraser), wanted an accurate weather forecast – one that provided “certainty” – for the time frame of its implementation (weather in Europe in late spring could be highly unpredictable, with a mix of both pleasant and exceedingly stormy patterns). If contending with that weren’t enough, Allied Forces also had to deal with the intricate logistics of the campaign and keeping it under wraps from German forces that might be more than ready for its launch. The pressure for success was great, too, in the wake of a disastrous dress rehearsal that took place several months earlier. So, to get the result he wanted, Ike recruited soft-spoken British meteorologist Capt. James Stagg (Andrew Scott), regarded as the best in the business. However, Stagg’s cautionary approach to forecasting did not sit well with Eisenhower, especially since it ran counter to the work of resident, long-trusted weatherman Irving Krick (Chris Messina), whose views often clashed with his more conservative British counterpart. Thus began the battle for whose forecast would ultimately prevail, with both the Supreme Commander and his British colleague, Gen. Bernard “Monty” Montgomery (Damian Lewis), breathing down their necks. Who would prove correct (and how)? More importantly, though, would D-Day take place on its scheduled date of June 5, or would it have to wait until the next projected favorable window of opportunity, June 18? Much was thus riding on this go/no go decision, and it all appeared to come down to what was regarded as a seemingly inconsequential consideration. To be sure, this aspect of the D-Day story was undoubtedly important and not particularly well known until recently, yet its role was positively undeniable, given its turning point nature to the outcome of World War II. And that’s made abundantly clear through this war film with a twist. The film presents a clear chronicle of the scenario, with fine period piece production values, well-staged battle sequences, and capable performances across the board, including those already noted, along with Kerry Condon as Eisenhower’s chief aide. However, the picture tends to become repetitive in explaining how events unfolded. What’s more, it has an aura of somewhat inflated self-importance about its story, attempting to lead viewers to believe that its narrative is more epic than it actually is (no disrespect intended). I essentially see this as a well-made TV movie that doesn’t quite have the degree of impact that a theatrical release should have. Admittedly, this offering is probably best seen on the big screen, though don’t be disappointed if it doesn’t quite live up to grander expectations. In light of that, then, unless one has a sense of urgency to see “Pressure,” waiting for it to come to streaming may ultimately be the best option.