The Peacemaker

This is a perfect example of 'they don't make 'em like they used to' films. For better and for worse.

In so many ways this is a romantic film filtered through the lens of a Tom Clancy book paired an action film budget. Back then the money went to locations instead of CGI, which adds a grounding feeling to the film. Characters don’t really sweat appropriately in modern films, but here you can feel the temperature. The action and tension and hardware are obviously pre-GWoT.

What really sinks the film - despite the passing chemistry by the Clooney and Kidman - is the just accepted misogyny. Early on it’s made clear that Dr Kelly is getting her big break, pushed into the spotlight of a major emergency for which she’s trained a nontrivial portion of her life. And she’s shown as competent. Guiding an uncertain event without being overbearing or portraying unearned competence, Kidman is introduced as being competent but getting her shot. And then, in her first big moment, her briefing to the nation’s taskforce, Clooney’s Devoe walks in, takes 2 seconds to look at her slide, and ‘um actually’s her presentation. And the film vindicates him! Sure, she’s a Doctor’s who’s been working in the field for ages. But he’s a SF-guy who saw a slide and worked a hunch.

It was hard not to watch the film without that scene in mind, especially as the plot predictably pushed Clooney and Kidman into a romantic relationship. Sure, trauma can create bonds, but man, this one started from just an unearned position. Pretty people problems, I guess.