"Volcano" is a disaster film that erupted onto the big screen in 1997, directed by Mick Jackson. Set in the heart of Los Angeles, the movie showcases the city's unexpected battle with nature's fury in the form of a volcanic eruption. With Tommy Lee Jones and Anne Heche leading the cast, the film combines intense action sequences with a gripping narrative, making it a memorable entry in the disaster film genre.
Plot Summary:
Los Angeles, a city known for its glitz and glamour, finds itself facing an unprecedented disaster. When a series of minor earthquakes and tremors rattle the city, Mike Roark (Tommy Lee Jones), the head of the city's Office of Emergency Management, is called into action.
Initially, these seismic activities are dismissed as typical for the region. However, things take a turn for the worse when a massive eruption occurs in the Wilshire district, leading to the formation of a volcano.
As lava begins to flow through the streets of Los Angeles, Roark teams up with Dr. Amy Barnes (Anne Heche), a geologist who believes that the worst is yet to come. Together, they must devise a plan to divert the lava and save the city from complete annihilation. Amidst the chaos, the film also delves into the personal lives of its characters, their struggles, and their determination to protect their loved ones and their city.
Cast and Characters:
- Mike Roark (Tommy Lee Jones): The dedicated head of the Office of Emergency Management in Los Angeles. Roark is a hands-on leader, often putting himself in danger to ensure the safety of the city's residents.
- Dr. Amy Barnes (Anne Heche): A geologist who provides crucial insights into the volcanic activity. Her expertise becomes invaluable in the race against time to halt the lava's destructive path.
- Emmit Reese (Don Cheadle): Roark's right-hand man at the Office of Emergency Management. Reese plays a pivotal role in coordinating the city's response to the disaster.
- Kelly Roark (Gaby Hoffmann): Mike Roark's teenage daughter. The film portrays her journey from a rebellious teen to a young woman who steps up in the face of adversity.
Where to Read
United States (US):
There are currently no streaming offers in the US.
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Australia (AU):
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Great Britain (GB):
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Germany (DE):
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Brazil (BR):
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Spain (ES):
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France (FR):
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Canada (CA):
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Production Details:
"Volcano" was produced by Andrew Z. Davis, Neal H. Moritz, and Lauren Shuler Donner. The film was a significant undertaking, given the scale of the disaster it aimed to depict.
The movie was primarily shot in Los Angeles, utilizing various iconic locations to emphasize the magnitude of the disaster. The La Brea Tar Pits, for instance, played a crucial role in the narrative and were prominently featured.
Special effects were paramount in bringing the volcanic eruption to life. The production team employed a combination of practical effects and early CGI to depict the lava flows and the ensuing destruction. Miniature sets were also used to create some of the film's most dramatic sequences, ensuring a realistic portrayal of a city under siege.
Reception and Awards:
Upon its release, "Volcano" received mixed reviews from critics. While many praised the film's special effects and intense action sequences, some felt that the storyline was formulaic and lacked depth. Tommy Lee Jones's performance, however, was widely appreciated, with many critics noting his ability to bring gravitas to the disaster film genre.
At the box office, "Volcano" had a lukewarm reception in the U.S., but it fared better internationally. The film's realistic portrayal of a natural disaster in an urban setting resonated with audiences worldwide.
While "Volcano" didn't bag major awards, its special effects team received recognition for their work in various industry circles.
Trivia and Behind-the-Scenes:
- "Volcano" was one of two volcano-themed movies released in 1997, the other being "Dante's Peak."
- The film's climax, which involves diverting the lava flow using concrete barriers, was inspired by real-life methods used in volcanic eruptions in other parts of the world.
- To achieve the realistic flow of lava, the production team used a combination of substances, including methylcellulose (a thickening agent used in foods) and red dyes.
- Tommy Lee Jones performed many of his own stunts, adding to the authenticity of his character's perilous encounters with the volcanic eruption.