Lionsgate has released a most-welcome special edition DVD of the granddaddy of all conspiracy theory movies, Capricorn One. There had been other major conspiracy-based thrillers prior to this, of course, John Frankenheimer's The Manchurian Candidate and Seven Days in May among them. However, Capricorn Onewas the first major release to center on a clearly crackpot theory and present it as a plausible thesis. In this case, the notion is that corrupt NASA executives concoct an audacious plot to fake the first landing on Mars. They gain the co-operation of the three astronauts involved using a combination of appeals to their patriotism coupled with implied threats against their families. As crazy as the scenario sounds, Hal Holbrook, as the plot's mastermind, delivers a speech to the men that makes it sound sensible (they have to have a triumph or public apathy for NASA will result in cancelation of the space program). Things quickly go awry when technical glitches make it appear the capsule was destroyed en route back to earth. In order to maintain the facade, Holbrook has to order the assassination of the astronauts, played by James Brolin, Sam Waterston and O.J. Simpson. The men realize they are expendable and make a daring break for freedom across the desert.Â
Peter Hyams both wrote and directed the thriller that plays far more believably than it may read. In fact, Capricorn One is so well made that it immediately inspired a generation of crackpots to adopt the theory that the moon landing itself was faked, a scenario still popular among conspiracy fanatics.The film boasts an excellent screenplay that deftly interweaves the life-and-death struggle of the astronauts to reach civilization before they can be murdered with the frustrated efforts of disgraced reporter Elliott Gould to expose the outlandish plot to his disbelieving bosses. The film has an abundance of genuine suspense set to Jerry Goldsmith's intense score, one of his best. The performances are all first-rate as well. One remembers that at one time Brolin had real potential as a leading man before a string of poor film choices derailed his career. Similarly, Gould is perfect with his comfortable schlep character managing to outwit those who consistently underestimate him. One wishes his career as a leading man had a longer shelf life. There are also some excellent supporting performances from Brenda Vaccaro, David Huddleston, Karen Black and Telly Savalas in an outrageously hammy but fun cameo turn. Best of all is Hal Holbrook, whose passion for preserving the space program at any cost makes him a sympathetic character even as we loathe the plot he ultimately hatches. It's a superb performance.
The DVD includes a new featurette with Hyams discussing the making of the film and assuring us that he doesn't really buy into conspiracy theories -including those he created himself. The documentary is highly enjoyable and Hyams also provides a commentary track. The original trailer is also included. Capricorn One is somehow a more satisfying experience today than it was in 1978 - and any film that boasts a premise of sending O.J. Simpson on a one-way trip into space can't be all bad. - Lee Pfeiffer
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