“MISSILE does not frighten viewers with melodramatic scenes of atomic holocaust, nuclear winter or East-West confrontations. Instead, it merely documents the step-by-step training of the intelligent, responsible, sincere and likable men and women who have their fingers on the controls of the U.S. nuclear arsenal. The officers selected for training and their instructors appear to be of high moral caliber. But the calmness, responsibility and intelligence with which they face the potential destruction of our civilization is what makes MISSILE so unnerving; it brings home that nuclear war could really happen. Wiseman continues his unique obsession to force viewers to experience—and reevaluate—American institutions at first hand.” –Arthur Unger, The Christian Science Monitor
MISSILE follows the 4315th Training Squadron of the Strategic Air Command at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, where Air Force officers are trained to man the Launch Control Centers for the Minuteman Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles. Sequences include discussion of the moral and military issues of nuclear war; the arming, targeting and launching of the missile; codes; communications; protection against terrorist attack; emergency procedures; staff meetings and tutorial sessions. (Zipporah Films)
Awards & Nominations
Nominee - Grand Jury Prize, Documentary, Sundance Film Festival
The Worlds of Wiseman: Don’t let anyone ever tell you a Frederick Wiseman film is simple. Despite their matter-of-fact titles and just-the-facts descriptions, Wiseman’s documentaries are complicated, messy, demanding, rich, and always rewarding. 33 of his films, using original 16mm negatives and sound elements, with materials personally reviewed and approved by Wiseman, have been recently restored in 4K. The Film Center is proud to be the exclusive home for the Chicago premiere of the complete restored collection. Restorations made possible by Zipporah Films, the Library of Congress, Harvard Film Archive, DuArt Labs, and Goldcrest Post Production. Read more
The Film Center is ADA accessible. This presentation will be projected without open captions. The theater is hearing-loop equipped. For accessibility requests, please email filmcenter@saic.edu