Never underestimate a Scot’s weather knowledge.
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Adapted from David Haig’s stage play of the same name, Pressure tells the true story of James Stagg and the weather forecasts that determined the date of the D-Day landings as part of Operation Overlord (aka the Battle of Normandy). The film is directed and edited by Anthony Maras, written by Maras and Haig, and stars Andrew Scott as meteorologist Stagg, Brendan Fraser as Dwight D. Eisenhower, along with supporting cast Kerry Condon, Chris Messina, and Damian Lewis.
The men in charge are faced with a tough decision to either launch the largest and most dangerous seaborne invasion in history, or risk losing the war altogether. If that isn’t enough pressure, there is added tension between the meteorologists and weatherman teams delivering different weather forecasts for the date of the proposed D-Day. Stagg carries the weight of convincing Eisenhower of his readings while wrestling the fear of potentially getting the forecast wrong. Eisenhower bears the burden of making the final decision between conflicting choices laid out in front of him.
Pressure is an exemplary re-enactment defining the impossible choices and resposibility in the tense 72 hours before D-Day, featuring captivating performances from the cast. Fraser channels a rare intimidating demeanor as General Eisenhower but it’s Scott’s turn as Group Captain Stagg that sets him miles ahead of his fellow castmates. His easy switch from being an intellect with quiet confidence to a loaded-with-passion-and-energy man with conviction speaks volumes of the actor’s talents.
This is an engaging and informative film for those unaware of the going-ons behind giant historical moments like these. It's a lesson in time and potent reminder to never underestimate a Scot’s weather knowledge. As the kids would say these days, “let him cook."
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