Are you not only into the style, look and music of the early 1980s, but also the films of that era? If you’re also an action fan, then you can enjoy one of the coolest genre thrillers from back then on free TV tonight.
The action thriller “The Flying Eye” (original title: “Blue Thunder”) is about surveillance technology and how it can be misused by authorities. The film from “WarGames” director John Badham was released in 1983 and was dismissed by some critics at the time as “pure science fiction mixed with paranoia.” If you consider what is possible 40 years later, not only in terms of technology, but also what has now become commonplace in its use, these people will certainly be blushing with shame by now.
ZDFneo is showing “The Flying Eye” today, November 9, 2024 at 8:15 p.m. There will be a repeat that same night at 4:35 a.m. The film will also be available to stream for free in the ZDFmediathek at the end of the first broadcast. Alternatively, the FSK-12 title is available as Blu-ray, DVD and paid video-on-demand:
“The Flying Eye” at Amazon*
Action, tension and seriousness
Although the gadgets used in the film naturally seem outdated and some plot elements come across as a bit naive and/or oversimplified these days “The Flying Eye” is still a thrilling thriller. Of course, this also has to do with the development of the world in which we now live. We hear again and again that criminals hack private and business correspondence or use surveillance techniques to carry out robberies. It has also become known that secret services such as the NSA, but also corporations, routinely spy on people for a variety of reasons – and not just in isolated cases, but in large numbers.
The screenplay for “The Flying Eye” comes from Dan O’Bannon, who before and after delivered scripts for classics such as “Dark Star”, “Alien” and “Total Recall”. Director John Badham then implemented his template with breathtaking shots that were sometimes quite dangerous for the camera crews. In particular, the chase sequences with several helicopters racing through the high-rise canyons of downtown Los Angeles at incredible speed are really fun – also because you know that digital cheating hasn’t yet been possible here. Edward M. Abroms and Frank Morriss were also nominated for an Oscar in the Best Editing category the following year. Despite the effectively exciting implementation, the whole thing remains pleasingly serious and does not tend towards a sensational, over-the-top spectacle.
The performance of lead actor Roy Scheider (“Jaws”) is praised as fascinating and multifaceted in our 3.5-star FILMSTARTS review. He was also joined by the always entertaining “A Clockwork Orange” star Malcolm McDowell as well as Daniel Stern (“Home Alone”), Warren Oates from “In the Heat of the Night” and “American Graffiti” veteran Candy Clark in front of the camera .
“The Flying Eye” didn’t become a mega hit at the box office, but it was still an attractive success, grossing over $42 million. Soon afterwards, the film really took off in video stores and on VHS cassettes.
To capitalize on this popularity, the producing studio Columbia Pictures quickly commissioned a TV series with the same name. Although it failed in terms of ratings and was canceled after only eleven episodes, it still developed into a cult title thanks to numerous repetitions over the years. A while ago the complete series was even released on DVD in the USA and Great Britain:
The series “The Flying Eye” on Amazon Prime Video*
“The Flying Eye”: That’s the story
In order to supposedly ensure the safety of the population, the Los Angeles police have purchased a state-of-the-art helicopter. Cops Murphy (Scheider) and Lymangood (Stern) had served as helicopter pilots in the Vietnam War. That’s why they are chosen to pilot the aircraft, which is equipped with the latest surveillance technology and powerful on-board cannons.
With the help of the listening functions of their flying workplace, the duo accidentally overhears a confidential conversation between their top superior Cochrane (McDowell). In this, the corrupt and unscrupulous official describes his idea of inciting a group of immigrants to riot so that he can then test the penetration and firepower of the new helicopter in action.
Murphy and Lymangood are horrified and want to prevent Cochrane from implementing his perfidious plans at all costs. An all-out fight quickly breaks out between the two men and the police chief’s brutal henchmen on and above the streets of the unsuspecting city.
Did you know that Roy Scheider also played the lead role in an action flick that is horror king Stephen King’s absolute favorite? And no, it’s not Jaws. If you are interested in what title it is, read the following article:
This far too unknown action thriller is Stephen King’s absolute favorite film
*The links to Amazon’s offering are so-called affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we receive a commission. This has no effect on the price.
