``Backdraft'' A monumental 90's firefighter movie that revolutionized the expression of flames.

"Backdraft" synopsis

Determined to follow in the footsteps of his father who died in the line of duty, Brian returns to Chicago and is assigned to Squad 17, which is headed by his older brother Stephen. The two are completely at odds with each other. Strange arson incidents continue to occur in Chicago. It was a terrible explosion and fire accompanied by a reverse airflow phenomenon called "Backdraft."

When I hear the word ``Backdraft ,'' the echoes of Hans Zimmer's heroic music come vividly to my ears. For many Japanese people, it may be better known as the opening song of the TV show "Iron Chef" (1993-1999).

The first time I saw Backdraft over 30 years ago, I was shocked. It's different from just a fire movie. There, the flames attacked firefighters mercilessly and even caused explosions, similar to those found on a battlefield. The author, who was a junior high school student at the time, was completely imprinted with the series of depictions of "opening the door/exploding" that were repeated in the movie, and he hesitated even to push open the heavy soundproof door of the theater after the screening. It was so overwhelming.

“Backdraft” preview

The ``Backdraft'' in this title refers to explosive combustion caused by a fire in a closed room, which temporarily dies down due to lack of oxygen, and then is suddenly brought in by outside air. Screenwriter Gregory Wyden actually worked as a firefighter for about three years, and his harsh experiences there seem to be the basis for this film.

Index

• A sense of realism brought about by real flames
• Creature-like production that goes beyond reality
• Pay attention to the intricate mystery
• A legitimate sequel will be released in 2019.

A sense of realism brought about by real flames

What surprises me about this work is the sense of realism at the scene of the fire. Even after reviewing them more than 30 years later, they are still the same.

This film was released in 1991, right before Jurassic Park (1993) completely overturned the meaning of conventional "special effects." The era of CG has not yet begun, which is why almost all of the flames that appear in this work are ``real'' and have no falsehoods.

Therefore, the special effects team first studied the habits of fire and thoroughly verified what kind of visual expressions they could use to enhance it.

Furthermore, since reshoots would no longer be effective if the set burned out, fireproof paint was applied to all parts from the beginning, creating a highly durable set that could withstand repeated exposure to fire. . In addition, after ignition, the size of the flame and on/off can be freely controlled by adjusting the amount of gas ejected.

"Backdraft" (c)Photofest / Getty Images

The performers also underwent specialized training to play the roles of firefighters, and were thoroughly indoctrinated with everything from fire knowledge to firefighting know-how. As a result of his efforts, Kurt Russell, Scott Glenn, and others devoted themselves to this film as if they were firefighters, doing as many dangerous stunts as possible with their own bodies.

It is not the "double copy" style of the 70s and 80s, nor is it the CG that has continued from the 90s to the present day. This is a miracle that was only possible because we were in the midst of a period of drastic change. In that sense, a movie about fire as full of authenticity as ``Backdraft'' may never be made again.

Creature-like production that goes beyond reality