From the early days of aviation, air travel has been a favorite subject of filmmakers. Over the years, the role of air marshals has become increasingly important in movies, especially those that involve high-stakes action and suspense. In this article, we will explore the world of air marshal in movie, and how they have been portrayed on the big screen.
Who is an Air Marshal?
An air marshal is a law enforcement officer who is trained to provide security on board commercial aircraft. They are responsible for the safety and security of passengers, crew members, and cargo on board. They are also trained to detect and respond to any potential security threats on board the aircraft.
Air Marshal Source Bing.com
The Early Days of Air Marshal in Movie
The earliest portrayal of air marshals on the big screen can be traced back to the 1960s. The movie “Airport” (1970) was one of the first movies to feature an air marshal as a major character. The film, which was based on the novel of the same name by Arthur Hailey, follows the story of a group of people trapped on a flight that is hijacked by terrorists.
Airport Movie Source Bing.com
The air marshal in the movie is played by George Kennedy, who is tasked with protecting the passengers and crew members from the terrorists. The movie was a huge success and spawned a series of sequels, including “Airport 1975” (1974), “Airport ’77” (1977), and “The Concorde… Airport ’79” (1979).
The 21st Century and Beyond
As the world became more aware of the threat of terrorism, the role of air marshals became more important. In the 21st century, movies featuring air marshals became more popular, with movies like “Red Eye” (2005), “Non-Stop” (2014), and “7500” (2019) showcasing the role of air marshals in keeping passengers safe.
Red Eye Movie Source Bing.com
“Red Eye” is a thriller directed by Wes Craven, which follows the story of a woman who is taken hostage on a red-eye flight by a terrorist who demands that she assists him in assassinating a high-ranking government official. The air marshal in the movie is played by Cillian Murphy, who is tasked with stopping the terrorist and saving the passengers.
The Challenges of Being an Air Marshal
Being an air marshal is not an easy job. They have to be vigilant at all times, and be prepared to respond to any potential threat on board the aircraft. They also have to be highly trained in unarmed combat, firearms, and self-defense.
Challenges Of Being An Air Marshal Source Bing.com
Movies like “Non-Stop” and “7500” showcase the challenges that air marshals face on a daily basis. In “Non-Stop”, Liam Neeson plays an air marshal who is tasked with protecting the passengers on a flight to London. When he receives a series of text messages from a terrorist threatening to kill a passenger every 20 minutes, he has to use all his skills to identify the terrorist and stop the attack.
The Evolution of Air Marshal in Movie
Over the years, the portrayal of air marshals in movies has evolved. They are no longer just background characters, but are now major players in movies that deal with terrorism and other security threats. They are portrayed as highly skilled and highly trained officers who are dedicated to keeping passengers safe.
Evolution Of Air Marshal In Movie Source Bing.com
The portrayal of air marshals in movies has also become more realistic. Directors and producers work closely with actual air marshals to ensure that the portrayal is accurate and realistic. This adds to the authenticity of the movies and makes them more engaging for audiences.
Conclusion
Air marshals are an important part of air travel, and their role in movies has helped to bring attention to their work. From the early days of “Airport” to the modern-day thrillers like “Non-Stop”, air marshals have been portrayed as heroes who are dedicated to keeping passengers safe. As we continue to face threats from terrorism and other security threats, the role of air marshals will remain vital in ensuring the safety and security of air travel.
