Why are there so few firefighting films? So many movies take the route of showing the police force in action with the firefighters in the background. It's not that the police are any less worthy, it just seems like people who run into burning buildings deserve a bit more credit then they get. "Ladder 49" is probably one of the most personal, heartfelt, and emotional films ever done on the subject, choosing to ignore the all out action of some its predecessors. The movie is better because of it.
Firefighter Jack Morrison (Joaquin Phoenix) is new on the job. His co-workers are fun and energetic. As he matures, the job becomes a strain, barely dodging disaster more than a few times. His new wife has trouble dealing with his new career, as do his children. During a particularly nasty blaze, Jack becomes trapped and it falls on his captain Mike Kennedy (John Travolta) to try and get him out.
The way "Ladder 49" is told makes the film what it is. Starting off inside that massive fire, it then flashbacks to Jack's first day. Slowly we are introduced to him, building up his professional and personal life. Then it cuts back to Jack caught inside that crumbling warehouse. The first half of the film is predominantly warm and funny as the crew trade practical jokes. It's all there to soften the blows to come as the jobs become more deadly.
Unlike so many other films dealing with the same topic, "Ladder 49" isn't just about action and heroic rescues. It has those of course, but only to make its characters stronger and to fall in line with a story it's trying to tell. It's a great character study, always focused on Jack. That lets the viewer see how difficult it can be for not only the one inside an inferno, but also the ones sitting at home, potentially waiting for a day when the tragic news could come.
Joaquin Phoenix puts in a great performance, switching his mood as his career takes its toll. John Travolta never plays the good guy as well as he does the villain. Here's in great form, putting just as much emotion into the role as everyone else.
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