Watch Countdown

Countdown is a thrilling science-fiction movie released in 1967, directed by renowned director Robert Altman. The movie stars James Caan as Lee Stegler, a NASA astronaut who is about to embark on an important mission to explore space. Set against the backdrop of the Cold War, Countdown is a tense and suspenseful movie that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats from start to finish.

The movie begins with Lee Stegler being chosen as the pilot of a manned spacecraft that will launch into space as part of a top-secret government mission. Along with his colleague and friend, Frank, played by Robert Duvall, Lee must undergo intense training to prepare for the mission, which is shrouded in secrecy. As the launch date approaches, tensions between the astronauts and the ground crew begin to mount, leading to a series of dramatic confrontations.

However, Countdown is more than just a movie about a space mission. It is also a love story between Lee and his estranged wife, played by Joanna Moore. The couple is going through a divorce, but Lee is still in love with his wife and hopes to reconcile with her. Amidst the chaos of the impending mission, Lee must also come to terms with his emotions and try to win back the heart of the woman he loves.

As the countdown to the launch progresses, the astronauts face a range of challenges and obstacles that test their physical and emotional endurance. The movie is notable for its depiction of the intense pressures and stresses that astronauts experience in space, as well as the dangers and risks they face during launch and re-entry. The scenes of the astronauts preparing for launch and then hurtling through space are both thrilling and terrifying, immersing viewers in a world of danger and excitement.

Countdown is also notable for its realistic portrayal of the science of space travel. The movie was made at a time when space exploration was still new, and the filmmakers worked with real-life NASA scientists to ensure that the science depicted in the movie was accurate and up-to-date. As a result, viewers get a sense of the complexity and sophistication of the science behind space travel, as well as the incredible challenges that astronauts face when they venture beyond the earth's atmosphere.

Despite its emphasis on realism, Countdown is also a movie that explores deeper themes of humanity and the human spirit. Through the character of Lee Stegler, the movie examines questions of love, commitment, and sacrifice. As Lee faces the dangers of space travel, he comes to appreciate the fragility and preciousness of life and begins to see his relationship with his wife in a new light. The result is a movie that combines science-fiction thrills with profound insights into the human condition.

Overall, Countdown is a movie that stands the test of time. Even today, more than 50 years after its release, it remains a compelling and thought-provoking work that captures the excitement and wonder of space exploration, as well as the complexities and challenges of human relationships. With its stellar cast and expert direction, the movie is a must-see for anyone interested in science-fiction, space travel, or the mysteries of the human heart.

Countdown is a 1968 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9.