Claremont Independent

Last Updated: 10/31/06 Section: Books and Arts

The Guardian (2006), Buena Vista Pictures

Andrew Davis's recent blockbuster, The Guardian, follows the path of Coast Guard rescue-swimmer-in-training Jake Fischer (Ashton Kutcher) through his "A" school training to become one of the country's finest in the water. Goading Fischer through the arduous school is Senior Sergeant Ben Randall (Kevin Costner), a first-time instructor sent from his base in Kodiak, Alaska to recover from the emotional damage he sustained when he lost a crewmember in a horrific rescue attempt. At the heart of the story is the relationship between Randall and Fischer, in whom Randall sees so much of himself. The film's most lasting impression, however, comes not from them, but from the Coast Guard itself.

The Guardian had the potential to fall into the trap of other military training films such as Top Gun and Annapolis, but despite some leanings toward the stereotypical, it manages to evoke concern and respect not just for its characters, but for their institution as well. The training montage is far less corny than could be expected, particularly since most of the swimmers' training takes place in an indoor pool. Davis uses digital photography and handheld cameras to give the training a grittier feeling, as though the audience were watching stock footage of training situations. Another conventional moment is when Billy Hodge, the shy underdog attempting to make it through "A" school for the third time, finally works up the courage to prove himself to the inflexible instructor, a feat he never could have done without Fischer's friendly reassurance. Again, shocking no viewer familiar with military films, there is also a scene where Fischer's friends challenge him to pick up the prettiest girl at the bar (after his inebriated claims that he could have any woman he wants), and she immediately turns him down, only to fall for him days later.

More than just teaching Fischer how to save lives, Randall also counsels him not to make the same mistakes with his personal life that he did. Costner portrays the archetypal "hardened mentor" flawlessly, with a performance hearkening back to his heyday in the late '80s and early '90s. With a deceased best friend and a deteriorated marriage, Randall is a tortured individual with only booze, painkillers, and his job to turn to. Along with his captain, William Hadley (played by the always-powerful Clancy Brown), Randall is an example of the aging military hero. Too old to keep up with the young men he trains but too young at heart to dream of being replaced by them, his depression starts to affect his work. Both characters have an undying dedication to the Coast Guard above their personal lives and safety, which allows them to understand each other so well, despite their mutual antagonizing. The film's action sequences are beautifully shot, using seamless special effects to convey excitement and fear. When the characters put the lives of others before their own, it is portrayed so brutally that the viewer has no choice but to respect the real heroes behind the story.

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