MovieChat Forums > Executive Decision (1996) Discussion > The doomed wannabe negotiator

The doomed wannabe negotiator

posted 7 years ago by sabita (20)
3 replies | jump to latest

One of the many features of this type of action movie is the wannabe negotiator, who thinks that he can deal with the terrorists. In this film, its the Senator/wannabe President played by JT Walsh. He believes that he can save the day and emerge as a hero. In Die Hard, its the business executive called Ellis who foolishly believes that he can reason with Hans Gruber. We also have the President's National Security Advisor stepping forward on Air Force One. All meet the same fate-a bullet to the head.Whether motivated by bravery, stupidity or self interest, all of these characters fail to see how ruthless the terrorists really are.

[–] dolemite72 (150) 7 years ago

Agreed (it's a necessary prerequisite in movies like this)

I guess Seagal's character was another red-herring that this movie needed, also?

[–] TexasJack (12516) 7 years ago

Co-billing Seagal and putting him on the posters was more like fraud against the audience than a red herring. I wonder if something went wrong on the set that made them change things at the last minute. Otherwise, Seagal's fate in the final cut was a very bizarre choice.

[–] TexasJack (12516) 7 years ago

You're right, it was very predictable.