Backdraft

Backdraft is an American movie about a group of Chicago firefighters, fighting fires, and tracking down a serial arsonist. The story focuses on the relationship of two firefighter brothers played by Kurt Russell and William Baldwin. The movie, produced by Universal Studios and directed by Ron Howard is known for its outstanding special effects. Screenwriter Gregory Widen worked as a firefighter for three years. It was the loss of a friend from a backdraft which prompted the theme of this movie.http://www.whosdatedwho.com/topic/6297/backdraft.htm

In 1992 Backdraft was recognized by the BMI Film Music Awards. German born composer Hans Zimmer was the 1992 Award winner for his work in Backdraft. Other award nominations for the movie included a 1992 BAFTA Award nomination for Best Special VIsual Effects and three 1992 Oscar nominations. The Oscar nominations included Best Effects, Sound Effects Editing; Best Effects, Visual Effects; and Best Sound. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0101393/awards

Kurt Russell's role also included playing the scene in the opening sequences showing the boys' father who died in a fire. The movie plot includes family fueds between the two very different brothers, along with investigations into ongoing fires which are caused by backdrafts and believed as the movie progresses to have been set by a firefighter. Robert DeNiro stars as the arson investigator and Donald Southerland plays the role of a serial arsonist who De Niro consults with to better understand the fires. Movie reviewers say Director Howard used the fire as one of the main characters and in many cases it because the starring lead character.

The movie released on DVD in 2006. A two disc anniversary edition released on DVD includes hours of footage not seen in the movie including additional fire scenes and interviews about the filming of the special effects.

1. Many extras in the film are real life Chicago firefighters.
2. The writer, Gregory Widen, worked as a firefighter for three years
3. Russell, Baldwin, and Glenn did many of their own stunts

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