Film Lens
Missile is a 1988 documentary directed by Frederick Wiseman that chronicles the 14-week training course for U.S. Air Force personnel responsible for manning ICBM silos at locations such as Minot AFB and Whiteman AFB. The film captures classroom discussions on the ethics of nuclear war and includes scenes from the daily lives of the trainees. It features various training exercises, including counterterrorism drills and the launching of nuclear missiles, providing a comprehensive view of military training.
The documentary is presented without commentary, narration, or music, following Wiseman's typical style. This approach allows the viewer to engage directly with the training environment and the serious nature of the subject matter. The film also includes a moving scene of an Air Force church service memorializing the astronauts lost in the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster, adding a layer of human emotion to the military context.
Why Watch
- •See the training of ICBM silo personnel at Minot AFB.
- •Find out about ethics discussions on nuclear war.
- •Meet the trainees during their daily routines.
Did You Know
•The documentary covers a 14-week training course for Air Force personnel.
•It features training at Minot AFB and Whiteman AFB.
•The film includes a memorial service for Challenger astronauts.
Perfect For
Military training enthusiastsCold War history buffsNuclear policy researchers