Released in theaters a mere twelve days before the Three Mile Island accident, The China Syndrome is a powerful & prophetic thriller whose questions are still relevant today. While filming a news story about the (fictional) Ventana nuclear power plant outside Los Angeles, a television crew are unintentional witnesses to a terrifying incident. As the power plant’s PR force paint a rosy picture, a reporter (Jane Fonda) & her camera man (Michael Douglas) will try to navigate a labyrinth of bureaucracy & cover-up, while the plant supervisor (Jack Lemmon) tries to uncover the truth and prevent future tragedy. James Bridges’ celebrated stunner is a taut & intelligent drama with an incredible ensemble cast, earning Oscar nominations for Fonda & Lemmon, as well as for Best Screenplay and Best Art Direction.
