Pushing Tin (1999)
A razor-sharp comedy-drama about two rival air traffic controllers whose competitive egos send their professional and personal lives into freefall.
Pushing Tin - Movie Information
- Original Title: Pushing Tin
- Release Year: 1999
- Directed by: Mike Newell
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy, Drama
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 2h 4m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): April 23, 1999 (United States - R), October 29, 1999 (United Kingdom - 15), June 29, 2000 (Germany - 6), July 19, 2000 (France - U), January 22, 2000 (South Korea - 18)
- Alternative Titles: Fuera de control (ES), Alto Controle (BR)
- Production Companies: Taurus Film, 3 Miles Apart Productions Ltd., Dogstar Films, Fox 2000 Pictures, Regency Enterprises, Linson Entertainment
- Production Countries: Germany, United States of America
Pushing Tin - Plot
Two air traffic controllers who thrive on living dangerously compete to outdo each other on several levels.
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Pushing Tin - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Mike Newell
Main Cast
- John Cusack
- Billy Bob Thornton
- Cate Blanchett
- Angelina Jolie
- Jake Weber
- Kurt Fuller
- Vicki Lewis
- Matt Ross
- Jerry Grayson
- Michael Willis
Writers
- Glen Charles
- Les Charles
Producers
- Art Linson
Pushing Tin - FAQs
Who are the main actors in Pushing Tin?
Pushing Tin stars John Cusack as hotshot controller Nick Falzone and Billy Bob Thornton as the enigmatic Russell Bell. Cate Blanchett plays Connie Falzone and Angelina Jolie portrays Mary Bell, with supporting roles from Jake Weber, Kurt Fuller, and Vicki Lewis.
Is Pushing Tin based on a true story?
Pushing Tin is loosely inspired by a 1996 New York Times Magazine article by Darcy Frey titled 'Something's Got to Give,' which explored the high-pressure world of air traffic controllers at New York TRACON. The screenplay by Glen and Les Charles fictionalizes the characters and events.
What is Pushing Tin about?
Pushing Tin follows two competitive air traffic controllers at a busy New York facility whose professional rivalry spills into their personal lives. When a cool, unconventional new controller arrives, the resulting clash of egos — and entangled relationships — pushes both men and their marriages to the breaking point.
Why did Nick Falzone stand on the runway in Pushing Tin?
Nick stands on the runway to experience the jet blast of a landing aircraft — a reckless dare he accepts to prove his nerve and reclaim his sense of control after his professional confidence and personal life unravel. The scene encapsulates the film's theme of ego-driven risk-taking among men who live on adrenaline.
Where can I stream or watch Pushing Tin?
Pushing Tin is available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. It is also available to stream for free on Hoopla, making it accessible without a purchase for eligible library cardholders.
What is the age rating for Pushing Tin?
Pushing Tin is rated R in the United States, reflecting its adult language, sexual content, and mature themes. In the United Kingdom it received a 15 certificate, while German and French releases carried lower age restrictions of 6 and U respectively.
How long is Pushing Tin?
Pushing Tin has a runtime of 2 hours and 4 minutes (124 minutes). Directed by Mike Newell and released in April 1999, the film balances workplace comedy with character-driven drama across its feature-length running time.
What are some movies similar to Pushing Tin?
If you enjoyed Pushing Tin, consider The Road to Wellville (1994) for its darkly comic ensemble energy, or One False Move (1991) for Billy Bob Thornton's intense screen presence. Bandits (2001) and War, Inc. (2008) also share a similar blend of sharp comedy and character rivalry.
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