Whiteout (2009): A Review
Greg Rucka's Graphic Novel Is an On-Screen Rollercoaster Ride
Until now, whenever moviegoers think of Antarctica, they thought of John Carpenter's The Thing. Lonely research stations clinging to the desolate, unforgiving expanse, full of dead ends and shadowy corners, are the perfect setting for thrillers, and Whiteout is no exception.
Kate Beckinsale (Underworld) plays U.S. Marshal Carrie Stetko who, at the end of a long two years, is more than ready to ship out to a warmer post. The last flight will depart in two days, after which, Antarctica’s brutal winter sets in—six months during which the sun never rises—making it impossible for anyone to get in or out.
Duty First for U.S. Marshal Stetko
Unfortunately, all hell breaks loose in those last two days. First, a mangled body is discovered in the ice. The cause of death is suspicious. Apart from the problem that there might be a murderer in the midst is the problem of filing a report. Stetko’s confidante, Dr. Furry (Tom Skeritt, Alien), worries that the authorities will want to investigate and the two of them will be considered witnesses. Which means staying behind for the Antarctic winter.
The Doc offers to say nothing, but Stetko’s devotion to duty won’t allow it. She then sets out to get to the bottom of things, flying with pilot Delfy (Columbus Short, Stomp the Yard) to an abandoned Russian base where the victim was last seen alive.
“Nature Never Intended You to Survive Here”
Plot twists involving Russian mercenaries and fast-paced action put audiences at the edge of their seats. Just the threat of a whiteout, during which 200 mph winds whip up the snow to create zero visibility, is enough to build suspense.
In whiteout conditions, even going from one building to another is hazardous. Without the proper precautions, a person is dead within minutes. It doesn't help that Stetko is chased by an ice-pick-wielding maniac while both are clipped to a guideline to keep from being blown away by the wind.
Stetko is a complex and interesting character. As U.N. operative Robert Pryce (Gabriel Macht, The Spirit) points out, she must be running away from something to be sent to such a Godforsaken place, and she is. What makes this subplot work is that the murder mystery isn’t a means for Stetko to find redemption. Instead, her past colors her relationships with friends and suspects alike, making it harder for audiences to guess who the perp is.
Suspension of disbelief is required, especially in believing that the waif-like Beckinsale is a street-tough U.S. Marshal who can outrun and outfight hardened criminals, but it’s no harder than picturing her as Lycan-killing Selene in the Underworld movies.
Whiteout’s Comic Book Origins
Whiteout was originally a graphic novel by Greg Rucka and artist Steve Lieber. Rucka is known for writing strong, independent female characters. Lily Sharpe, a British spy that features in the graphic novel published by Oni Press, was left out of the movie and replaced with Pryce.
Previous review: Irma Vep (1996)
Kate Beckinsale Protects Antarctica
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