Deep Impact

Mimi Leder directed this 1998 American science-fiction disaster film; Bruce Joel Rubin and Michael Tolkin wrote the screenplay. The plot centers on a global threat: an 11-kilometer-wide comet is discovered to be on a collision course with Earth. Teenage astronomer Leo Biederman (Elijah Wood) and professional astronomer Dr. Wolf first detect the comet, but Dr. Wolf dies in a car accident shortly thereafter. Journalist Jenny Lerner (Téa Leoni) inadvertently uncovers a government conspiracy related to this impending danger. U.S. President Tom Beck (Morgan Freeman) announces a mission to destroy the comet using the spacecraft "Messiah," led by astronaut Spurgeon Tanner (Robert Duvall). The mission fails, splitting the comet into two fragments, both still headed toward Earth. As the catastrophe looms, the government constructs underground shelters for selected citizens, leading to public unrest. The film explores themes of sacrifice, human resilience, and moral dilemmas in the face of global crisis. The cast also includes Vanessa Redgrave, Maximilian Schell, and James Cromwell. With a budget of $80 million, the film grossed over $349 million worldwide, becoming the sixth highest-grossing film of 1998.