Thirteen Days (2000)

Charles Esten: Maj. Rudolf Anderson

Quotes 

• Maj. Rudolf Anderson : This is Major Anderson." "Hello? Anyone there?

  Kenny O'Donnell : Major, my name is Kenneth O'Donnell. Special Assistant to the President. Major, a few days ago the President ordered me to help him keep control of what's going on out there. I've been browbeating pilots, navy guys left and right to make sure you don't get us here in Washington into trouble. But you know what? We're pretty damn good at getting ourselves into trouble. So instead of riding your ass, I'm just going to tell you what's going on, and let you figure out how best to help us out up here.

  Maj. Rudolf Anderson : Go ahead, sir.

  Kenny O'Donnell : Last night, we looked like we were going to cut a deal to get us all out of this mess. Today, the Soviets are reneging. We're going to try to salvage the situation, but a lot of things are going wrong today. It's making everyone nervous, and it will be very hard to avoid going to war. Don't get shot down, Major. Beyond that, whatever else you can do to help us, I'd really appreciate it.

  Maj. Rudolf Anderson : When you're up there at 72,000 feet, there's a million things that can go wrong. Is your oxygen mix right? Will your cameras freeze up? Are you leaving contrail... Those million things are beyond your control, mostly... But you know, when you realize that, there's a kind of peace. You don't need to be in control. You never were in control in the first place. If you're a good man, and your ground crew are good men, it's all you can ask for. And with the grace of G-d, it'll get you through. You sound like a good man. You'll be all right, Mr. O'Donnell. We believe in you guys down here. Thanks for the call.

  Kenny O'Donnell : Thank you, Major.