Synopsis

Baltimore firefighter Jack Morrison becomes trapped inside a burning warehouse after rescuing a civilian. As his fellow firefighters attempt to reach him, Jack reflects on the experiences that shaped his career, including his first days on the job, the dangers he faced, his friendships at the firehouse, and the effect of his demanding profession on his wife and family.

Factoids & Trivia

• The film was shot on location in Baltimore, Maryland, with the Baltimore City Fire Department providing technical guidance and firefighters regularly present during production.

• Joaquin Phoenix spent about two months preparing for the role. He trained at a fire academy and later worked with Baltimore's Truck 10, responding to real alarms and fire calls.

• Phoenix was given an honorary membership by the firefighters he trained with. They also adopted him into their company tradition by giving him a tattoo depicting a bumblebee wearing a fire helmet and carrying an axe.

• The large warehouse-fire sequence was so visible from nearby highways that Baltimore residents repeatedly called emergency services to report what appeared to be a real blaze. Radio stations eventually announced that the fire was part of the production.

• Baltimore mayor Martin O'Malley appears as himself. His payment for the cameo was donated to the Baltimore City Fire Department's foundation.

• The film's theme song, "Shine Your Light," was written and performed by Robbie Robertson, who also contributed music for the end credits.