Strongeris now in theaters, and I was recently able to speak with directorDavid Gordon Greenabout it at the Toronto International Film Festival. If you haven’t seen the trailers, the drama – based on a true story – starsJake Gyllenhaalas Jeff Bauman, an ordinary man who became a symbol of heroism and strength after losing both of his legs during the tragic 2013 Boston Marathon bombing. Unlike theMark WahlbergvehiclePatriot’s Day, this film is mostly focused on what happened after the bombing, and how the event and the public attention affected Bauman and his ex-girlfriend Erin (Tatiana Maslany), who was running the marathon at the time. The film also starsMiranda Richardson.
During the interview, David Gordon Green talks about why he responded to the story, why he didn’t want to make a traditional inspirational story, balancing entertainment with the importance of telling a true story faithfully, deleted scenes,Sean Bobbitt’s fantastic cinematography, what it was like filming at a Bruins game, and more. In addition, while he was very guarded about saying too much, we did talk about theHalloweenreboot towards the end of the interview and meeting withJohn Carpenter.
Check out what he had to say in the player above and below is exactly what we talked about followed by the official synopsis. You can also read Adam Chitwood’svery positive review here.
David Gordon Green:
Here’s the official synopsis forStronger:
Strongeris the inspiring true story of Jeff Bauman, an ordinary man who captured the hearts of his city and the world to become the symbol of hope following the infamous 2013 Boston Marathon bombing. Jake Gyllenhaal stars as Jeff, a 27-year-old, working-class Boston man who was at the marathon to try and win back his ex-girlfriend Erin (Tatiana Maslany). Waiting for her at the finish line when the blast occurs, he loses both his legs in the attack. After regaining consciousness in the hospital, Jeff is able to help law enforcement identify one of the bombers, but his own battle has just begun. He tackles months of physical and emotional rehabilitation with the unwavering support of Erin and his family. It is Jeff’s deeply personal account of the heroic journey that tests a family’s bond, defines a community’s pride and inspires his inner courage to overcome devastating adversity. Filled with raw emotion, humanity and humor,Strongeristhe inspirational real-life story of the man who became the living embodiment of “Boston Strong.” The film also stars Academy Award®nominee Miranda Richardson and is directed by David Gordon Green.
