My first rendezvous with Hollywood was two Decembers ago in New York City, when I was introduced to the world of press junkets. Junkets are two to three days that the press get to grill the cast and crew of an upcoming film. One by one, reporters are ushered into swanky hotel rooms for five-to-ten minute interviews with the cast and crew. Actors and directors are used to hearing the same question over and over - so as a journalist you're looking for those "catch them off guard" moments. It is hectic, at times nerve wracking, but always exciting.
For Unbroken, my first junket, I mostly played the observer. Unbroken, for those who don't know, is the film adaptation of World War Two hero Louis Zamperini's epic story. This Olympic runner-turned soldier survived a plane crash, 47 days lost at sea, a nightmarish and violent Japanese Army Sergeant called "The Bird," malnutrition and a host of other deadly diseases during his internment. Following his rescue, Zamperini's physical strength may not have been what it once was on the Olympic track, but his ordeal eventually let his spiritual strength in God became stronger than ever. It makes for compelling reading (author Laura Hillenbrand spent years getting to know Zamperini and it shows in her detailed masterpiece) and, unsurprisingly, a captivating two hours on the silver screen.
I didn't have one-on-one on air interviews with the cast at the junket, starring Irishman Jack O'Connell as Zamperini, but I did get the chance to sit down and have a fascinating conversation with Zamperini's daughter Cynthia. Read why she thinks no one today could survive what her dad did.
To kick off the junket, they have a viewing of the film for the invited press. I was pretty starstruck, unaware that the audience would be sprinkled with celebs and politicians. Two rows over from me were Mayor Rudy Giuliani and actress Jodie Foster. Interestingly, Foster, who is a friend of Jolie's as well as a fellow female director, borrowed O'Connell to star in her new film Money Monster.
I really liked Unbroken. It was Jolie's directorial debut and she couldn't have made a more courageous choice. The movie had been passed through many directors' hands and studios through the years, so by the time Jolie found the script in her lap, even her husband Brad was skeptical. "Oh honey, that's been around forever," he told her.
Thankfully, she ignored her hunky husband's advice and stuck to her gut instinct.
Zamperini's story was so wide ranging, Jolie knew she wanted to take her time and tell it right. The result is an extremely realistic telling of his experience. Part of the reason Jolie was able to provide an accurate portrayal is due to the special bond she built with the movie's hero. In interviews together, it's clear the affection they had for one another. One precious picture shows Jolie laying her head on his shoulder. His faith apparently had a profound impact on the actress as well. Reports indicate that one day on set, Jolie dropped to her knees in prayer.
Zamperini died a few weeks before Unbroken's release at the ripe old age of 97.
It wasn't until halfway through the junket I realized I'd be able to see the whole cast in person. A joint presser was the final event on the schedule.
I got there early - second row - and there were there the cast's names sitting on the table. Okay, I thought, this is cool. I'm going to see Angelina Jolie.
Then they arrived.
One of the most interesting questions that was asked was from a Christian reporter in the front row. Her tone was a little combative. Why, she asked, was Zamperini's faith portrayed in such a generic manner? Jolie was noticeably irked. This reporter, however, was voicing the criticism of many Christian media, who chided Jolie for omitting Zamperini's spiritual growth after his hellish ordeal, particularly his relationship with evangelist Billy Graham.
Yet, I think there was a subtlety that Jolie used to describe Zamperini's faith in the movie that was truly beautiful and made it all the more profound. In one of the most desperate moments of the film, Louie and his comrades face a dangerous storm while adrift at sea. Instead of succumbing to death, Louie calls out to God, pledging to give his life to Him if He gets him through the night. Suddenly, the waves subside and the sun appears. How much clearer of a picture could that be?
Not to mention, this movie was focused on Zamperini's war experience. His faith walk in the months and years after his rescue could be a whole other movie!
I raised my hand in the presser but wasn't called on, so I improvised. After the cast had finished taking questions, I walked briskly up to Jolie before she left the room and let her know what a great job I thought she did with the film. Her reaction made me ashamed of ever doubting her sincerity. She shook my hand immediately, smiled and gave me an emphatic "thank you!" She was genuinely grateful.
I also snuck in a question, wondering if Louie had been able to see at least a rough cut of the film before he passed away. She said he had seen the whole thing.
I for one think major kudos belong to Jolie for telling this Christian war hero's story when it had almost slipped through the Hollywood cracks.
You can read more about my experience here.
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