Ang Lee’s war drama Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk, based on the novel of the same name by Ben Fountain, arrives in theaters this month. It stars Joe Alwyn, Kristen Stewart, Garrett Hedlund, Vin Diesel, Steve Martin and Chris Tucker.
Check out the film’s synopsis below:
Two-time Academy Award® winner Ang Lee brings his extraordinary vision to Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk, based on the widely-acclaimed, bestselling novel. The film is told from the point of view of 19-year-old private Billy Lynn (newcomer Joe Alwyn) who, along with his fellow soldiers in Bravo Squad, becomes a hero after a harrowing Iraq battle and is brought home temporarily for a victory tour. Through flashbacks, culminating at the spectacular halftime show of the Thanksgiving Day football game, the film reveals what really happened to the squad – contrasting the realities of the war with America’s perceptions. The film also stars Kristen Stewart, Chris Tucker, Garrett Hedlund, with Vin Diesel, and Steve Martin. Lee used new technology, shooting at an ultra-high frame rate for the first time in film history, to create an immersive digital experience helping him dramatize war in a way never seen before. Lee directed and produced the film, from a screenplay by Jean-Christophe Castelli and based on the novel by Ben Fountain. Marc Platt, Rhodri Thomas, and Stephen Cornwell are also producers.
Martin and Tucker, who are most commonly seen in comedy flicks, take on dramatic roles in the film. The two talked with BackstageOL about what it was like to take on a different kind of role.
“I’ve done a couple of dramas in my career…so it feels comfortable,” Martin stated. “I really liked my character. I really felt I understood this person. So it was really fun to do, I must say, even though it’s dramatic.”
“I always try to find parts that I can relate to and have a little fun with,” Tucker said. “[My character] was on a mission, trying to get these movie rights sold…for the soldiers.”
Watch the full interview below:
