The premiere for DEFIANCE at the AFI Film Festival in November was probably the highlight of the season.
Non-stop, the press were treated to up-close and personal interviews with a handful of the stars who wafted down the red carpet a stone's throw away from excited fans who strained curbside for a glimpse of their screen idols.
Vanessa Redgrave and Matt Dillon put in unexpected appearances, too.
Even, high profile behind-the-scenes power brokers turned out to tout the release.
Post: 11/10/2008
http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2008/11/afi-festvanessa-redgrave-surprise-at.html
When Ed Zwick alighted for a chat, he was beaming with pride.
"The story may have been lost because Tuvia Bielski was such a humble man. Although he was considered a hero, he downplayed it."
Of course, he was referring to the man who inspired a community of Jews in a concentration camp, to steal away from the clutches of the Germans and seek their freedom in the wilds beyond the death camps.
Yes, Defiance is based on a true-life story about Jews who actually fought back against the Nazis in World War II.
There is quite a bit of action on screen - and likewise - no-holds barred violence on the heels of it.
Even still - the producers managed to weave a tale not only about the horrors of war - but the human condition, as well.
Unexpected twists-and-turns have been delighting rapt audiences.
A romantic wedding scene - shot under a canopy of grand old trees deep in a mystical forest - touches the heart and resonates, for instance.
The acting throughout is superb, with special kudos going to Liev Schreiber and Jamie Bell, in particular.
In contrast, I found Daniel Craig's acting style a bit too minimalist in approach.
For the most part, he was stone-faced - with little expression on his face - throughout.
And, his accent (?) was as fleeing as the wind.
In spite of those annoyances, I'm sure a shot of Craig shirtless in a romantic scene by an open fire, must have curried favor with his devout fan base.
The film was a tad long, but worth the price of admission, nonetheless.
