The Messenger Kicks Off Sarasota Film Festival
Iraq War Movie Stars Woody Harrelson and Ben Foster
Mar 29, 2009
Ben Foster, Woody Harrelson and Jena Malone, stars of The Messenger, sparkled on the red carpet during the 11th Annual Sarasota Film Festival’s opening night event on March 27. The Messenger director Oren Overman, writer Alessandro Camon, producer Lawrence Inglee and consultant Lt. Col. Paul Sinor were on hand along with actor Joe Pantoliano and dozens of military personnel and their families.
Following the Florida debut of The Messenger, attending cast and crew held a question and answer session with the audience. Afterward, about 1,000 partygoers including filmmakers, film buffs and Sarasota socialites partied in the lobby and on the lawn of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.
The Messenger: Synopsis
Life changes for many American families with a knock on the door from an Army casualty notification officer. The 112-minute movie shines light on the emotional conflict these officers face when notifying the next of kin their loved one has been killed while serving their country. Deeper, The Messenger is an unconventional love story. Staff Sgt. Will Montgomery, played by Ben Foster, is an Army officer who just returned from a tour in Iraq with injuries and is reassigned to fulfill his military service as an Army casualty notification officer. Capt. Tony Stone, Woody Harrelson’s character, is Montgomery’s mentor.
The notification scenes are particularly raw and powerfully emotional. During the Q&A session, Director Oren Moverman said although the actors rehearsed their scenes, they had not rehearsed together. When the Foster and Harrelson characters knocked on doors, they did not know who was on the other side and were unaware how they would react. These scenes were shot by a crew of four with handheld cameras which created artistic, jumpy scenes enhancing the emotional impact.
Filming the movie made an emotional impact on the actors. “After the actor in the scene stopped crying, I would start,” Woody Harrelson told the audience.
The Messenger: The Future
The Messenger is not a sugary, feel-good movie and about 30 minutes too long. However, characters and the plot are believable, emotional and gritty. Scenes push comfort zones and while viewers probably won’t be leaving the movie laughing, they will leave with other emotions usually not explored in Hollywood films. And that’s the sign of a good movie. Lawrence Inglee, one of the film’s producers, expects The Messenger will be distributed later this fall, which happens to be awards season.
Sarasota Film Festival Opening Night: Of Celebrity Note
- Woody Harrelson: Walked the red carpet with daughter Deni and he wore black Converse All Star tennis shoes, which fit well with his black suit.
- Ben Foster: Prepared for his role by visiting and spending time with soldiers at Walter Reed Army Military Center and Fort Dix.
- Jena Malone: When asked how she was enjoying her visit to Sarasota, the up-and-coming actress said she had only just arrived into the city.
- Samantha Morton: The actress has a significant role in the film but did not attend the Sarasota Film Festival opening event.
- Lt. Col. Sinor: Retired from the military at the stroke of midnight during the 11th Annual Sarasota Film Festival opening party.
The 11th Annual Sarasota Film Festival is March 27 – April 5, 2009, in downtown Sarasota, Florida. Running concurrently April 2 – 5 is the inaugural Sarasota Fringe Film Festival screening independent films and shorts rejected by the Sarasota Film Festival. The Fringe Film Festival is also offering workshops and parties.
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