Legendary filmmaker Ang Lee follows up Life of Pi and returns to the real world – and in quite striking fashion – with Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk. To mark the release of the film here in the UK, we caught up with the Taiwanese director.
Lee discusses with us why he opted to use 120 frames per second, and whether or not he will release another version of the film for cinemas not equipped to play the film as he intended. He also speaks about why he chose British newcomer Joe Alwyn to play the title role, and what it was like working with Kristen Stewart.
Finally, we asked if he attempted to reunite Destiny’s Child for the film (as a version of the band appears during the very halftime show this film is based upon) and finally we discussed his next project, Thriller In Manila – focusing in on the breathtaking boxing fight between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier.
Synopsis
The film is told from the point of view of 19-year-old private Billy Lynn, who, along with his fellow soldiers in Bravo Squad, has been hailed as a hero and brought home for a victory tour after a harrowing Iraq battle. 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 Iraq conflict with America’s celebration back home.
Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk is released on February 10th.
