Jake Gyllenhall and Tatiana Maslany are BAWSTON Strong
“Inspired by a true story” titles are often burdened by the material they need to depict. It is too soon to depict events, is it too cloying, too glorifying, or milking the tragedy. It’s a fine line to deliver something that is true, emotionally connects with an audience, and respects real life events. Director David Gordon Green’s Stronger, based on the true story of Jeff Bauman, a survivor of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, largely succeeds in all these respects, with his nuanced take aided by some fine performances by an impressive cast.
Synopsis:
Inspired by the true story, Stronger stars Jake Gyllenhaal as Jeff Bauman, a working-class Bostonian who was at the 2013 marathon when the bomb blast occurred and he tragically lost both of his legs. After regaining consciousness Jeff was able to help law enforcement identify one of the bombers, but his own battle had just begun. Jeff’s deeply personal journey tests a family’s bond and defines a community’s pride as he overcomes adversity to become the living embodiment of “Boston Strong.”
Jeff Bauman became the face of the Boston Marathon bombing back in 2013, not just for the incident itself, but the aftermath where those affected and the city as a whole banded together in collective strength to become “Boston Strong.” It was another burden on a man dealing with the loss of both legs and the psychological trauma of that day’s events.
Jeff (Jake Gyllenhaal) works at a supermarket deli counter and lives with his alcoholic mother Patty (Miranda Richardson), his extended family being ever-present in their lives. An encounter with his ex-girlfriend Erin (Tatiana Maslany) in a bar fuels his hopes of a reunion, and in finding she intends to run the marathon, he states his intent to be there for her at the finish line. The attack leaves their lives forever altered, his recovery pulling them together, but the strain of his family and recovery threatening to tear them apart once again.
It’s easy for a tale of this sort to be overly sentimental or cloying, but director David Gordon Green avoids such cliches, rooting the film in a more affecting reality and tempering the schmaltz. It’s smart and immersive direction, in terms of investiture in Jeff’s working class background, the changes in his life, and the strain of his recovery, with special attention given to the burden placed upon him as a symbol by his friends and fellow Bostonians. He shows the tragic events, depicted in a respectful manner, but doesn’t shy away from the horror of the attack. Perhaps the most impressive and affecting sequence being one with Jeff having his bandages changed for the first time after surgery. It’s uplifting, but it’s delivered with a rawness that respects the struggle. It’s not all bleak; the emergence (or rather rekindling) of the relationship between Jeff and Erin is key to both the protagonists’ endurance and emergence from this ordeal. This serves to lighten up the darker moments as, with Erin’s help, they find some humor and hope in their situation, even with the resistance of Jeff’s family to their relationship.
Gyllenhaal does well, as you’d expect. He’s become of of the most reliable and impressive performers in recent years, and this is nuanced work that should earn plenty of nominations for him. Tatiana Maslany continues to show how skilled she is as a performer, having plenty of juicy material herself to tackle, balancing the need to support and nurture while being the source of tough love that Jeff ultimately needs. One can only hope this further fuels her prominence in the minds of casting directors. Equally of note is Miranda Richardson, who loses herself in a often ugly role as Jeff’s mother. It’s a transformative performance, one up to her usual high standard, but she’s practically unrecognizable as this alcoholic, overprotective mother from the wrong side of Boston. Supporting cast members such as Clancy Brown and Kate Fitzgerald do much to add an air of authenticity to the family, the setting, and the film as a whole.
The Package
Image quality is good, detail is strong, colors are natural but take on a cool/blue hue. Darker scenes show good black depth, with a little softness creeping in. Special features include:
- “Faith, Hope & Love: Becoming Stronger” Featurette: Running just under 30 minutes, it features contributions from cast and crew, largely addressing the adaptation of Bauman’s book, performances, locations, and interestingly the special effects/prosthetic work. More in depth than your average behind the scenes.
- Digital download code.
The Bottom Line
David Gordon Green has taken an incredibly personal tale, one that touched and inspired many, and told it with respect and authenticity. Gyllenhaal impresses as ever, but it’s Miranda Richardson and Tatiana Maslany who give the film a rawness and depth. An honest depiction of trauma, and the strength people have to find not just to survive, but to live again.
Stronger is available on Blu-ray and DVD via Lionsgate from December 19th.