Italian
Saoirse Ronan immerses in ‘Blitz,’ a poignant reflection of historical and modern conflicts
Delving into the intense WWII drama
During a revealing press conference at the BFI London Film Festival, actress Saoirse Ronan unveiled the emotional depth and contemporary relevance of Steve McQueen’s riveting WWII drama, “Blitz”. This project brought a new level of realism and urgency to her experience as an actor, with Ronan candidly sharing her thoughts on how the filming process blended uncomfortably with current global events.
A unique, immersive experience on set
“The thing that made this so real as a filming experience is that you’d shoot certain scenes where there’s total chaos and pandemonium and we’re having to portray characters in abject fear and horror, and then you would leave set and you’d turn on the radio and you’d hear exactly the same thing,” Ronan reflected. “It was the first time I’d ever had an experience on a project where there wasn’t really an escape from it.”
Ronan’s observations highlight a rare convergence where fiction meets the harsh reality of our times, making ”Blitz” more than just a historical recount. Blitz pulls the viewer into the emotional turmoil of war, inevitably drawing parallels with today’s turmoil across various parts of the world.
Grateful but conflicted
Ronan expressed a mix of gratitude and hesitation, noting, “I was grateful for the experience, though I wasn’t sure if that was insensitive to say.” This candid admission opens up a dialogue on the emotional toll and ethical considerations that come with portraying intense, real-world conflicts on screen. Her appreciation for the project stems from its ability to keep the performers grounded in the moment, aware of the film’s substantial relevance.
“I think it gave you so much motivation to continue on with the picture because, again, I hate to say ‘relevant,’ but it does feel incredibly relevant,” she elaborated. “For some reason we still haven’t been able to break this cycle. So yeah, it made it incredibly real.”
A gripping narrative of survival
In Blitz, Ronan portrays Rita, a distraught mother in search of her 9-year-old son, George, played by newcomer Elliott Heffernan. Her son was sent to the countryside for safety during the Blitz bombings in London—a story that resonates with the heart-wrenching decisions and resilience of families in wartime. The ensemble cast, featuring names like Harris Dickinson, Erin Kellyman, Stephen Graham, Kathy Burke, Paul Weller, Leigh Gill, and Benjamin Clementine, brings additional depth and variety to the film’s narrative.
The creative genius behind ‘Blitz’
Steve McQueen, the mastermind behind this evocative piece, not only directed but also wrote and produced Blitz. Known for his profound storytelling in films like 12 Years a Slave, which secured an Academy Award for Best Picture, McQueen’s return to the feature film landscape after 2018’s Widows is highly anticipated. His commitment to exploring human struggle and endurance is evident in Blitz, promising audiences an emotionally charged and historically rich viewing experience.
A tribute to Londoners’ resilience
Premiering as the opening night gala at the BFI London Film Festival, Blitz stands as a cinematic tribute to the spirit of Londoners during one of the most challenging periods in history. McQueen’s statement about the film captures its essence:
“‘Blitz’ is a movie about Londoners. It honors the spirit of what and how Londoners endured during the Blitz, but also explores the true representation of people in London, while at its core is the story of a working-class family desperate to be reunited during times of war.”
Release dates and viewing options
Blitz will have a limited theatrical release starting November 1 before it becomes available to a global audience via Apple TV+ on November 22. This staggered release ensures that both traditional cinema-goers and digital streaming subscribers can experience the film’s powerful storytelling.
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