By Steve DiCarlo > Senior > Creative Writing > Hofstra University, Photos Courtesy of Sony Pictures
Every few years, there is a movie that acquires a great deal of hype long before it hits the big screens. Battle: Los Angeles, an alien invasion war film releasing on March 11, is one of those highly anticipated films. The first trailer for the film, which featured ominous music and glimpses of exceptionally intense battle sequences, captured the attention of thousands last November. Since then, several other trailers have come out, each offering just enough new footage to heighten the excitement of viewers.
In order to make the action scenes realistic looking, the actors underwent a marine-like boot camp. They learned the psychology of marines, took apart and reassembled weapons and ran several miles a day. The actors even performed serious stunts; though unfortunately, during one of his own stunts, Eckhart fell seven feet off a rock and broke his left arm. “…I kept on going and finished the scene… I think it’s actually in the movie,” he says.
We interviewed the stars of Battle: Los Angeles, Aaron Eckhart and Michelle Rodriguez, to find out exactly what we can expect from Battle: LA.
Who should see Battle: LA?
“Everyone should go see Battle: Los Angeles because it is a very entertaining, kick-ass alien war movie. It’s very realistic, and you feel like you’re in the action,” says Eckhart.
Rodriguez says that the film is for those who, like her, “find lovey-dovey romance stories to be boring.”
What sets it apart from other alien films?
“I don’t see it as yet another alien invasion movie. I feel like this is a war movie, with aliens as the foe,” says Eckhart. “It has a realistic war feel… we just happen to be fighting aliens. What I really love about this movie is that it is filmed in documentary style. You feel like you’re in the action.”
What was it like filming the action scenes?
“It was awesome! I mean, who gets to shoot a 50 cal?” says Rodriguez. “I got to play with a bunch of new toys. I love guns; they’re great… when they’re not killing people of course.”
“I loved all the physical aspects of making the movie,” says Eckhart, who plays a Marines staff sergeant.
How would you handle an alien invasion in real-life?
“I would end up at a police facility, trying to help out,” says Rodriguez.
Eckhart, however, admitted that his reaction wouldn’t be so courageous. “I would probably go crawl in a hole.”
