Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk (2016)

19-year-old Billy Lynn is brought home for a victory tour after a harrowing Iraq battle. Through flashbacks, the film shows what really happened to his squad - contrasting the realities of war with America's perceptions.

Director:

Ang Lee

Writers:

Ben Fountain (based on the novel by), Jean-Christophe Castelli (screenplay by)

Stars:

Joe Alwyn, Garrett Hedlund, Arturo Castro

2 wins & 7 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Joe Alwyn	...	Billy
Garrett Hedlund	...	Dime
Arturo Castro	...	Mango
Mason Lee	...	Foo
Astro	...	Lodis (as Brian 'Astro' Bradley)
Beau Knapp	...	Crack
Ismael Cruz Cordova	...	Holliday
Barney Harris	...	Sykes
Vin Diesel	...	Shroom
Steve Martin	...	Norm
Chris Tucker	...	Albert
Kristen Stewart	...	Kathryn
Makenzie Leigh	...	Faison
Ben Platt	...	Josh
Bruce McKinnon	...	Billy's Father

Storyline

2-time Academy Award® winner Ang Lee brings his extraordinary vision to Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk, based on the widely-acclaimed, bestselling novel. The film is told from the view of 19-year-old private Billy Lynn (newcomer Joe Alwyn) who, along with fellow soldiers, is hailed as a 'hero' after a harrowing Iraq battle. He'is brought home for a victory tour. Through flashbacks, the film reveals what really happened to the squad - contrasting the realities of the war with America's perceptions. The film also stars Kristen Stewart, Chris Tucker, Garrett Hedlund, with Vin Diesel, and Steve Martin.

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Plot Keywords:

based on novel | flashback | thanksgiving day | iraq war | character name in title | 

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Genres:

Action | Drama | Sport | Thriller | War

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language throughout, some war violence, sexual content, and brief drug use

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook

Country:

UK China USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

18 November 2016 (USA)

Also Known As:

Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk

Filming Locations:

Atlanta, Georgia, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$40,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$114,129, 13 November 2016

Gross USA:

$1,738,477

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$30,930,984

Company Credits

Production Co:

Bona Film Group, Dune Films, Film4

Technical Specs

Runtime:

113 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Atmos

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Steve Martin revealed in an interview that they were several weeks into the shoot before he realized that Joe Alwyn was actually English. Alwyn's American accent was so accurate that Martin didn't have a clue that he was from the UK.

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Goofs

Throughout SSG Dime wears an Expert Infantryman's badge (EIB) except in the limo where he has a Combat Infantryman's badge (CIB).

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Quotes

Billy: It's sort of weird, being honored for the worst day of your life.

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Connections

References Apocalypse Now (1979)

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Soundtracks

Maqam Sabah
Written by Farida (as Ali Farida)
Performed by Farida
Courtesy of Pan Records
By arrangement with Seven Seas Music, Inc.

User Reviews

A Misfire!

Two Time Academy-Award Winner for Best Director, Ang Lee is back with 'Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk'. And heartbreakingly, this is the weakest film by the prolific director to date. Despite sincere efforts, this War-Drama is a misfire!

'Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk' Synopsis: 19-year-old Billy Lynn is brought home for a victory tour after a harrowing Iraq battle. Through flashbacks the film shows what really happened to his squad - contrasting the realities of war with America's perceptions.

The biggest problem with 'Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk' is its unappealing Writing. Jean-Christophe Castelli's Screenplay, which is based on the novel by the same name by Ben Fountain, trembles. Billy Lynn's struggle in the war zone & the after effects once he returns home, are barely engaging. The Writing doesn't hold you or move, unfortunately!

Ang Lee isn't in form this time around. His Direction leaves a lot to be desired. Cinematography & Editing are fine. Art & Costume Design are classy.

Performance-Wise: Joe Alwyn as Billy Lynn, is the sole saving grace. He delivers an excellent performance from start to end. He has the potential to go places, given the right scripts. Kristen Stewart as Billy's older sister, tries to make the most out of her limited role. Chris Tucker is okay, while Steve Martin is wasted. And Vin Diesel is as usual.

On the whole, 'Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk' is a poor show.