After pushing the technological envelope and nabbing an Oscar with “Life Of Pi,” Ang Lee is back and once again ready to bring cinema another step forward into the future. This time around he’s going for mega-realism, shooting his forthcoming “Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk” at 120 frames-per-second. But as always, none of this matters unless the movie is good, and we now have our first taste.
READ MORE: David Oyelowo & Ray Fisher Circling Ang Lee’s 3D Thrilla In Manilla
The director has collected an unlikely ensemble — Kristen Stewart, Chris Tucker, Garrett Hedlund, Vin Diesel and Steve Martin — to back newcomer Joe Alwyn in the story of an Iraq war veteran who comes back home for a victory tour. Here’s the official synopsis:
The film is told from the point of view of 19-year-old private Billy Lynn (newcomer Joe Alwyn) who, along with his fellow soldiers in Bravo Squad, becomes a hero after a harrowing Iraq battle and is brought home temporarily for a victory tour. 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 war with America’s perceptions.
“’Billy Lynn’ is a story of love, courage and devotion,” Lee told USA Today. “It’s the story of a young man learning his place in the world, and of the special brotherhood among men at arms, the depths of their bonds, and the sacrifices they make.”
“Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk” opens on November 11th, so yes, this is going to be an Oscar contender and early buzz has been very good. Watch the trailer above.