Jeff Bauman, Jake Gyllenhaal – Stronger #RomaFF12

PODCAST| Chiara Nicoletti interviews Jeff Bauman and Jake Gyllenhaal, book author and actor of the film Stronger.

After presenting it at the Toronto Film Festival, the new film by David Gordon Green, Stronger, is in the official selection of the 12th Rome Film Fest. Its protagonist, Jake Gyllenhaal portrays Jeff Bauman’s story and strength and testifies his fall and rise story. Bauman who came to introduce the film to the audience with Gyllenhaal , lost both his legs in the explosion caused by the 2013 Boston Marathon’s terrorist attack and wrote a book about this tragic experience. With Gyllenhaal, they talk about how it feels to be in Rome, how they worked together and they clarify that the film is always focusing on Jeff’s personal story, leaving aside a more general debate on terrorism.

Stronger is the inspiring true story of Jeff Bauman, an ordinary man who captured the hearts of his city and the world to become the symbol of hope following the infamous 2013 Boston Marathon bombing. Jake Gyllenhaal stars as Jeff, a 27-year-old, working-class Boston man who was at the marathon to try and win back his ex-girlfriend Erin (Tatiana Maslany). Waiting for her at the finish line when the blast occurs, he loses both his legs in the attack. After regaining consciousness in the hospital, Jeff is able to help law enforcement identify one of the bombers, but his own battle has just begun. He tackles months of physical and emotional rehabilitation with the unwavering support of Erin and his family. It is Jeff’s deeply personal account of the heroic journey that tests a family’s bond, defines a community’s pride and inspires his inner courage to overcome devastating adversity. Filled with raw emotion, humanity and humor, Stronger is the inspirational real-life story of the man who became the living embodiment of “Boston Strong.” The film also stars Academy Award® nominee Miranda Richardson and is directed by David Gordon Green.