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Sundance Movie Trailer: Taking Chance

Posted on Thursday, December 25th, 2008 by Peter Sciretta

As January nears, we begin to focus on the 2009 Sundance Film Festival. A new trailer has hit the web for Ross Katz’s Taking Chance. Katz, who started in Hollywood as a grip on Reservoir Dogs, served as producer on films like In The Bedroom and Lost in Translation, both of which earned him Academy Award nominations. Chance is his directorial debut.

The film is based on true events. Actually, its based on an actual letter written by a volunteer military escort officer (which you can read online here). The film recounts the story of Lieutenant Colonel Michael Strobl, a marine who volunteers to escort the remains of a 19-year-old killed in Iraq, back to his family in a small Wyoming town.

In the last couple years, Sundance has been overrun with films which focus on or use the Iraq war as a backdrop. But Taking Chance is one of the only such films in this years line-up. Sundance programer Geoffrey Gilmore says that “Taking Chance is without question one of the most powerful and vital films ever made about Iraq — or, for that matter, the military — and yet its potency comes not from melodramatic or political statements but simply from its reality and execution.” The film stars Kevin Bacon and Blanche Baker.

Taking Chance will premiere at the Sundance Film Festival on January 16th 2009, and will air on HBO in February 2009.

Comments

JordanFRAV

It is nice to see a change, we've had so many films over the last two years that have been primarily created to simply say in no deep or meaningful way "the war in Iraq is wrong, blame President Bush."* Yet 'Taking Chances' looks to aim more at the human element, the fact that at the end of the day no matter what war, or by who, or where that people, families, fathers, mothers are all losing people they love and how it effects them. Done well, this is could be great film that will make people look past the element of war, and at, essentially the human effect.

* I don't wish to get into a debate about the 'War In Iraq/War On Terror', everybody has their own views and I have mine which aren't particularly interesting or engaging.

Dude_Diggler

Could be good, Kevin Bacon kicks ass

ANGRYBROOMSTICK

looks boring. I'll pass.

ANGRYBROOMSTICK

looks boring and fake-ass cheesy. I'll pass.

oldsoul

yeah same hear
but i like kevin bacon anyway

Semper FI

You have obviously never served or never watched someone die in combat and understand the process of caring for the dead.

Sarah

I can't believe you can call this fake ass cheesy, My best friend was deployed with Chance Phelps, and was on the convoy when he was shot, He pulled his Kevlar from the vehicle filled with the remains of Chance's skull, I am so appalled that you could say something like that about a 19 year old kid who died fighting for your freedom of speech. Chance was a beautiful human being with a smile that could brighten anyones day. You should research before you call something fake and cheesy.

jesse

what jackass would tell a disturbing story like that. screw the ass holes who dont beleave it its ganna be a good movie

Former Devildog

With a hairstyle like yours, you seem to be in your rebellious teenage stage. I guess we will give you a hall pass for now, but one day, someone close to you will be taken away, and one day you will gain some wisdom in that grape of yours to realize what you just said was a slap to all service members who have given the ultimate sacrifice so that you can blurt out your so-called FREEDOM OF SPEECH. Being a former Marine (12th Marines) and now in law enforcement for 13 years, I take great pleasure in removing folks like you from our streets. Hopefully, you will grow up and mature before you are put behind bars.

Semper Fi to all our Devil Dogs and Service Members.

dave

your hair is cheesy and the war is iraq is not fake and neither are the people that i served with when i was in the marine corps. what is fake are vampires and witches or whatever you destined to fail punks are into these days.

redneck-debater

If you actually knew Chance like i did you wouldnt think that. Chance was and still is an AMAZING PERSON!!! So i can tell you one thing this movie isnt "Fake-ass" it really brings justice to Chance

anonymous

Shit looks SO cash.

Stefan Blitz

Director Ross Katz is a friend of mine from college and also produced "In the Bedroom" and "Lost in Translation" among others. I'm thrilled that he gets to challenge his skills in a different area and think he's gonna knock this out of the park.

Shad

This looks like a beautifull film. Also, anyone know what the song is?

egyptnation

yeah, that song was good

Sarah

Greg Laswell - Comes And Goes (In Waves)

authentic.imitation

this looks schmaltzy and self-important. that scene where the drivers turn on their headlights is ridiculous. pass.

SSGT Travis Stockton

You obviously have no care for the departed. While serving in Iraq, I participated in Funeral Detail every chance I had.
I guess your name holds true, you are an authentic asshole and and imitation of a human being.

Jaq

SSGT Travis. your awesome. that idiot up above obviously has no emotions. my brother in law was good friends with PFC Phelps. I'm Glad that someone as amazing as he was is being recognized. OORAH!

Former Devildog

How does it look SELF-IMPORTANT? You obviously hold no intelligence with the words you have chosen to use. I am not sure how much REAL-LIFE experience you have, but people(not related in the funeral) in REAL LIFE turn their headlights on during funeral processions, even the ones that are not military-related. In addition, if you're caught by the police passing up a funeral procession in Texas, you do receive citations. It is apparent you are beyond naive or too young to know better, so move along junior

JIM

To authentic.imitation-------your name serves you right, authentic imitation. It quite obvious YOU never gave a day of your like in the UNITED STATES MILTARY. My thanks to the military and fellow VETS who responded.
US NAVY
US ARMY
PATRIOT GUARD RIDER

Josh

The nearing 50 Kevin Bacon as a 19 year old? I mean he's a good actor and all, but pulling off 19 is a whole different thing for a guy close to 50, then a kid just in his 20s

Keith

He's playing a Lieutenant Colonel. He's escorting a 19 year old PFC. You may think this movie looks cheesy, but I'm in the military and it's nice to see a movie touch on the human aspect of war, especially seeing as how our "media" likes to censor the actual tragedy and death that goes on over there.

Sarah

He's not playing the 19 year old, the 19 year old was Chance Phelps..the child who was killed in combat in Iraq, I happened to know Chance and othersd in his unit, My best Friend was on the same convoy, and in the same truck as Chance when he was shot by a sniper. Chance Phelps was one of the best people you ever could have known, May he rest in peace

dave

dear josh this movie is about a lt coronel escorting the body of 19 year chance phelps who died in combat. the lt coronel is played by bacon. who ever heard of a 19year old lt coronel.

scott

im in this movie.

GySgt_USMC

Regardless of what or how you feel about the war is moot. The film puts into pictures what LtCol Strobl described in a essay for the Marine Corps Gazette. I read it initially, and cried. I'm sure I will cry again when I see the film. I agree with Keith, the human side of things is not sexy, action packed cinema, but what really happens when to us and those like us when the guns fall silent. This story will ring true to any serviceman who has escorted or been assigned to funeral honors duty.

Lisa

I am sorry, but to the person who thought that the drivers looked ridiculous with the headlights on and it was schmaltzy: I am from a small Wyoming town. About 50 miles from where this fine young man is buried. Its a sign of respect. Not any different when people light candles or put ribbons on trees for our Men & Women to come home to, alive or not. How the community pulls together to help bring a family member home is just as important. Alive or not. Its the character and humanity of that community showing through. I will be very proud to see this movie, knowing that a fine young man will be remembered as well as the many other soldiers who deserve such a display. And I am very sorry for any soldier coming home who doesnt receive such respect.

This movie will be worth at least a box of tissues.

Stephanie W Hubert

This movie will touch the hearts of everyone who sees it...including those who do not support war. My parents, Linda & Stuart Weiss, are very close to John & Chris Phelps and I can tell you that entire town of Dubois Wyoming was devastated by Chance's death. Everyone who knew Chance says he was a noble man and fierce warrior. People coast to coast still wear bracelets in Chance's honor. I can't wait to see the movie.

Steve - Orlando, FL

Those who think this is "cheesy" or "schmaltzy" have missed the point entirely. This is a true story about honoring someone who made the ultimate sacrifice. My father was career Army and now rests in a base cemetery. My son is an active duty Marine. I've witnessed the casket transfers at airports, I've attended military funerals. The things you see depicted in this movie happen all the time, it's not cheesy, schmaltzy or "fake-ass", it is a true example of how an event like this impacts more than the immediate people involved. You do your country a disservice by not taking the time to understand what is presented here.

T_Walsh

Chace Phelps was in my battalion [3rd Battalion 11th Marines, MCAGCC Twentynine Palms California] when we deployed to OIF 2 in Ar Ramadi. I remeber the day that his life was taken and it was the worst day ever. Not only was it a bad day for us but a neighboring unit in Ramadi also lost several of its Marines. For you who call this movie a fake or cheesy have obviously never read the story, which is true from start to finish. Tell his parents who started a charity in his name that the story of their son is fake.
This movie isn't just another "war" movie to make money so that some people can get rich off of. This movie tells the story of what one Marine, regardless of rank or age, would do for another and his family.
So before you go off and say that this movie is a fake and or cheesy, do some research before making yourself seem like and idiot.

Semper Fidelis
Sgt Walsh T.O.
USMC

anonymous MIA

Thank you for your service and just know that this story has touched more grateful Americans than you know...

cody

Chance was not only my friend he was my brother at arms. I served with him in OIF 2.. I will not forget the day the news was passed to us that he had died..You dont just lose a friend you lose a part of your family. Its hard for some of you to understand as I can see in some of the comments but some of us are just simple minded...I can go on and run my mouth but Chance wouldnt, he was bigger then that.....We miss you bud...

Semper Fi
Lcpl Depiano C.P.
USMC

Ted

I am a 50 year old veteran of the USCG and I cried when I read Lt. Col. Strobl’s letter. My daughter and son-in-law both just returned from 15 months in Iraq in time for Christmas. My dad was a veteran of the Korean war. I will watch this movie and anticipate crying again.

To those who mocked it or called it fake-ass cheesy should be so blessed as to never have had someone taken away from you from a combat death. It is men and women like Pfc. Chance Phelps that allow you to make such callous and immature comments. Unlike Chance Phelps, who epitomizes the best that America has to offer, you represent the spoiled and self-centered minority that see fit to mock all that is good and righteous about America.

This film represents the good that America and American people have always been about. This film isn’t about the war and whether is was right or wrong. It is about the American spirit and those who choose to dedicate their lives for our freedoms. Don’t waste what men and women like Pfc. Chance Phelps have given the ultimate sacrifice to defend.

Aimee-St. Louis, MO

My brother is a Lt. Col. and asked me to watch this trailer...I'm not sure I could go see this movie. My brother has been a Marine for almost 20 years and has been in many bad situations through out the world; most recently in Iraq. I am honored every day to know him as my brother, and just as honored to tell others as often as possible about how proud I am of him...regardless of their political opinions. This movie is just too close to home, I found myself grieving the lose of Chance...it easily could have been my brother escorting this young man home. Never disregard the loyalty and love of one Marine for another. Semper Fidelis.

RLH MSgt USMC ret

As a retired Marine and a Patriot Guard Rider , I have welcomed Marines home. Escorted National Guard on the first leg of their deployment into harms way, And sadly , attended the funeral of one of our Heroes from my town that paid the ultimate price for freedom . War is not sexy or romantic as seen in most Hollywood movies. I look forward to seeing this movie when it airs! Semper Fi

GT8

Have anyone of you worked for the airlines and witnessed this first hand?! It is a very sombering moment to watch and it can send chills down your spine. Maybe you should find a way to thank those who gave us our opportunity to sit here and judge a film thanking a solider who gave his life for our country. Just a thought.

altalewd

Just saw this movie at Sundance and it is great. Very compelling, realistic view of the human impacts of war, and done with respect for the men and women who make up our great country. Go see this film.

JRTC Role Player

I work at JRTC here at For Polk, The Sister Center of NTC. This is one Movie I WILL watch. I help train sopilders for war, and having My Brother who served 2 tours in Iraq and my best friend David who is currently deployed, thi sis one film I want to, almost have to watch.

People that never had to sit at a military funeral would never understand the pian or honor that is given. From the package arrival to its final resting place, to the 21 gun salute to the flag being handed to the family.

Having lost My father to a heart attack , he was given Burial rights as he served the Army for 23 years. This is one film that I will cry through, for it touches the Human heart.

God Bless the Armed Forces of America, and to all our Comrades in Arms.

Jenny

The song in the trailer is "Comes and Goes" by Greg Laswell

MSgt H.

I can not wait to see this movie, I just hope they show it for all of us in Iraq. How could you read the story or see the preview and not be filled with emotions ranging from sorrow to pride. How many movies out today can do that. This is a must see movie, not just for the military and their families but everyone.

LCpl

I agree with Gunny as well as the Ssgt I may only be a LCpl but I would be honored to have been on funeral duty. Being a pretty new Marine only being in for close to a year now, I am very humbled as well as proud to say that I am serving my country at this time.

1st Lt USMC

this is a movie that is as necessary as a movie can be. recently i feel like every film about the war has always had some underlying agenda and the movie will just be used as a front for peoples feelings about the war. this film however, really captures one of the greatest traditions in honoring our fallen and is something that the rest of the world needs to see. for all of the men and women who have fought before me, all who have fought beside me and all who will continue to fight long after i leave the corps, i love you all for being the bravest of the brave, this ones for us. semper fi

Wayne

I believe this is a fine tribute to the men and women who keep this Country free. As it is said, "Freedom isn't free..." God bless them.

usmc

I was in Beirut in 83, Marines died in front of me. i did escort one my buddy, it was very solemn and moving. watching this film it will bring back memory.

Semper Fidelis

law916

This movie will be a memorable one. this tribute is great in that it relates to both sides of the war deeply and to its extreme.

savage

its nice that people stand up against assholes that say stuff like that against our military personal that fight for there freakin rights......so thanks to everyone that said something against those asshole punks

Sal

I agree with savage. To those who talk down, think badly on our military, or don't show respect when respect is due, be fortunate that you have your first amendment rights, the right to say how you feel because let me tell you... freedom isn't free, it took the lives of many men and women who served, and to them I salute. Some will never understand why we do what we do, to them I leave this quote from John S. Mill:

War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself.

Steve

Taking Chance was just shown over HBO as of 8 PM EST, this film shows more in depth of how the war on Iraq is really seen, its not "a guy killed in Iraq" and if you would have seen that in the news, you wouldn't have thought much of it, you would have went to the bathroom and forgot all about it, but some people have to live with what has happened in Iraq everyday of their life. This movie shows how things should be really seen, now how they should be cropped and propped, and hand chosen.

Cheryl

Thank GOD for this short movie and everone involved!

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