director Gregory Hoblit on location in the Czech Republic
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Early chapters of Katzenbach’s novel reached producers David Ladd and David Foster separately, and each separately started talking to MGM about the project. It was the studio’s head of production, Michael Nathanson, who brought the two together. Writers Jeb Stuart and Terry George did early drafts, with the final script being written by Billy Ray, who has gone on to become one of Hollywood’s hottest young writers.
“The challenge in development was blending all the book’s marvellous issues and suspense into one cohesive piece,” says Ladd. “We needed to condense a large, detailed and rich narrative into a two-hour movie while preserving the novel’s spirit and integrity.”
Ray, who is a student of military history, had his own reasons for being excited about the project. “It was an opportunity to write an open love letter to the men who served and suffered during WWII - a cinematic tip of the hat,” he says. “I belong to the first generation of American men who were never called to serve, and I’ve always felt grateful, yet guilt-ridden, about it.”
The final piece in the development puzzle came with the hiring of director Gregory Hoblit, whose early career directing episodes of ultra-realistic TV shows like Hill Street Blues and NYPD Blue added an extra dimension to what would become Hart’s War.
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“Bruce Willis brings a real intensity
to the set, both as an actor and because of who he is. Colin, as
the new kid on the block, had to step into that and grow from it.
It’s a case of life imitating art”
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“I’ve always wanted to do a movie about WWII and was drawn to this one because it addresses political and social issues that are as pertinent today as they were then,” says Hoblit. “Hart’s War illuminates fascinating aspects of the military and of WWII captivity that a lot of people are probably not aware of. Certainly this film has lots of impressive bells and whistles – aeroplanes and explosions and stunts – but, at its core, it’s an intimate story of men interacting under duress. That’s the most enjoyable thing for me as a director – working with great words and great actors.”
All involved agreed with Nathanson that Bruce Willis would be ideal for the role of McNamara, so the script went out to Arnold Rifkin, the star’s producing partner in Cheyenne Enterprises, who “fell in love” with the material. Willis agreed.
“I’m incredibly grateful,” says Hoblit, “because he’s so right for the role. Bruce is a very good actor with a strong sense of leadership. That’s something you can’t fully ‘act’: you have to have it. He’s matured into someone who commands respect and can wear the uniform. Bruce just has the right bearing to be McNamara.”
Bruce Willis plays the senior officer, Col McNamara, a
third-generation soldier
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