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Acclaimed filmmaker Clint Eastwood, celebrated for his extensive work acting in and directing numerous esteemed Hollywood productions, was particularly captivated by one specific script. This screenplay immediately prompted his commitment to helming the resultant film, the Sully movie.
The project in question was Sully: Miracle on the Hudson, a compelling chronicle of the 2009 aircraft incident on the Hudson River where the pilot successfully preserved the lives of 155 individuals aboard. The scribe behind this dramatic adaptation is Todd Komarnicki, also known for producing Elf and recently writing, producing, and directing the Bonhoeffer biopic.
Eastwood’s Connection to the Sully Script
Discovering the Screenplay
In a previous conversation with Film Ink, Eastwood shared insights into his initial encounter with the script:
“The script for Sully remained on my desk for nearly a week. One evening as I was heading home, my assistant suggested, ‘Take these scripts with you. Review the untitled script concerning the miracle on the Hudson.’ So, I returned home and commenced reading the other screenplays. She repeatedly brought up the Hudson script throughout the week, leading me to think, ‘Perhaps I should finally read this!’ I did, and subsequently realized, ‘Why was I wasting time on those other inferior projects instead of reading this?'”
Finding the Inherent Drama
Eastwood further elaborated on his immediate affinity for the story, particularly how the screenplay revealed underlying dramatic tension:
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“I was immediately enamored with it. I believed I was fully informed about the Miracle on the Hudson, having closely followed the news when it occurred. Then, suddenly, it all clicked into place. My initial query was, ‘Where is the conflict in this scenario? This individual lands an aircraft successfully and saves 155 people… what’s the drama?’ However, Chesley Sullenberger endured periods of internal conflict, primarily prompted by the relevant transportation authorities. He was compelled to justify his actions, which thankfully were validated as the appropriate decisions. This aspect introduced significant dramatic weight, aligning precisely with what I sought in a project.”
Broadening the Sully Narrative
Recognizing the potential for depth beyond the initial event, Eastwood noted:
“My first thought was, ‘This appears to be a remarkable occurrence, but who would want to view an entire feature film focusing solely on it?’ Yet, the screenplay allows us to re-experience the events through diverse feelings from various individuals involved and the varied perspectives surrounding the incident. Furthermore, there’s his personal life, how it impacted him, and his display of inner fortitude during the inquiry. Thus, it ultimately developed into a compelling narrative. My contributions primarily involved adding elements like the dream sequences, enabling the audience to perceive his mental process during those critical decisions.”
Screenwriter Todd Komarnicki on Working with Eastwood
In an earlier interview conducted this year, Todd Komarnicki himself asserted that Eastwood, who is nearing 95 years of age, has no intention of retiring from filmmaking.
Komarnicki shared his experience:
“Collaborating with Clint Eastwood was an absolute fulfillment. When you encounter individuals you admire, and they exceed your most optimistic anticipations, that precisely describes my experience with Clint. Indeed, I was inspired to pursue directing after observing Clint Eastwood. Witnessing his approach on set demonstrated the correct methodology for making a movie. An absence of ego, no rushing, a profound tranquility, significant confidence. He also has a high regard for writers, therefore he doesn’t tamper with the screenplay. Consequently, he filmed the script entirely as penned, which was undoubtedly very gratifying. But he is amiable, humorous, benevolent, and welcoming, and it was a tremendous privilege to work with Clint. I find it inconceivable that he would retire; the more probable scenario is his passing on set at 102 than choosing retirement.”