Michael Gandolfini, 25, stars as Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company (ANGLICO) operative McDonald in the new WWII war drama “Warfare”. The film is based on the real-life experiences of co-director Ray Mendoza’s time in the Navy SEALs and tells the story of a team’s attempt to evacuate two wounded SEALs during the Battle of Ramadi in Iraq.
Gandolfini had to undergo intense physical training, including running with 60-70 pounds of gear for hours, to prepare for his role. He also worked with a veteran trainer who pushed him to his limits. The actor credits this training with helping him develop a sense of resilience and humility that he carried into his performance.
The film’s creators aimed to provide an unbiased look at war, one that is grounded in reality and factual. Gandolfini praises the filmmakers’ respect for their subjects and the cast’s willingness to take on the challenges of filming. “It was straightforward,” Gandolfini says of his collaboration with Mendoza and co-director Alex Garland.
Gandolfini draws parallels between his own life and the film, noting that his late father, James Gandolfini, worked with veterans through the Wounded Warrior Project. Michael Gandolfini has a personal connection to the subject matter, having received a watch from his injured soldier friend when he was younger.
With its realistic portrayal of war, “Warfare” offers a fresh perspective on the genre. The film’s director, Alex Garland, aimed to create an experience that feels the consequences of war, rather than romanticizing it. Gandolfini agrees, stating that the film is “so grounded, so factual, and the consequences feel so large.”
Source: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/michael-gandolfini-warfare-journey-father-1236187832