Stronger is the inspiring true story of Jeff Bauman (Jake Gyllenhaal), an ordinary man who captured the hearts of his city and the world to become a symbol of hope following the infamous 2013 Boston Marathon bombing. The film chronicles Jeff’s deeply personal account of the heroic journey which tests a family’s bond, defines a community’s pride, and inspires his inner courage to overcome devastating adversity.
Bauman was standing at the finish line of the 2013 Boston Marathon when a pair of improvised bombs exploded next to him, changing his life in a split second. A photographer happened to take a picture of the young man lying in the street with his horrific injuries; it was an image that quickly went viral, and Bauman suddenly became the face of a horrendous tragedy for people all over the world.
Veteran producer Todd Lieberman was scouting around for his next project when he heard about Bauman’s story from a colleague who had urged Bauman to write a memoir. Understandably, he was reluctant to revisit the trauma he went through, and Lieberman was honest enough to explain that making the movie would mean Bauman would have to relive it all again.
Eventually, Bauman decided to write his book and it was immediately optioned to Mandeville Films, Lieberman’s company. The producer brought playwright John Pollono on board. Like Bauman, Pollono comes from New England and he immediately connected with the material, and with Jeff and his family. “I know them,” he explains. “They’re like my family. I don’t know how anyone who didn’t come from that kind of neighbourhood could have written this story. I felt a strong obligation to get this right. It was heart-wrenching, but I had to do it.”
Next up was finding the right director; one who would successfully walk the line between the screenplay’s delicate balance of hope and despair.
Sometimes, the best way to get through tragedy is with humour
“It’s an extremely dramatic story, but we had to build in release valves along the way so it isn’t overwhelming,” says Lieberman. “That required someone who understood that sometimes, the best way to get through tragedy is with humour. This is very authentic to the way Jeff and his friends and family deal with each other. There’s lots of wisecracking to get through trying times.”
Director David Gordon Green came to mind. Green has a reputation for unparalleled versatility, turning out films ranging from the outrageous stoner comedy Pineapple Express to the award-winning teen drama George Washington. However, after working on a string of dramatic movies Green was hoping to turn his attention back to comedy. “I was looking to let loose a little bit,” he remembers. “Then I got a copy of this script. I was immediately swept away by the characters and the circumstances. I could see how the tension combined with the humorous aspects of John’s script would take it beyond the headlines.”
It was indeed a coup for the production when acclaimed actor Jake Gyllenhaal expressed an interest in playing Bauman. He was also interested in producing the film, which would become the first release from his newly formed production company, Nine Stories Productions.
“I really loved the character and I was deeply moved by the script,” says the actor. “It felt important to champion it. I wanted to make sure the movie got made. I was struck by Jeff’s journey and the fact that this isn’t a story about the bombing. It is a story about one human being moving through tragedy to hope.
“I spent a lot of time talking with him beforehand,” Gyllenhaal continues. “Once we began shooting, I still texted with him and talked with him, just not on set. There’s a part of him that is very boyish still. That’s why it’s so easy to fall for him. We all did. He’s not only charismatic but he’s so loving. He has a childlike sense of play. And, then at the same time, there’s a deep darkness underneath.”
The actor adds that he often found himself wondering what he would have done in Jeff’s situation. “No matter how hard I tried to understand what he went through, I sometimes felt I was hitting a wall. I literally don’t think I would have survived what he has gone through.”
Stronger also stars Tatiana Maslany as Erin Hurley, Jeff’s ex-girlfriend, and Miranda Richardson as his mother Patty.