Taking Chance

You might presume that yet another film about the war in Iraq couldn't possibly reveal anything new; and that, regardless, you can anticipate its message from what is almost always a cleanly defined ideological point of view: Left or Right, pro- or antiwar, pro-administration or opposed. But you would be wrong. 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 true story of a Marine who volunteers to escort the remains of a 19-year-old killed in Iraq to his family in a small Wyoming town, the film is based on a journal by Lieutenant Colonel Michael Strobl. It is in every sense a personal narrative, beautifully presented by first-time filmmaker Ross Katz—who was heretofore an accomplished producer and now makes a remarkable debut as a director. Fueled by an outstanding performance by Kevin Bacon, Taking Chance is about respect, about death and sadness, about honor and the military fraternity, and about the American community during a time of tragedy. It is an extraordinary film from any perspective.
CAST
Kevin Bacon

Ross Katz - Ross Katz makes his debut as a feature-film writer and director with Taking Chance. As a producer of Sofia Coppola's Lost in Translation, he was nominated for an Academy Award for best picture and won a Golden Globe and an Independent Spirit Award. He also produced Todd Field's In the Bedroom, which premiered at Sundance in 2001, was nominated for several Academy Awards and Golden Globes, and won Independent Spirit Awards. Other producing credits include The Laramie Project (2002) and Trick (1999), which both debuted at Sundance.

Screenings:

Fri. Jan 16 5:15 p.m. - TAKIN16RE Racquet Club, Park City
Sun. Jan 18 3:30 p.m. - TAKIN18GA Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center, SLC
Mon. Jan 19 noon - TAKIN19SD Screening Room, Sundance Resort
Tue. Jan 20 12:15 p.m. - TAKIN20CD Eccles Theatre, Park City
Wed. Jan 21 8:30 a.m. - TAKIN21PM Prospector Square Theatre, Park City
Sat. Jan 24 11:30 a.m. - TAKIN24PD Prospector Square Theatre, Park City