SURVIVOR’S CONFLICTS
THERE’S the assumption that people who survive terrible tragedies must feel lucky to be alive. But we’re not aware of the effects of these events on their emotional and mental states.
opened my eyes to the trauma of those who not only survived tragedies but also found their physical bodies altered because of it. It centres on the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing survivor Jeff Bauman (played by Jake Gyllenhaal), who lost both legs. As someone who helped to identify one of the bombers, he unexpectedly became a symbol of hope to the nation and an inspiration. What people couldn’t know were the struggles Bauman went through to adapt to his new body, and how his misfortune affected his relationship with his loved ones. The sudden exposure to the public’s eye also changed his life.
These are the key points of the film, which depicts Bauman’s personal account of his challenging journey towards recovery and self-discovery. Based on Bauman’s self-penned memoir, I didn’t expect the film to be so heavily laden with emotions and drama. It dives deep into Bauman’s misery, pain and sorrow, so viewers can easily imagine themselves standing in his shoes.
The film shows Bauman standing near the marathon’s finishing line waiting for his runner then girlfriend Erin (Tatiana Maslany), hoping to rekindle their romance. When they were dating, apparently he always didn’t show up.
He did turn up this time — for her — so Erin later felt extreme guilt over his injury. The film delves into the couple’s rocky relationship and sacrifices for each other, so you will understand Erin’s side of the story too. Bauman grapples to accept the fact that he now has to rely on others to live and wonders why he is deemed a hero when he doesn’t want to be one.
There’s the difficulty of self-acceptance, coupled with the pressures of being in the public eye; Gyllenhaal was right when he said in an interview that Bauman is a complicated man.
correctly explains how human Bauman is, though, and the actual tragic event is tastefully illustrated. Although the bombing scene is just a small part, be warned: There are some scenes showing his bloody and blasted legs in the aftermath that may make you feel queasy.
The film doesn’t focus on the authorities capturing the perpetrators but is centred on Bauman’s internal conflicts. Fans of (really) heavy drama, should watch this.