Mel Gibson’s ‘Hacksaw Ridge’ Gets Ten Minute Standing Ovation
Mel Gibson's 'Hacksaw Ridge' blew critics away and received nearly ten minutes of standing ovation according to Deadline. Such long standing-ovations are uncommon. At about six minutes into the ovation, director Gibson and the actors were requested to go down into the audience.
In Hacksaw Ridge, lead actor Andrew Garfield, plays the role of Desmond Doss, a real-life conscientious objector who saved 75 men in Okinawa, Japan without ever firing a single shot or carrying a gun.
The faith-based film and horrors-of-war movie is about a man who "does something extraordinary and supernatural, really, that inspired me," Gibson said to press corps.
"A lot of attention needs to be paid to our warriors; they need some love and understanding. I hope this film imparts that message. If it does nothing but that, that's great," said Gibson.
Hacksaw Ridge had its red carpet world premiere at the 73rd Venice Film Festival last night. In attendance with Gibson were stars Andrew Garfield, Vince Vaughn, Hugo Weaving, Teresa Palmer and Luke Bracey as well as co-screenwriter Robert Schenkkan.
This is the first film Gibson has directed in ten years and at the gala premiere, he and the actors were "overwhelmed" and "very truly speechless."
Deadline reported that there were emotional toasts, notably by producer Bill Mechanic who worked for 13 years to bring the project to life. One attendee observed, "It was particularly meaningful."
Lionsgate releases Hacksaw Ridge on November 4. Overseas release dates are not yet confirmed.
