In the world of sci-fi cinema, “Battle: Los Angeles” stands out as a film that marries the thrill of an alien invasion story with the historical intrigue of a real-life wartime event. Drawing inspiration from the infamous Battle of Los Angeles during World War II, the movie weaves a narrative that combines military realism with extraterrestrial suspense.
The Vision Behind the Film
Jonathan Liebesman, the director of “Battle: Los Angeles,” set out to create a realistic portrayal of an alien invasion in the style of a war film. He was inspired by cinematic masterpieces such as “Black Hawk Down” and “Saving Private Ryan,” aiming to capture a similar documentary-style authenticity. The film’s look was influenced by YouTube videos of Marines fighting in Fallujah, further grounding it in a realistic military aesthetic.
A Commitment to Realism
To achieve this realism, Liebesman opted against shooting the film in 3D, fearing that the combination of handheld camera work and 3D effects might be overwhelming for the audience. Instead, the film was shot using standard film, with footage intercut from three different cameras. The filmmakers even experimented with digital cameras but found that they couldn’t match the quality of standard film.
Tonal Choices
The film was intentionally shot for a PG-13 rating, as the director felt that excessive gore would detract from the suspenseful tone they were aiming for. Screenwriter Chris Bertolini incorporated elements of humor and suspense alongside action, to create a more engaging and multifaceted narrative.
Drawing from History
The Battle of Los Angeles, a rumored enemy attack over Los Angeles in 1942, served as a key inspiration for the film. This incident, characterized by mass hysteria and a massive anti-aircraft response to a perceived Japanese attack (later attributed to a lost weather balloon), provided a historical backdrop ripe for cinematic adaptation. The filmmakers used this incident to lend a sense of authenticity and historical grounding to the alien invasion plot.
A Teaser Trailer with a Twist
An early teaser trailer for the film cleverly implied that the alien invaders had been planning their attack for decades, drawing a direct line from the 1942 event to the film’s contemporary alien invasion. This creative approach not only heightened intrigue but also paid homage to the real historical event.
Realism in Sci-Fi
Actor Aaron Eckhart, who starred in the film, emphasized the goal of making a realistic alien invasion movie. The film’s approach was to treat the alien invasion as a genuine military conflict, bringing a sense of gravity and realism to the sci-fi genre.
The Legacy of the Event in Pop Culture
“Battle: Los Angeles” is not the only film to touch upon the 1942 event. Steven Spielberg’s 1979 comedy-drama “1941” also alluded to the shelling, showing the pervasive influence of the Battle of Los Angeles in popular culture. Additionally, a mockbuster titled “Battle of Los Angeles” premiered on Syfy, further demonstrating the lasting intrigue of the historical event in entertainment.
“Battle: Los Angeles” stands as a unique fusion of historical event and sci-fi spectacle, a film that brings the uncertainty and drama of the Battle of Los Angeles into a contemporary setting, while maintaining a commitment to realism and military authenticity.