‘We Are Marshall’ Depicts True Essence of W.Va.
Written by Jason Keeling on September 18, 2007
The 1970 plane crash that took the lives of 75 Marshall University football players, coaches and fans was nothing less than tragic. Last year’s filming of “We Are Marshall” provided opportunity for West Virginians to commemorate the loss and find renewed spirit. A collective energy encompassed the Tri-State area when the project was announced. Excitement grew as the stars arrived in Huntington and the production process began. The December 2006 big screen premier brought a touch of Hollywood to the Mountain State.
Curbing Stereotypes
Though the movie generated somewhat modest numbers at the box office, it should be viewed as a tremendous success. The film calls West Virginians to humbly remember the lost and reminds us that no matter the tragedy, we can rebuild. It shows we can put aside our differences and work together, as then W.Va. University football coach Bobby Bowden did by providing the Young Thundering Herd with a few tips from the Mountaineers’ play book. It counters negative depictions of the state such as “The Dancing Outlaw” and “Wrong Turn,” and instead highlights the strength of the people, curbing stereotypical views. Nationally, it humanizes West Virginians as real people and not fictitious hillbillies.
Director McG and the cast deserve particular commendation, as they worked to accurately capture the tragedy’s impact and the rebuilding process. Lead actors Matthew McConaughey and Matthew Fox displayed great class in their preparation for the film and during promotional appearances at national media outlets such as “The Today Show” and ESPN.
“We Are Marshall,” a Warner Bros. film, was released on DVD today. Charleston photographer Rick Lee has some good shots of the production process. Lastly, readers are encouraged to share their impressions of the film along with thoughts on the movie’s overall impact.
Posted in Culture, Media, Tourism, West Virginia
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September 19th, 2007 at 8:29 am
I have to admit, when I first heard about the movie, I was already angry about the hokey stereotypes that Hollywood would most certainly paint throughout their depiction of West Virginia. I dreaded the movie. And most of all, I didn’t want to hate Matthew McConaughey if he bought into the stereotype and played some podunk hillbilly from the Styx.
That being said, I’m really happy to report just how wrong I was. I actually feel guilty for assuming that anyone would turn such an amazing and tragic story into another slam on WV. Maybe that’s part of our problem — we are so quick to assume that the rest of the world sees us as the Jesco Whites and Jack Whittakers and not the Bobby Bowdens and Jessica Lynches and Chuck Yeagers. Maybe we’ve got something of a self-fulfilling prophecy. We have to buy our own positive identity first, ourselves, before we can sell it to others.
September 20th, 2007 at 1:42 pm
I was in Huntington for another engagement the evening Matthew McConaughey was expected. Fourth Avenue was packed solidly with fans clamoring to get a good spot to see the star and there was a great expectancy in the crowd. I could also feel a sense of pride that their story was being remembered and told.
I actually missed seeing the movie when it was in the theaters (although I can’t imagine why), but I look forward to getting the DVD. Thanks for reminding us of this special moment.
September 25th, 2007 at 12:34 pm
I’m still angry that none of the parents of the players who were killed were asked before this film was made. When the accident happened, Marshall University was careful not to profit off this tragic loss. I only wish the current administration, who sold the rights to Hollywood, had shown the same class.
January 7th, 2008 at 12:22 am
I actually missed the movie last night. I caught the last 5 minutes of it. Being an East Carolina student, that is one movie that still remains on my “to watch” list.