The heroic film, Lone Survivor, opens in theaters nationwide on Friday, January 10th. The film is based on The New York Times bestselling book by Marcus Luttrell. The book in an eyewitness account of Operation Redwing and the lost heroes of Seal Team 10. The Navy SEALS were on a covert mission to neutralize a high-level al-Qaeda operative in the mountains of Afghanistan and were faced with a chilling moral decision. The film brings an unthinkable tale to life as best it could in two hours. Lone Survivor is directed by Peter Berg and has already received favorable reviews since its limited opening in December.
Scott Elrod has a part in the film and while he may not be one of the four main actors, you’d never know it by his experience. Scott was born in Germany, and as the case with many military families, moved around before settling in Colorado. Growing up around the military all his life helped him make the decision to enter the Air Force. Scott spent six years in the military before pursing other endeavors. If you’ve spent any time in the military or been around those who have, you know it’s a different world than “civilian life”. It’s something you have to experience to fully comprehend. Understanding and having an appreciation for the military life would later help Elrod land a role in Lone Survivor.
Years ago, a friend recommended the book Lone Survivor to Elrod and after reading it, he knew it would eventually end up on the big screen. Scott shares, “When I read the book I knew this was definitely going to be a movie. I knew immediately I wanted to be in this film.” Scott has played a variety of roles in his career but knew if the opportunity came up to be part of a moving military film, he’d be perfect for the job. While at a charity event, opportunity knocked and Scott opened the door. He was introduced to Peter Berg and the two immediately clicked. They discussed the project and Elrod says, “I made it clear to him that I wanted to be in this film.”
Later he’d get his wish, on his birthday none-the-less, when Berg told him he’d have a part in the film. A few months would pass before an offer was sent over, but once it was signed, sealed and delivered, it was full steam ahead. Scott plays a Navy SEAL who wished to not be named in the final credits.
Scott meeting a soldier at an early screening of the film.
It’s apparent this film is committed to being authentic and respects not only those who lost their lives in the mission, but also the families involved. It pays close attention to every detail from the maneuvers to the mannerisms of the soldiers. Elrod mentions that Marcus was on set every day and it was clear that he and Peter had a great working relationship. When asked what it was like to work with Berg he says, “Peter is such a professional and has such a great team around him. It’s really a family. He’s done a great job of surrounding himself with people who are professional and he knows his craft.” As you’d expect, the movie is intense and Scott’s convinced the audience will see the pride and passion that went into making it.
The trailer and movie stills show the characters of the film with beards, not often a sight associated with military personnel. When asked about the beards, Elrod elaborates as to why the cast all had them. He shares, “the biggest thing with the SEALS… they aren’t standard, they don’t want any attention and when you’re in Afghanistan you have to blend in.”
The reoccurring sentiment that comes up with Scott, and with everyone else who talks about the film, is how fortunate they are to be part of it. “We have it easy compared to what these guys have to do as SEALs,” he says. When asked if he’s seen the film and if he’s happy with the end result Scott says, “I’ve seen it five times.” He goes on to share, “Pete did a really good job casting it, you can connect with these guys. We’ll never fully understand what they went through, but you’ll feel compassion for these four guys. You want to relate.”
The film serves has a harsh reminder that there are men and women fighting for our freedom. People die. Something we all need to reminded of at times.
LONE SURVIVOR
Based on the failed June 28, 2005 mission “Operation Red Wings”. Four members of SEAL Team 10 were tasked with the mission to capture or kill notorious Taliban leader Ahmad Shahd.
Official Movie site:Â http://www.lonesurvivorfilm.com/site
Scott has a number of projects in the works including “Racers Who Care“, a charity dedicated to making a positive difference for our next generation. Follow Scott on Twitter @Scott_Elrod and Instagram. You can also keep up with him on his Facebook page.
Scott on the set of ‘Lone Survivor’. Photo Courtesy: Scott Elrod
