Andrew Scott and Brendan Fraser butt heads in this stormy WWII drama
Adelaide-born filmmaker Anthony Maras found unexpected connections when he started making the WWII weather drama Pressure, starring Andrew Scott as Captain James Stagg.
Australian director Anthony Maras meticulously crafted the World War II drama, Pressure, ensuring historical authenticity. The screenplay, adapted from David Haig's play, tells the true story of Captain James Stagg (Andrew Scott), a Scottish meteorologist at the Allies' HQ in Portsmouth. Stagg clashed with General Dwight D. Eisenhower (Brendan Fraser) over the forecast for the D-Day landings, as the Scottish meteorologist predicted inclement weather would disrupt the Allied forces' plans.
Maras, who co-wrote the screenplay, drew inspiration from the power of nature demonstrated during Australia's devastating bushfires. To enhance the film's realism, Maras spliced in colorized archival footage, shot by Hollywood cinematographers. With 50+ hours of footage, the team expanded rapidly, enlisting the help of friends, including a 6-foot-5 Stagg relative whose name they mistook for the film's protagonist.
The film features strong performances by Fraser as Eisenhower and Kerry Condon as Kay Summersby, Eisenhower's chauffeur and personal secretary. Maras, who worked with his trusted Adelaide team, aimed to capture the human drama and complexities of the historical decision-making process that shaped the D-Day invasion.
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