“Beyond Glory”: Best of Film Series Screening and Q&A

On Friday, December 16 at 7:30 pm, the Best of Film Series will screen Beyond Glory, a film in which actor Stephen Lang tells the stories of eight Medal of Honor recipients in their own words, as he tours across the Heartland, Afghanistan, the Persian Gulf, New York and Los Angeles.

Based on the New York Times best-selling book by former Irvington resident Larry Smith, the story was first told as a one-man play with over 100 performances at The Roundabout Theater in New York City and starred Stephen Lang.  Filmmaker Larry Brand took notice and worked with Lang to create this startling synthesis of cinema and theater which takes audiences on a journey through the desperate conflicts of WWII, Korea, and Vietnam.  Changing character with quicksilver virtuosity, Lang reaches deep into his reservoirs of emotion and pain, fortitude and courage, humility and joy, embodying the personae of eight warriors with remarkable stories to tell. With equal skill, director Brand employs a wide cinematic arsenal to frame, enhance, and illuminate these stories. The result is a unique melding of two art forms.

Best of Film Series chair Beth Ryan said, “We think this is an incredible film to remind Americans of the amazing sacrifice made by those who serve and protect. Something to unite us during this season of Thanksgiving, remembrance, and celebration.”

Actor Stephen Lang is known for film, television, and stage work. In his latest film, Song/ScreenGems thriller Don’t Breathe, he is “The Blind Man,” a performance already garnering critical accolades.  On television he portrays Waldo, the crippled assassin, in AMC’s genre-bending martial arts series, Into the Badlands; and his ghostly presence continues as Increase Mather in WGN’s hit series Salem. Lang is currently preparing to reprise and expand his iconic role as Colonel Miles Quaritch in four sequels to James Cameron’s film Avatar.

Lang recently received the “Special Jury Prize for Acting” award at the Phoenix Film Festival for his performance in Beyond Glory.  He has also been nominated for and received Tony, Drama Desk, Lucille Lortel, Joseph Jefferson, Helen Hayes, and Outer Critics awards.

The December 16 screening of “Beyond Glory” will be followed by a Q & A with director Larry Brand and author Larry Smith.

Tickets are $10 (advance online ticket purchasing is strongly recommended); visit www.irvingtontheater.com for tickets and more information.