Covering Some of the Controversies Surrounding the Film Valkyrie

The story of Colonel Claus von Stauffenburg is told through the eyes of the Colonel himself as he devises a plot to assassinate the most notorious figure of the 20th century...Hitler. The action follows Stauffenburg as he infiltrates the highest levels of the German Military command and initiates a plan to destroy a bunker protecting Hitler himself. While the Schulzstaffel searches for those against the German regime the Colonel must gather a group of conspirators around him who can bring his mission to an eventual success.

With the American armies moving in from the west and the Russian armies closing in from the east, Germany must surrender or face annihilation. An obstinate Hitler forces his people to fight on with victory out of his grasp. His reign must end. Stauffenburg a loyal soldier vows to save Germany by initiating "Operation Valkyrie," but in the end Stauffenburg must face Hitler himself in a brutal test of wills.

Rating: PG-13 for violence and brief strong language.

Release Date: December 26, 2008.

Starring: Tom Cruise (Stauffenburg), Kenneth Branagh (Tresckow), Bill Nighy (Olbricht), Terence Stamp (Ludwig Beck), and Eddie Izzard (Erich Fellgiebel).

Trailer from traileraddict.com:


During shooting of "Valkyrie," there was some conflict over shooting locations as the German government would not allow the film crew inside The Ministry of Defence. After some initial wrangling with German officials, permission was finally given. Despite some rumours that Cruise's Scientology beliefs were the reason for the film crew's ban these rumours are untrue (Internet Movie...).

Other misfortunes besetting the production crew include; multiple release date changes, bad press, and the doctoring of historical photos. The release date for "Valkyrie," is under going its third change as the initial release date was set for February 13, 2009, then June 27, 2008, October 3, 2008 and finally settling on the December 26, 2008 showing. The main reason for the constant change in dates is due to the positive reception from movie audiences to initial screenings of "Valkyrie." With a strong audience response studios are placing this feature in the much-coveted Christmas weekend opening. As well, there is still some controversy over the portrayal of Cruise with Stauffenberg in a series of promotional photos. The sources of the two pictures came from different sources and the overlay of the two pictures shows a difference in lighting, thereby, confusing the original owners of the Stauffenberg images. There is no truth to the tampering rumours (huffingpost).

So with much controversy following Cruise over his religious views and the difficulties in finding suitable shooting locations "Valkyrie," finally makes it way to theatres this December 26, 2008 despite the many hurdles. The initial trailers for "Valkyrie," are very satisfying and bring forth the fear and pressureof World War II Europe. Also, the inclusion of an all-star cast from Kenneth Branagh to Eddie Izzard are sure to draw audiences as the War epic hits the big screen. Be the first to see the final trailer here.

Sources

Valkyrie on IMDB

Photo Controversy from Huffingtonpost.com

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