Battle: Los Angeles - A Gritty Take on Alien Invasion
In 2011, Battle: Los Angeles aimed to bring a gritty and realistic take on the alien-invasion concept, following the success of similar extraterrestrial thrillers like 2012 and District 9. Director Jonathan Liebesman and lead actor Aaron Eckhart led a strong cast in portraying Marines facing an alien threat. The film drew inspiration from the real 1942 incident known as The Battle of Los Angeles, adding a historical twist to the sci-fi narrative.
Screenwriter Chris Bertolini, known for military narratives like The General’s Daughter, crafted the script, while Liebesman, known for horror films like Darkness Falls and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre The Beginning, aimed to capture the chaos of war in Battle: Los Angeles. The cast underwent intense Marine-style boot camp training at Camp Pendleton to prepare for their roles, adding a touch of realism to their performances.
Eckhart's portrayal of Staff Sergeant Michael Nantz brought intensity to the film, while other cast members like Michelle Rodriguez and Ne-Yo added depth to their characters. The aliens in the film, mostly shown through CGI, were designed to be menacing, although their appearance was not as memorable as expected. Despite its title, most of the film was shot in Louisiana, not Los Angeles, due to production incentives.
Battle: Los Angeles premiered to mixed reviews, with critics praising its ambition but criticizing its dialogue and predictability. Roger Ebert famously gave the film a scathing review, calling it an insult to science fiction. The film faced legal issues with the creators of Skyline over concerns of idea theft, but the complaint was eventually dropped.
Despite its flaws, Battle: Los Angeles performed well at the box office, grossing $212 million worldwide. The film's visual and sound design received universal acclaim, showcasing its technical prowess. Aaron Eckhart expressed interest in a sequel, potentially set in Paris, continuing the alien-invasion narrative. While the film had its shortcomings, the grounded performances and intense moments made it a memorable entry in the sci-fi genre.