'Machine Gun Preacher' Earns Its Explosive Title, Stars Say

Video interview at link:

http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2011/09/23/machine-gun-preacher/


'Machine Gun Preacher' Earns Its Explosive Title, Stars Say

As we could tell from the trailer, Marc Forster's "Machine Gun Preacher" isn't one of those overwrought, melodramatic, "based on a true story," feel good films. According to stars Gerard Butler and Michelle Monaghan, what sets it apart from the pack is the fact that it is about a flawed hero who finds his true calling through a violent, intense, and inspiring journey.

"This isn’t a story you hear every single day," Monaghan told MTV news. "He’s sort of a hero but a flawed hero, and that’s exactly what the title entails. As you read the story you realize the journey this man has been on."

"What I found fascinating is that this man really turned his life around and that one person can make a difference," she continued. "You hear so often, 'What difference can one person make?', or that [philanthropic work] is for people who have always been good in their life and he’s not. He’ s been on this journey and it’s a real example to everyone."

With regard to what the title of the film says about the story, Butler said it's explosive, but in several ways.

"I think it’s definitely a way to attract somebody’s attention," he said. "The story has all that explosiveness because there is a lot of action in there, he’s lived a very adventurous and exciting life, but there’s so much more so to the story, the relations between a husband and wife, what toll does that take with his family as he neglects them, his journey in Africa, journey against his own personal demons. There’s so much in there that I think it earns the title, 'Machine Gun Preacher.'"