The Nelson Mandela biopicMandela: Long Walk to Freedom premiered
at the Toronto International Film Festival with a heavy dose of reverence for
its subject, and a few extra pounds of muscle, too.
Idris Elba stars as the South African leader inMandela: Long
Walk to Freedom, which The Weinstein Co will release in late November. The
film, directed by Justin Chadwick, takes a classical, inspirational biopic
approach to telling the epic tale of Mandela's life story.
"We're not going for a looky-likey, soundy-likey version of
Mandela," Chadwick told reports on Sunday, after a Saturday evening
premiere that drew a standing ovation but mixed reviews.
"We're trying to catch the spirit."
Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom will
thus surprise many moviegoers accustomed to the more elderly, white-haired
Mandela. While Elba plays him through old age, with the help of make-up and
ageing effects, he makes a particular impression as a young firebrand revolutionary.
"I certainly just plugged into the energy of Mandela and
the way people respect him," said Elba. He added: "There was no
messing about with this character and this story."
The film has been in development for many years, during which
several other big screen depictions of Mandela have been released. Others to
tackle the role include Morgan Freeman (Invictus) and Terrence Howard (Winnie Mandela). Producer Anant
Singh long ago secured Mandela's approval.
The 95-year-old Mandela has been ailing, so he wasn't involved
in the production or able to meet with Elba.
Singh, though, said he showed scenes last year to Mandela on an
iPad. When he saw Elba in character, Mandela asked: "Is that me?"
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