Tobey Maguire Confesses Making This 17-Year-Old Drama Was a Harrowing Experience: "I Lost a Lot of My Joy"
This movie reminds us of the price paid by those who return from war and by those who wait for them at home.
Hollywood has always tried to capture the trauma of war, bringing viewers back to this painful experience time and again. One of the most poignant yet underrated attempts was Jim Sheridan's 2009 drama Brothers.
For lead actor Tobey Maguire, the movie turned out to be a real challenge.
Tobey Maguire Says He Lost a Lot of Joy While Making 2009's 'Brothers'
In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, Maguire said that the filming process of Brothers had been psychologically devastating for him. The actor admitted that working on the film robbed him of joy for many months:
“I lost a lot of my joy while doing the movie. I wasn't even aware of it. I don't mean it to sound goofy or artsy or something, but two days before we wrapped, I started telling some jokes and laughing, whatever, and it was like a release for me. I hadn't done that in, like, two months.”
What Is 'Brothers' About?
The plot revolves around two brothers who seem to live on opposite sides of life. Sam, the elder brother, is a model officer, a loving husband, and a devoted father. The younger brother, Tommy, is constantly on edge.
When Sam volunteers to fight in Afghanistan, he asks Tommy to look after his wife, Grace, and their children. Time passes, and news arrives: Sam's helicopter has been damaged, and he is listed as missing in action.
Trying to support Grace, Tommy gradually becomes her rock. A romantic relationship blossoms between them, but one day, Sam returns.
Tobey Maguire's Portrayal of Sam in 'Brothers' Is One of His Most Powerful Roles
Brothers makes remarkable use of screen time: Maguire makes few appearances, especially compared to Jake Gyllenhaal and Natalie Portman.
However, it's the scenes in which his character appears that provide a true window into the indescribable horror of war – this horror is rooted in how individuals perceive the world upon returning home.
Sam is unlucky enough to see the difference between civilian life and the war zone, and he returns home, but the war stays with him.
Tobey Maguire's portrayal of Sam earned him a Golden Globe nomination and proved that beneath the superhero mask lies an immensely talented dramatic actor. Brothers remains one of the strongest chapters in his filmography – and perhaps one of his most challenging.
What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'Brothers'?
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Brothers has 63% from critics and 62% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.
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On IMDb, the movie has a score of 7.1/10.
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On Letterboxd, Brothers scored 3.5/5.0.
Where to Watch 'Brothers'?
Brothers is available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime Video.
