Director Peter Berg Reflects on Heroism in His Films

Peter Berg, the director, often recalls a striking scene from the 1972 film “The Poseidon Adventure.” In it, Gene Hackman’s character, who embodies faith amidst chaos, sacrifices himself on a sinking cruise ship to save others. This moment, this act of heroism, resonated deeply with Berg.

“It’s always stuck with me,” Berg shared during an interview with Blaze Media, explaining that since watching “The Poseidon Adventure,” he has endeavored to create human stories set against an action-packed backdrop.

Exploring Greater Themes

His body of work certainly reflects this commitment. Berg has directed several poignant narratives that touch on bravery, such as “Lone Survivor” (2013), “Deepwater Horizon” (2016), “Patriots Day” (2016), and his latest film, “The Mosquito Bowl.”

This Netflix original, which hits theaters today before streaming starts on November 25, follows four college football stars who transition from the game to the battlefield after Pearl Harbor. The characters, portrayed by Ray Nicholson, Bill Skarsgård, Tom Francis, and Nicholas Galitzine, navigate their relationships amidst conflict, and they also get a chance to showcase their football talents in the bowl.

Berg previously adapted Buzz Bissinger’s “Friday Night Lights” in 2004, which also inspired this latest film. Eager to work on another project featuring Bissinger’s storytelling, Berg felt a connection to the deeper themes in the narrative.

“It was clear that he was exploring bigger issues beyond just football or war,” Berg noted. “I sensed he was delivering something impactful with this book. With both of us having Marine fathers—his served in Okinawa, mine in Korea—this story felt personal to me.”

Deep Dives into Research

Berg emphasizes thorough research before embarking on any film project. For “The Mosquito Bowl,” he traveled to Okinawa to investigate a battlefield integral to the film’s climax.

He spoke about the challenging terrain and the intense battles that took place there, revealing, “I hadn’t realized just how vicious it was, inch by inch, bullet by bullet. Both sides fought ferociously.”

The imagery in his film doesn’t hold back, invoking some of the most haunting war scenes reminiscent of “Saving Private Ryan.” To better understand the magnitude of loss, Berg visited the Cornerstone of Peace monument at Peace Memorial Park in Itoman, Okinawa, where over 200,000 names of battle casualties are inscribed.

“You can truly feel it as you walk through Okinawa. I’m thankful I went there. It left an indelible mark on my spirit,” he shared.

Capturing Brotherhood and Courage

Berg began his career in acting, appearing in shows like “Chicago Hope” and “A Midnight Clear,” before stepping behind the camera. While he spans various genres, a common theme throughout his work is the essence of courage and sacrifice—qualities that are at the heart of “The Mosquito Bowl.”

“I’m drawn to the emotions that arise when individuals face dire circumstances,” he explained. “It’s a chance to delve into character depth, resilience, and distinct types of behaviors—both heroic and cowardly. I’ve always found that captivating, though I’m not entirely sure why.”

He elaborated on why football holds such a timeless allure.

“Football is a unique sport. It demands that 11 players on each team work in perfect harmony. It’s unpredictable, teeming with danger, showcasing incredible athletic feats, and fosters a brotherhood. There’s something incredibly uplifting about that shared experience; it connects us in ways that transcend our differences,” he remarked. “Really, football is one of the greatest inventions, and I think we could use more of it.”

Looking Ahead

Berg has been a constant presence in Hollywood for years, even making occasional cameos, including an inspiring one in “The Mosquito Bowl.” Unlike some peers in the industry, he remains unfazed by the rise of AI in filmmaking.

“You can only control what’s within your grasp,” he stated. “I don’t view AI as a threat. Instead, I see it as an avenue for new possibilities.”

Berg’s philosophy about the film industry remains consistent, advice he imparted to budding filmmakers: work diligently.

“You need to keep your focus and just keep creating,” he said. “Movies are thriving in theaters right now. The recent Paramount-Warner Bros. merger probably won’t alter much; there’s still a wealth of content being produced.”

He expressed optimism for the next generation of filmmakers. He referenced the young director Curry Barker, who broke norms with “Obsession,” which went on to gross over $500 million. He’s also thrilled about how Nathan Fielder found success with his documentary “You Can See Everything,” currently showing in theaters.

“I think the future looks bright for Hollywood as we move further into 2027,” he concluded.