Cruise, Singer Begin Shooting Valkyrie

Posted by Neil Miller (neil@filmschoolrejects.com) on July 21, 2007

Brian Singer’s Valkyrie, the thriller based on the true story of the daring German officers’ plot to assassinate Hitler in 1944 has begun principle photography in Berlin this week. The film stars Mr. Scientology himself Tom Cruise as German Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg. According to the press release from United Artists the film tells the story of “The July 20 Plot”, possibly the most notable attempt on Hitler’s life.

The “July 20 Plot” on Hitler’s life is one of the most heroic but least known episodes of World War Two. Severely wounded in combat, Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg returns from Africa to join the German Resistance and help create Operation Valkyrie, the complex plan that will allow a shadow government to replace Hitler’s once he is dead. But fate and circumstance conspire to thrust Stauffenberg from one of many in the plot to a double-edged central role. Not only must he lead the coup and seize control of his nation’s government … He must kill Hitler himself.

Of course, as with anything Tom Cruise does, this project doesn’t come without a certain amount of controversy. As BBC News reports, rumors have swirled that the production has met resistance from German officials based on the country’s hostility toward Scientology.

It turns out though, that the German government had denied the production access to a key building, a landmark in the story of the July 20 Plot, in order to preserve the “dignity” of the building. The spokesperson also stated “that the religious beliefs of the actor are without relevance.”

Relevant to Scientology or not, the German government isn’t budging; yet Brian Singer’s production moves forward. Take a peek below at another still image of Tom Cruise compared with the real life Col. von Stauffenberg. It is a bit eerie. But then again, what about Tom Cruise isn’t a little eerie these days?

Valkrie is set for a 2008 release. For more, check out IMDB.

Source: IESB.net

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