Few things are as frustrating in a film as a heist that unfolds predictably. When a group of characters embarks on a theft with an unimaginative or clichéd plan, it can severely hinder the plot’s momentum. Bruce Willis’ popular film Die Hard with a Vengeance lies somewhat in the same territory.
The thieves appear neither competent nor formidable, thereby diminishing the overall stakes of the movie. A truly remarkable heist film must strike a balance between realism and the ability to surprise, captivating not only the characters chasing the criminals but also the audience, and perhaps even the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The Film’s Scenes Had The FBI Concerned
The heist in Die Hard with a Vengeance and the production of the film itself were both ambitious undertakings, largely due to their extensive use of New York City as a backdrop. Simon orchestrates a citywide hostage situation, forcing McClane (Bruce Willis) and the concerned shop owner and father, Zeus Carver, portrayed by the charismatic Samuel L. Jackson (who undoubtedly adds a unique spark to the film), into a frenzied pursuit.
However, as noted by Uproxx, when some officials reviewed Hensleigh’s screenplay, their primary cause for concern was the author’s familiarity with a particular vault.
You might be wondering, if the FBI expressed such concern about the heist in Die Hard with a Vengeance, did they actually consider it a plausible scenario? Could someone have genuinely plotted a heist akin to the one depicted in the movie and successfully executed it? As the saying goes, life often mirrors art, and according to Hensleigh, it appears the FBI gleaned some insights from the film:
“This one scene, our FBI guy said, ‘You know it sounds crazy, but somebody could actually pull this off. We’re going to actually have a sit-down [meeting] and talk about how we can improve the facility so that it could never happen.’ That pleased me, actually.”
Yes, you’ve got it. The FBI convened to discuss a heist portrayed in a Die Hard film and implemented security enhancements to thwart any possibility of an action movie plot becoming a reality.
Bruce Willis’ Family Made A Big Mistake
Bruce Willis’s career has served as an inspiration to millions, both within the industry and among his co-stars. Renowned for his exceptional talent and unwavering commitment to every project, he has enjoyed a decades-long, remarkable career that has propelled him to immense success and positioned him among the foremost actors in the industry.
Throughout his career, this actor has spearheaded numerous blockbusters and received accolades for his compelling portrayals. With an extensive filmography to his credit, he consistently delivered powerhouse performances until his retirement in 2022, following a diagnosis of aphasia. Earlier this year, his family delivered the devastating news of his frontotemporal dementia diagnosis, leaving his fans deeply saddened.
In a heartfelt and extensive essay published in Vogue, Tallulah Willis, the daughter of the actor from his previous relationship with Demi Moore, opened up about how her family initially attributed her father’s early dementia symptoms to what they called “Hollywood hearing loss.” She candidly revealed that, at first, she mistakenly believed her father had become disinterested in her when, in reality, he was in the initial stages of dementia. The actress went on to share that during his unresponsive moments, she even misunderstood his behavior, thinking he was prioritizing her stepmother, Emma Heming Willis, and their two children.
Die Hard with a Vengeance is available for streaming on Hulu.
Source: Uproxx
