Night Shyamalan’s latest cinematic offering, Trap, is a gripping psychological thriller that follows a notorious serial killer and his daughter. The film’s premise, as described by Shyamalan himself, is a high-stakes blend of Silence of the Lambs and a Taylor Swift concert. While this might sound like a purely fictional concoction, the truth is far more intriguing. The film draws inspiration from a real-life event that is as dramatic and unexpected as anything Shyamalan could script.
The Real-Life Inspiration Behind M. Night Shyamalan’s Trap
Josh Hartnett and Ariel Donoghue. Image Credit: Warner Bros. Picture
The heart of Trap is rooted in one of the most audacious sting operations in American law enforcement history: Operation Flagship. In 1985, the U.S. Marshals Service devised a plan to apprehend a large number of fugitives in a single swoop. Over 3,000 individuals with outstanding warrants were invited to a fake sports event under the guise of a lucky draw. The unsuspecting criminals were lured to a location where a waiting team of undercover officers would apprehend them.
The operation was executed with military precision. The fugitives were divided into groups and brought into a room under the pretense of a pre-game presentation. As the unsuspecting criminals listened to a seemingly innocuous speech, a pre-arranged signal was given, and a team of heavily armed officers stormed the room, taking everyone by surprise. The operation was a resounding success, resulting in the arrest of over 100 fugitives.
The sheer audacity and meticulous planning of Operation Flagship are reminiscent of a well-crafted thriller. It’s no wonder Shyamalan found it to be the perfect inspiration for his film. While Trap undoubtedly adds its own cinematic flair, the core of the story is firmly grounded in reality, making it all the more compelling.
The story of Operation Flagship is a testament to the ingenuity of law enforcement and a reminder that truth can often be stranger than fiction. It’s a tale that has captivated audiences for decades, and Shyamalan’s adaptation promises to bring this incredible story to a whole new generation.
Josh Hartnett’s Unique Approach to His Role in Trap
Josh Hartnett. Image Credit: Warner Bros. Picture
Josh Hartnett has revealed the intriguing source of inspiration behind his portrayal of a serial killer in M. Night Shyamalan‘s psychological thriller, Trap. In a candid interview with EW, Hartnett shared insights into how real-life encounters with “psychopaths” within the entertainment industry helped shape his character.
Hartnett openly discussed how his experiences in Hollywood influenced his portrayal of the character known as “The Butcher.” Drawing parallels between certain high-profile individuals and the traits of a psychopath, he highlighted the lack of empathy and the ruthless ambition that are often observed. “There are a lot of CEOs, politicians, people in our business… a lot of people who are at the top,” he noted. According to Hartnett, the willingness to “step over people or do horrible things to get where they’re going” is a significant indicator of psychopathic behavior.
By observing these characteristics in individuals who, while not murderers, exhibit a similar disregard for others, Hartnett found a way to elevate his performance. The ability to make his character more intense and believable was enhanced by these real-world observations. The depth and boldness of his portrayal in Trap were thus deeply influenced by these unsettling yet fascinating encounters.
In Trap, Hartnett’s character, Cooper Adams, is a serial killer who finds himself in a high-stakes situation at a large concert with his daughter, Riley, played by Ariel Donoghue. The tension escalates when he discovers that the police are aware of his presence and are executing a sting operation to capture him. The film stands out not only for its thrilling narrative but also for its unique storytelling perspective.
Hartnett appreciated Shyamalan’s approach to the film, which offers a fresh experience for the audience by narrating the story from the antagonist’s viewpoint. “Night being Night, he wants to give the audience a new experience,” Hartnett mentioned. This approach has been likened to experiencing Die Hard from the perspective of Hans Gruber, providing an intriguing twist to the conventional thriller narrative.
Trap is in theaters now.
