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As we approach the anniversary of the Paris terror attack, actor and film-maker Colin Hanks (Tom Hanks’ son), tells of his new documentary confronting the horror and the healing from the Bataclan.
The documentary brings together Jesse Hughes and Josh Homme from Eagles of Death Metal, as they recall events of the frightful night and uncover the trials in dealing with the unthinkable aftermath of the attack, on November 13th, 2015.
Although Homme, co-founder of Eagles of Death Metal and Queens of the Stone Age, was not present on the night of the attack, Hughes was on stage with other band members and surrounded by fans during the onslaught.
In the documentary, it is said that Hughes reveals how the events of the attack have changed him as he explains: “I take it as a holy charge, this duty of leadership”. This is in reflection of what he describes as his desire to revive rock and roll – turning it back in to, what Deadline describes as, “a blinding force, for joy and elevation.”
The documentary, Eagles of Death Metal: Nos Amis (Our Friends), is set to air next February on HBO. The Paris attack at the Bataclan resulted in the death of 89 people, including a band member. Director, Colin Hanks, has said that the documentary is set to address this main concern: “How do you go on with your life with something like that?”
Following the attack, Hughes faced backlash after making comments about the Bataclan security team having a contribution to the terror. Although Hanks has made it clear that the documentary is not a political one, he states of the controversy surrounding Hughes: “We don’t walk around it.”
Hanks explains that there is focus within the documentary on the relationship between Hughes and Homme, telling stories of their childhood friendship where anecdotes describe occasions in which Hughes was picked on by bullies and Homme came to the rescue. As Hughes reflects back on these occasions in the documentary, he explains a big life lesson learned: “Next time stand up for yourself. Make sure you’re never the weakest one.”
Hanks interviews other band members such as those from U2 but maintains that, worse than speaking of the events to the band members, was speaking to the fans who were there on the night.
Essentially, Hanks says of the documentary: “It’s about that first step in trying to put life back together.”, suggesting that we should all prepare for an emotional screening in February.
The Bataclan will host it’s first concerts since the terror attack in two weeks, following cancellations over damaging comments such as those from Hughes.