Mark Wahlberg Headlines 'Patriots Day' Red Carpet Screening In Boston
BOSTON (CBS) – A part of Boston looked like Hollywood Wednesday night at the red carpet screening of "Patriots Day," Mark Wahlberg's upcoming movie about the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings and the aftermath.
Wahlberg, a Dorchester native, topped the guest list at the Wang Theater-Boch Center on Tremont Street, along with director-writer Peter Berg and former Boston Police Commissioner and current WBZ-TV security analyst Ed Davis, who was a consultant on the film.
Wahlberg says it's understandable that some survivors of the attacks were nervous about their stories being shared by Hollywood. "I would make sure that they knew who was responsible for telling the story and that I would honor them and any of their wishes, concerns would be dealt with and addressed by me," Wahlberg said.
Two bombing survivors featured in the movie, Patrick Downes and Jessica Kensky, also attended.
"Tonight will be an hour and a half or two of capturing some of those big moments in that first week, so it will certainly be emotional to relive," survivor Patrick Downes said before the screening. "At worst, we hope that it's respectful of all those who were so intimately involved and at best, we hope it does the city proud."
Kensky hopes the film shows how people can "overcome challenges and how resilient the human spirit can be."
The survivors were joined by some of the key figures in the investigation: Watertown Sgt. Jeff Pugliese, former Boston FBI Special Agent in Charge Richard DesLauriers and Dun "Danny" Meng, the young man who escaped from the bombers during a carjacking and helped police track them down.
Retired Red Sox star David Ortiz, whose memorable speech that week in 2013 was re-created in the film, was also spotted on the red carpet.
The filmmakers say "Patriots Day" is the story of "a community's courage in the face of adversity" that celebrates "the average citizens who became extraordinary heroes."
In addition to Wahlberg, the movie stars Kevin Bacon, John Goodman, J.K. Simmons and Michelle Monaghan.
"Patriots Day" will be released in theaters in Boston, New York, and Los Angeles on December 21. It opens nationwide January 13.
More: Wahlberg: 'A Lot Of Pressure' To Get Marathon Bombing Movie 'Patriots Day' Right
It is produced by CBS Boston's sister company, CBS Films.
The filmmakers have launched a charity drive to benefit Boston-area charities, including the Martin Richard Foundation, Lingzi Foundation and many others. The Patriots Day team has donated $200,000. You can find out more at crowdrise.com/patriotsday.
WBZ-TV will air a special behind-the scenes broadcast, "The Making of Patriots Day," on Tuesday December 20 at 7 p.m.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Lana Jones reports
