Historical Inspiration
The film bears some resemblance to the experiences of former U.S. Air Force Captain Scott O'Grady, who was shot down over Bosnia on June 2, 1995. He managed to survive for six days before being rescued. He reportedly filed suit against the film's producers for defamation of character, as well as making a film about his ordeal without his permission. However, the film's characters and events are almost entirely fictional. O'Grady never entered populated areas, nor did he interact with civilians. Also, O'Grady never flew an F/A-18F (which wasn't in service in 1995) but rather an F-16 Fighting Falcon.
Read more about this topic: Behind Enemy Lines (2001 film)
Famous quotes containing the words historical and/or inspiration:
“The past itself, as historical change continues to accelerate, has become the most surreal of subjects—making it possible ... to see a new beauty in what is vanishing.”
—Susan Sontag (b. 1933)
“As one knows the poet by his fine music, so one can recognise the liar by his rich rhythmic utterance, and in neither case will the casual inspiration of the moment suffice. Here, as elsewhere, practice must precede perfection.”
—Oscar Wilde (1854–1900)