Those guys really bonded, because I think they knew how important this story is. This is one of those cases where that chemistry on set was real. You cast it the best way that you can, and you hope for that chemistry. I said to the actors from the beginning, that (a) sense of connection is what’s going to make this movie work. When I asked - any of the (firefighters): what makes you come back season after season? They all said the same thing, which is the brotherhood, wanting to hang out with your guys. (The Granite Mountain Hotshots had a) really tight dynamic. Great movies, movies that you a remember (are the) ones that you can relate to, if you are not in that world. I felt that (this) theme is universal and transcends firefighting. It’s about what we are capable of, when we can rely on the guy standing next to you. Joe Kosinski: That is the heart of this film. Was it your intention to emphasize the men’s comradery? I found the same theme in this film and feel that the brotherhood of these men was a more prominent aspect than the actual firefighting. Q: Many times in war movies, the narratives focus on the brotherhood of the soldiers, such as in “We Were Soldiers” (2002) and “Saving Private Ryan” (1998). I thought (Eric’s gesture) was a wonderful story, and - to me – was the heart of what (the Granite Mountain Hotshots) were about. You find out what Eric Marsh did for him (by) giving him a second chance, when no one else would. I find Brendan’s story very inspiring, because of where he starts and where he ends up. The point of view of Eric Marsh (Josh Brolin), the superintendent, and Brendan’s (Miles Teller), the rookie on the team. The movie takes a unique approach of having two points of view. He was the first person (who) I met with.

Q: How involved was Brendan McDonough (a Granite Mountain Hotshot), when you were making the film?

If you are unfamiliar with the Granite Mountain Hotshots, please note that the interviews with Brendan McDonough, Pat McCarty, Dierks Bentley, James Badge Dale, and Miles Teller contain spoilers, but you do not have to wait long to see “Only the Brave”.

Only the brave movie cast