Set in 1971, when America was a nation divided over the escalating violence and bloodshed of the Vietnam War, TIGERLAND begins when thousands of young soldiers had already lost their lives to the war, and thousands more were preparing to enter combat. In Fort Polk, Louisiana, a group of young soldiers-in-training has conflicting opinions about the war. Jim Paxton (Matthew Davis) is an idealistic romantic who sees Vietnam as potential inspiration for future novels and romantic war stories. Roland Bozz (Colin Farrell) is a rebellious antihero who decides that he wants no part of the army or the war and begins to disobey orders, trying to get expelled from the infantry. Paxton and Bozz become leaders to a small group of young draftees, and Bozz inspires them to question authority. As they enter Tigerland--a training process in which the soldiers simulate combat in the Louisiana wilderness--the men begin to realize just how far they will go to stay out of the war. This gritty, documentary-like vision of the war is engaging and incredibly moving, employing natural lighting, handheld cameras, and realistic dialogue to encapsulate the deeply internalized psychological journeys of the characters. Irishman Farrell gives a breakout performance as Bozz, replete with intense charisma and brooding outlaw heroism.

Theatrical release: September 22, 2000 (NY/LA).

TIGERLAND was shot in 28 days on a military base in Starke, Florida.

Screenwriter Ross Klavan enlisted in the army reserve in 1971 and did his advanced training at Tigerland.

Director Joel Shumacher conceived the film in the spirit of Danish director Lars Von Trier's Dogma 95, a movement that rejects typical Hollywood artifice such as special effects, elaborate lighting, and sweeping film scores.

The film was shot with 16mm and handheld cameras, using natural light. The actors wore no makeup except for blood or bruising makeup.

Composer Nathan Larsen is the guitarist for alternative punk band Shudder to Think.

Paul Tatara of of cnn.com named TIGERLAND one of the 10 best films of 2000.

The Boston Society of Film Critics named Colin Farrell Best Actor for TIGERLAND.

TIGERLAND screenwriters Ross Klavan & Michael McGruther were nominated for an Independent Spirit Award for Best First Screenplay.

DVD Features:

Region 1
Keep Case
Letterboxed - Anamorphic - 1.85:1
Audio:
Dolby Digital 5.1 - English
Dolby Surround - English
Additional Release Material:
Audio Commentary - Joel Schumacher - Director
Casting Sessions with Colin Farrell
Trailers - 1. Original Theatrical Trailer
2. TV Spots
3. Bonus Trailer - TORA TORA TORA
Interactive Features:
Scene Access
Interactive Menus

Colin Farrell: Irish actor, TIGERLAND/ALEXANDER
Matt Davis: Actor, TIGERLAND, LEGALLY BLONDE
Shea Whigham: TIGERLAND
Clifton Collins: Actor
Russell Richardson: Actor
Tom Guiry: American Actor, U-571 (2000), TIGERLAND (2000)
Cole Hauser: Actor

Joel Schumacher: American Director/Screenwriter

Arnon Milchan: Producer
Beau Flynn: 
Steven M. Haft: Producer

Michael McGruther: 
Ross Klaven: TIGERLAND

Nathan Larson: Composer

Mark Stevens: Editor

"...Mr. Schumacher has assembled a hard-working young cast led by the Irish actor Colin Farrell..."
"...The rawest film ever made by Joel Schumacher..." -- 3 out of 4 stars
"...[Schumacher's] best, most affecting work since FALLING DOWN....Galvanizing passion..."
"...Colin Farrell excels....Schumacher and the actors prevail by fixing their sights on what happens to men on that last stop before the game of war becomes a grim reality..."
"...It's a fine showcase for spirited performances from a dozen up-and-coming actors..."
"...FARRELL takes TIGERLAND by the scruff of the neck and shakes it to life....He's got the kind of relaxed, attention-commanding presence that screams 'STAR!!'..."
"...[A] taut, spare drama, which is consistently fresh, engrossing and unpredictable....TIGERLAND is tightly constructed and culminates with a stunningly appropriate charge of ambiguity..."