'This film is sweeping, it's tragic, it's really brutal and sad, but it's true' - The making of Oscar Isaac's animated epic, Legend of Destruction

"I Was Watching Gladiator" - Oscar Isaac’s Role in the Groundbreaking Animated Epic, Legend of Destruction

Just a year and a half ago, an extraordinary cinematic feat burst onto the scene that transformed the definition of animated storytelling. The unique project, aptly titled Legend of Destruction, featured Oscar Isaac, Evangeline Lilly, Elliott Gould, and Billy Zane, lending their voices to the visionary Gidi Dar-directed film.

Innovative Illusion - The Making of a Visual Marvel

The nine-year-in-the-making epic boasted a distinctive visual style, creating an innovative cinematic language. The animated film was a tapestry of 1,500 original still paintings by David Polonsky and Michael Faust, the artists behind Waltz with Bashir and The Congress. These captivating paintings were seamlessly edited together to breathe life into an intense, action-packed war film.

The story, based in 66 AD Judea, was a meticulous portrayal of a society teetering on the brink of revolution. As the Jews revolted against the Roman Empire, what began as a societal disagreement quickly spiraled into a brutal civil war, climaxing in the destruction of the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem. "This story is at the core of Jewish existence, it is one of the darkest moments of my people, yet few know it. I felt compelled to tell it," confessed Dar.

Historic Characters, Unforgettable Performances

At the heart of this historical tale was Oscar Isaac's character, Ben Batich. Isaac transformed his character from a naïve young man into a hardened zealot under the charismatic rebel leader, Bar Giora, voiced by Billy Zane. "It is a story that has a great historical sweep but also is very intimate. It is about a personal relation between the lead character and God," expressed Isaac.

Evangeline Lilly voiced the character of Queen Berenice, the last Jewish queen attempting to save the Holy Temple in Jerusalem at all costs. Lilly fondly reminisced about the film, saying, "This film is sweeping, it's tragic, it's really brutal and sad, but it's true."

The film, which managed to clinch four awards out of seven nominations at the Israeli Academy Awards, still leaves a profound impact. Isaac's voice echoed in our ears as he nostalgically remarked, "I couldn't wrap my mind around the idea that it was going to be told using just still images... I felt like I was watching Gladiator."

Legend of Destruction, a testament to innovative cinematic storytelling, remains "terrifyingly relevant," according to Isaac. As we look back on this remarkable project, we can't help but agree with him.

(Several parts of the text in this article, including the title, were generated with the help of an AI tool.)