Damian Lewis discusses moral responsibility in historical roles

Actor Damian Lewis has expressed that he feels a ‘moral responsibility’ when portraying real-life historical figures on screen. Speaking at the London premiere of the wartime drama ‘Pressure’, Lewis discussed his role as British Army General Sir Bernard ‘Monty’ Montgomery.

Lewis described Montgomery as a complex figure who was often viewed as an ‘upstart’ by other Allied commanders, particularly Americans, despite being highly respected by his own men. The film focuses on the intense 72-hour period preceding the D-Day landings in June 1944, centered on the critical weather forecasts that influenced the decision to launch the invasion of Normandy.

The production also stars Andrew Scott as meteorologist James Stagg and Brendan Fraser as Dwight D. Eisenhower.