Kate Bosworth, Michael Polish stop in Kalispell to promote movie

On a nationwide tour to promote their new movie, acting couple Kate Bosworth and Michael Polish stopped Aug. 23 at Norm’s News in Kalispell to discuss the film, the nature of filmmaking and the Dallas Cowboys.

Polish directed the film, “90 Minutes in Heaven,” which stars his wife, Bosworth, and Hayden Christensen of the “Star Wars” prequels.

The movie, based on a true story and best-selling book, deals with an ordained minister who is involved in a nearly-fatal car accident and is pronounced dead for 90 minutes.

Don Piper, the minister, claims he spent those 90 minutes in heaven with his relatives and experienced great joy. The film deals with Piper’s memories and coming back to life and recovery.

“I think the appeal of this movie is the normalcy of something that could happen to anyone happens to a minister,” Polish said. “He has been questioning his profession and having a crisis of faith, like we all have at some point in our life. It’s a common story wrapped in faith.”

Bosworth plays Eva, loving wife to Piper (Christensen), but she must deal with the ramifications of the horrific crash and her husband’s recovery. She credits Polish’s love and skill at directing to the good experience on the film.

“The difference with this film is that we felt the importance of our marriage and the solidity of our marriage because we are telling the story of Don and Eva,” Bosworth said. “People can connect with that. They can connect to a trying time in their relationship and having to stick together.”

The film is financed and produced by Giving Films, a new Christian movie studio that donates all its profits to a group of charities, including Hire Heroes, Hope International and World Vision. Founder and financier Rick Jackson wanted to create movies that “give hope and give back.”

Polish said he thinks he accomplished that.

“I keep getting asked what I hope people get out of this film,” he said. “Exactly that. I hope they get hope. Family to me is first, and this movie is a big part of that.”

The two said working with Christensen was an amazing experience.

“He knows his own lines and he knew my lines,” Bosworth said. “It was a real professional joy to work with someone who brought their ‘A’ game every day. It would have been difficult to work with someone who did otherwise.”

Country singer Dwight Yoakam also features prominently in the film, and proved to be a steadfast, professional actor.

“I’ve admired Dwight since I was young,” Polish said. “You always wonder if you’re going to work with these people. He made me look good. He was a pleasure to work with.”

As for working with the author of the book, Don Piper, both Polish and Bosworth say that something surreal happened to him.

“After spending a lot of time with Don, I hope that if Michael goes before me, he’s waiting with a whiskey for me and says ‘I missed you, babe,’” Bosworth said. “It’s obvious when you talk with Don that he went somewhere. You don’t have to believe his story, but he does. He wants to go back.”

Bosworth just finished a stint in Quebec working with Dennis Quaid on “The Art of More,” an online exclusive project filmed for Sony’s Crackle digital network.

“We decided to drive back and take the Hi-Line,” Polish said. “We’ve never done that. There’s no pressure. It’s nice to stop in small places and talk to people there.”

Polish has a deep Montana connection. His grandfather worked on the Libby and Hungry Horse dams. His father was born in Butte and his family still owns property in Beaverhead County. His father sold newspapers in front of Norm’s News — a place the two always visit when in Kalispell to get cheeseburgers and shakes — and the two make a point to go to Moose’s Saloon.

When Polish and Bosworth met on the set of their 2013 movie “Big Sur” — based on the Jack Kerouac novel — they fell in love and were married in Philipsburg, Montana. The two own property in Bigfork.

“We feel most at peace and happiest here,” Bosworth said. “We’d very happily stay here longer if we could, but we’re literally driving into Good Day L.A.”

Bosworth gained fame as a teenager with roles in “The Horse Whisperer,” “Remember the Titans” and “Blue Crush.” She has sinced worked in major roles in “Still Alice,” “Superman Returns” and “21.”

Polish is known for directing and acting in films such as “Twin Falls, Idaho,” “The Astronaut Farmer,” “For Lovers Only” and “Big Sur.” The two are avid Dallas Cowboys fans and personal friends of quarterback Tony Romo. This is the Cowoys’ year, they said.

Filming wrapped on “90 Minutes in Heaven” in Atlanta in March, and the movie will premiere Sept. 11 nationwide, including at Signature Stadium 14 in Kalispell.

Reporter Ryan Murray may be reached at 758-4436 or by email at rmurray@dailyinterlake.com.