True Stories Inspiring Great Horror Movies
Some of the best horror movies in history have drawn inspiration from real-life events. Films like The Conjuring, A Nightmare on Elm Street, Annabelle, and even The Silence of the Lambs and Psycho were all influenced by actual experiences or the notorious serial killer, Ed Gein.
Following the success of these terrifying films, director M. Night Shyamalan decided to create his own horror masterpiece. His latest film, Trap, takes its inspiration from a true story.
The Plot of Trap
Starring Josh Hartnett as the lead, Trap tells the story of Cooper Adams, a fictional serial killer attending a concert with his daughter, played by Ariel Donoghue. As the film unfolds, Adams must evade a police blockade while trying to protect his daughter.
Operation Flagship: The True Inspiration
Shyamalan based Trap on a real police sting operation called Operation Flagship. This operation took place in December 1985 in Washington DC and was conducted by the United States Marshals Service and the Metropolitan Police Department.
Approximately 3,000 wanted criminals were sent invitations to what they believed was a complimentary pre-game brunch and tickets to a popular American football game between the Redskins and Bengals. Out of the 3,000 invitations sent, 167 responded.
The officers involved in Operation Flagship trained for six weeks, bringing in deputy marshals from outside of DC to ensure the criminals didn’t recognize local law enforcement. At the Washington Convention Center, disguised officers posing as Flagship International employees checked the criminals’ IDs. The criminals were then divided into smaller groups for arrests.
In the end, the operation resulted in the arrest of 101 criminals.
Shyamalan’s Take on Operation Flagship
When asked about his inspiration behind Trap, Shyamalan described Operation Flagship as “hilarious” and “twisted.” He revealed that the officers involved in the operation acted as cheerleaders and mascots, dancing as the criminals entered the convention center.
Critical Acclaim for Trap
Critics who have seen Trap before its release have praised Josh Hartnett’s performance as “anxiety-inducing from beginning to end.” Another viewer described Hartnett’s character as a “goofy, embarrassing father figure” who seamlessly transitions into a concerned serial killer.
Overall, Trap has been commended as another captivating addition to Shyamalan’s filmography that refuses to fit into any neat and tidy box.
Catch Trap in US cinemas starting August 2nd.
Operation Flagship – December 1985
Josh Hartnett stars as Cooper Adams in Trap
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