The story of the country-western singer Hank Williams, who in his brief life created one of the greatest bodies of work in American music. The film chronicles his rise to fame and its tragic effect on his health and personal life.
Production Images
Trailer
Trivia
- Tom Hiddleston performed all his own vocals. During the concert sequences he sings to his own pre-recorded tracks, but on the numbers "I Saw the Light" and "Your Cheatin' Heart" he sings live on camera.
- During filming, Tom Hiddleston endeared himself to the cast and crew by serenading them at the piano between scenes. At wrap, each day, he graciously shook hands with everyone involved and thanked them for their work, from the janitor to his costars. His clear musical talent and unpretentious behavior on set quelled any suspicions that the Englishman wasn't right for the part.
- To gain his pencil-thin appearance, Tom Hiddleson ran ten miles and cycled 15 miles everyday.
- In preparation for the lead role, Tom Hiddleston moved into veteran country singer Rodney Crowell's Nashville home to undergo a crash course in singing and guitar playing country style. As a 2-year-old perched on his father's shoulder, Crowell had seen Hank Williams perform live and had thereafter evolved into a Williams aficionado and keeper of the flame.
- Both Tom Hiddleston and Elizabeth Olsen did their own singing.
- In an interview with the New York Times, published on March 20, 2016, director Marc Abraham said he felt it was important to show the fiery nature of the relationship between Hank Williams and his first wife, Audrey. He said "That was the fire. That's where the songs come from."
- Tom Hiddleston was 35 when he played Hank Williams, who died at age 29.
- With a box office take of $1.8 million from a $13 million budget, this was one of the biggest flops of 2015.
- Tom Hiddleston promoted the film by performing "Move It On Over" and "Jambalaya (On the Bayou)" in character at the 2014 Wheatland Music Festival.
- Bobbie Jett mentions she's pregnant, and it's never mentioned again. She's pregnant with Hank's daughter, Jett Williams.
- In real life, Toby Marshall bought a bogus medical certificate for $25. He lived in Oklahoma City and connected with Hank Williams in 1952, becoming his "personal physician." He prescribed chloral hydrate to treat alcoholism. After Hank died, Lilly summoned Toby for advice, which he promptly billed her for. Toby was eventually investigated in connection with Hank's death, and imprisoned after his wife died from similar treatment. He died in Oklahoma State Prison in McAlester, Ok.
- The scene of Williams walking out of the hotel and placing his glass on the roof of the car was filmed in Shreveport's The Remington Suites Hotel on Travis Street, just before midnight. It was unseasonably cold that night and many of the antique cars had trouble starting and running.
- The real Audrey Williams was several months older than Hank Williams. Tom Hiddleston is eight years older than Elizabeth Olsen.
- Director Marc Abraham started working on this, his pet project, in 2009.
- Tom Hiddelston and Elizabeth Olsen are part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He plays Loki. She is the Scarlet Witch.
- Andalusia, Alabama, where Hank Williams marries Audrey at the beginning of the film, is 35 miles south of Georgiana, Alabama, Williams' boyhood hometown.
Quotes
- Audrey Williams: Sit down, you horse's ass!
- Audrey Williams: He's drinking like a fish tonight. Lillie Williams: Ya think so?
- Audrey Williams: Don't worry Lillie, he'll hand it over to me before we even get home.
Movie Transcript
Project Videos
“I Saw The Light” Featurette – Behind the Scenes
A behind the scenes featurette of the movie "I Saw...
“I Saw The Light” – Elizabeth’s Scenes – Clip 4
SPOILERS: Singer and songwriter Hank Williams (Tom Hiddleston) rises to...
“I Saw The Light” – Elizabeth’s Scenes – Clip 3
SPOILERS: Singer and songwriter Hank Williams (Tom Hiddleston) rises to...
“I Saw The Light” – Elizabeth’s Scenes – Clip 2
SPOILERS: Singer and songwriter Hank Williams (Tom Hiddleston) rises to...
“I Saw The Light” – Elizabeth’s Scenes – Clip 1
SPOILERS: Singer and songwriter Hank Williams (Tom Hiddleston) rises to...
Filming
Principal photography took place in Shreveport, Louisiana, starting in October 2014 and ending in December 2014.
Release
The film was originally scheduled to be released on November 27, 2015, by Sony Pictures Classics. However, on October 16, the release date was pushed back to March 25, 2016
Premiere
Script developed by Never Enough Design / Edited by KaciElizabeth
