Emily Rodriguez
Yes, Army of One is based on a true story. The film is loosely based on the real-life story of Gary Faulkner, a Colorado man who tried to capture Osama bin Laden on his own.
What is the true story behind the movie Army of One (2016)?
The movie Army of One is loosely based on the true story of Gary Faulkner, a Colorado man who attempted to capture Osama bin Laden in Pakistan. Faulkner, who suffered from kidney disease and had little military or espionage training, believed he was on a mission from God to capture bin Laden and bring him back to the United States.
In 2010, Faulkner traveled to Pakistan armed with a sword and other makeshift weapons and attempted to enter the country several times despite being turned away by border officials. He eventually made it to the town of Chitral, where he rented a small apartment and began his search for bin Laden.
Faulkner’s mission ultimately failed, as he was detained by Pakistani authorities before he could find bin Laden. He was eventually released and returned to the United States, where he became a minor celebrity and made multiple media appearances to discuss his mission.
The movie Army of One takes considerable creative liberties with Faulkner’s story, including changing his name to “Gary Fickeisen” and portraying him as a slightly more eccentric and comedic figure. However, the central premise of a lone American man attempting to capture bin Laden in Pakistan is based on Faulkner’s true story.