The keyword phrase "patriots day tommy saunders" functions grammatically as a proper noun. It is a specific noun phrase that uniquely identifies a singular, fictional entity: a particular character from a specific film.
Tommy Saunders is the name of a fictional Boston Police Department sergeant in the 2016 film Patriots Day. Portrayed by actor Mark Wahlberg, the character is not a real individual but a composite figure. The role was created by filmmakers to synthesize the experiences and actions of multiple real-life law enforcement officers who were central to the response during and after the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, including the subsequent investigation and manhunt for the perpetrators.
As a narrative device, the creation of this composite character is a common technique in docudramas. It allows a complex event involving numerous participants to be streamlined into a more focused and accessible storyline for the audience. This method enables the film to convey the collective effort and emotional journey of a group through a single, relatable protagonist, thereby enhancing the dramatic impact without misattributing the actions of many to one specific, real person.
