Tag Archives: alex-garland

Warfare

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June 11

This was brutal.

Warfare was written by Ray Mendoza and Alex Garland based on Mendoza’s experiences during the Iraq war. It followed the events of a failed US Navy Seal mission from November 2006 after the Battle of Ramadi.

The script was created through testimony of the platoon members and is told only using their memories. The film is told in real time and is one of the most realistic war films that I have ever seen. This felt more like we had a window into this gunfight than anything that had been recreated by Hollywood magic.

I wish I had seen this on a bigger screen than on my home TV, because I feel as if this is more than a movie, it’s an experience. I can’t imagine what this experience would have been like in IMAX or on a bigger screen with a better sound system.

The sound of the movie was one of the most haunting aspects of it. Everything from the bombs and the bullets being used to the silence emphasizing the screams of pain from the injured. When the silence goes from all encompassing to visceral screams of the wounded, it is a powerful and suspenseful moment. The screams cut deep into the viewer and beginning with the silence makes it all the more impactful.

There is almost no plot and very little characterization. Despite that, the events that take place place a strain on the audience as it feels very real.

The ensemble cast included some of the best young actors around, but it is never apparent that these actors are doing anything but surviving a firefight. The actors include  D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai , Will Poulter, Cosmo Jarvis, Kit Connor, Finn Bennett, Joseph Quinn, Charles Melton, Noah Centineo, and Michael Gandolfini. 

The amazing technical work of this film is masterful. The realness of the film cannot be denied. This is one of those tough to watch films that you need to see, once at least. It may not be a film you revisit.

4.5 stars

Civil War

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This was a really well done movie with some dramatic moments.

I do not want to every see it again.

There have been several movies that I have seen that I loved, but that had such an impact on me that I would not want to watch it again.

Despite what you might think, this is not a political movie. The film does not go into specifics on how the film’s civil war started nor does it take sides. I think that was a very smart thing to do, but I do expect that some people from either side may see what they want to see in the movie even though it is not there.

The film focuses on four characters who are photo journalists in their attempt to go from New York to D.C. It is essentially a dystopian road trip movie, with a series of scenes that show the horrible events that a war brings. Innocent bystanders are caught in crossfire, lives are ruined, death surrounds them all.

The four main characters have great chemistry together and bring an energy to the darkness around them. Kirsten Dunst played a battle weary photo journalist named Lee and Wagner Moura played her partner Joel. They are joined by up and coming photo journalist Jesse, played by Cailee Spaeny. Then fourth of the group was the wonderful Stephen McKinley Henderson whose character was a grizzled veteran reporter, Sammy.

These characters interact with each other and the film is truly a character piece involving their road trip toward D.C.

The sound mixing team on this film did an amazing job as it sounded unbelievable. The gun shots would literally resonate in the audience’s gut, creating an uneasiness and an awkwardness that empowered the tone of the film.

Civil War is a violent film that does an admirable job at not taking a side in the conflict, nor does it blame either. It spends time with four characters who have to deal with the consequence of war and trying to exist in a war zone. It is a compelling movie with strong lead performances that anchor the film.

4.25 stars