Blame The Government.

Those of you who have been around this blog a while will remember Documentary Day, in which Catfish and Exit Through The Gift Shop were reviewed. However, these films could both possibly somewhat staged and scripted. Today's film is of the same genre, but does what the documentary film was invented to do: explore and educate. Left wing enthusiast, Michael Moore, takes us on a journey into 9/11 and the Iraq War. This is Fahrenheit 9/11 .

Moore: A professional film maker.

What really happened with 9/11 and the following war in the Middle East?  Moore explores the truth behind the Bin Laden family, the fact that they had connections with the US Government, as did a lot of Saudis. He looks into the hypocrisy of politicians who will happily ask their citizens to push kids into the army, but would never consider sending their own kin. He points out how much holiday time George Bush took compared to how much he worked. This is not a conspiracy film saying that 9/11 was an inside job, this is a criticism of the government's complete and utter dedication to their own greed and longing. Of course, as with any documentary, we only see one side of the story. This happens to be a very bias perspective in Moore's case, with stock footage of George Bush stumbling over words and questions, heartfelt interviews with victims of the war, and, naturally, some gore from the war zone to add a real punch. Take everything with a pinch of salt.

A flag to love America? Or to mourn it?

The film, on it's entertainment merits, however, is completely engaging. Moore is never condescending to his viewers but is to the big bad government men. His stunts are always good fun, whether it is watching him yell out to Bush, or reading the Patriot Act through the speakers on an ice cream van, or even getting senators to sign their kids up for the army, he keeps his tone light whenever he is in the camera's sights. All of his mockery is justified by research and points he has already made and this will always bring a viewer to his see life his way. Clearly Moore is smart, and the government is not - the way the viewer may be conditioned by the way the film is put together. Do not suspend your disbelief, but listen with an open mind. Be swayed to a view point, do not get dragged.

Overall, an entertaining and educational documentary. It was the first documentary to be top of the US Box Office, so it seems to appeal to everyone. Enjoy it, but don't let it control you. (Also not for the weak hearted. There is a (hardly visible) beheading and a lot of war injuries. I was cringing and flinching and I have a strong stomach. This is real.)

Best Bit? Moore trying to encourage senators to sign their kids up for the army was particularly entertaining.

Vietnam Week 5: Radio

Out in the world of films there are more than a few war films. Perhaps this is because, as a species, we have so many wars. Whatever the reason is, it seems that we can never get tired of one war. The war that, if you weren't there, you can never imagine. Described by more than one solider as a hell on Earth and claimed 58,282 U.S. Solider's lives. The war in Vietnam. If you've been watching the films I've been reviewing this week, there is a high possibility you have heard a radio playing in the background of the action. If so, you have probably heard the title of today's film: Good Morning, Vietnam.

Based on a real DJ for the US Armed Services Radio station in Vietnam, Adrian Cronauer (Robin Williams), Good Morning, Vietnam tells the story of Cronauer and his 'outrageous' acts on the air. Adored by the troops out in the field but hated by his commanding officers, Cronauer balances on a fine line that is controlled by his constantly being censored and being threatened by the higher commands, Lt. Steven Hauk (Bruno Kirby) and Sgt. Major Dickerson (J.T. Walsh). However, no matter what, he always has Edward Garlick (Forest Whitaker) looking out for him, even in his endeavours to find love with a young Vietnamese girl and befriending a young boy called Tuan (Tung Thanh Tran). His commitment to constantly keep the troops laughing is harder than any mission in the actual field as he can't read the stories he wants to, play the music he wants to, or, most importantly, tell the jokes he wants to. Staying out of trouble is not easy.

Even a successful comedian bombs...
But not the same way as the troops.

For his performance, Robin Williams was nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role at the 1988 Oscars, eventually losing out To Michael Douglas in Wall Street. Williams, commonly thought of as a less serious actor, being nominated for an Oscar. Did he deserve it? Yes, completely. What Good Morning, Vietnam does so well is it is a solid base for Williams to ramble on with his style of comedy - most of his broadcasts are completely improvised - but it also provides small, yet crucial, moments for some real heart felt acting. The contrast between the light hearted, incredible, improvised speeches and the times when Cronauer is genuinely distraught or upset is a juxtaposition that only the finest of actors can pull off with such clarity and conviction. There is not a bad piece of acting in the entire film; all the supporting cast are absolutely fantastic. The characters are all so distinctive in their personalities that the audience immediately know who to like and dislike without needing an extra half an hour for character development. Truly superb.

Williams misunderstood when people
said his mouth was too big for the mic.

What this film does that many other Vietnam films don't do is it looks far more heavily at the serving members of the military forces that have a comfy seat. While it does still emphasise the fact that there is no front line in Vietnam and anyone could be attacked, it shows that there was another side to the war that was not all grit and death. The Vietnam film with the most heart by a long shot. Not only does it introduce a love story underneath the main plot, but it also introduces the idea of true friendship and betrayal, not just comradery. It has a soundtrack full of old favourites and classic tunes to present the idea that we are like the troops, listening to whatever Cronauer decides he will play.

A perfectly simple plot that combines comedy and heart like very few films do. Not only was it funny and touching, it was also extremely enjoyable. Perhaps it is the lack of constant death, or the high spirits of the radio troops, but there's something far more pleasurable to watch in Good Morning, Vietnam than other war films. 

Best Bit? Cronauer's touching and heartfelt speech towards Taun towards the end of the film. Anger, respect, guilt, desperation, upset... All these emotions and more come out in one scene. Super. 

Vietnam Week 4: Food Fight

Out in the world of films there are more than a few war films. Perhaps this is because, as a species, we have so many wars. Whatever the reason is, it seems that we can never get tired of one war. The war that, if you weren't there, you can never imagine. Described by more than one solider as a hell on Earth and claimed 58,282 U.S. Solider's lives. The war in Vietnam. Today's film is based on one of the bloodiest battles during the Vietnam war. The plot is based on true events though the characters are fictional and unlike other Vietnam films, today's film searches to tell the truth over entertaining its audience. This is Hamburger Hill.

Hamburger Hill, or Hill 937, in the A Shau Valley of Vietnam is of little strategic advantage for the U.S. Military but it is heavily fortified by the North Vietnamese. The film follows a squad of 14 men as they persevere in a brutal ten day battle to try and claim the hill. There is no real protagonist and an almost anonymous enemy; simply gunshots in the distance. This is no mere attempt at entertaining a wider audience, however. The film is an honest account of the chaos and brutality that was the Vietnam War. As that is the entire plot covered, let us move on. 

What happens when 'got your back' is misunderstood...

The start of several big stars film careers, including Don Cheadle, but only two of which really stand out. The first is Courtney B. Vance as Spc. Abraham 'Doc' Johnson. Doc, as a black man in the 1960s, has had his fair share of abuse and you can see how that translates into his attitude toward the war. There is clearly an anger towards those in a position of power over him and that, because of his race, he won't have that power, but also there is a strong feeling of comradery towards his fellow soldiers. He points out that, on this hill, they are all equal. The second stand out performance comes from Dylan McDermott as Sgt. Adam Frantz. The reason McDermott stands out is simply due to how cool he is throughout the film but, as things turn serious and friends start dying, we see his defences break down and his sanity slip until all that he has left that matters to him is getting up the hill. A wonderfully realistic performance. 

The Karaoke night never pulled out a big crowd.

There is very little to say about the film that the tagline doesn't: 'The most realistic portrayal of the Vietnam War ever filmed . Because it's the only one that's true.' That is exactly what it is. This is a brutal and gripping tale of a single moment in the war. There is no over complications with secondary story lines, there is only the hill. The wonderful contrast between the actual fighting and the downtime between gunfire, combined with a near perfect soundtrack, create an eerily accurate atmosphere. What really makes it stand out from other Vietnam films, however, is the fact it doesn't hold the focus on an individual's death. There is no slow motion, no screaming and crying and hugging it out. It is war and people die. The effects are clear without needing to make it too explicit. 

A good film. A great story. As a film, it lacks the entertainment value that the other Vietnam films have. There is less artistic license used. The men have strict uniforms and they stick to their rules and regulations. Whilst this is a more honest approach to film making, it is less watch-able (perhaps why it comes in as the shortest film this week.)

Best Bit? There is something horribly captivating about the assault in the rain. Watching the men hopelessly slide back down the hill after fighting to get up is heartbreaking but I challenge you to look away.

Vietnam Week 3: -Insert Bullet Description Here-

Out in the world of films there are more than a few war films. Perhaps this is because, as a species, we have so many wars. Whatever the reason is, it seems that we can never get tired of one war. The war that, if you weren't there, you can never imagine. Described by more than one solider as a hell on Earth and claimed 58,282 U.S. Solider's lives. The war in Vietnam. Today we look at Kubrick. As we all know, Kubrick is known for his masterpieces: 2001: Space Odyssey, A Clockwork Orange, The Shining etc. This would lead one to presume that if he made a Vietnam film, it would be excellent. Well, he did, but does it live up to the expectations surrounding it? This is Full Metal Jacket.

Not just an analysis of the war in Vietnam, but also the brutal training that led to it - the war split into two narrative halves. The first half is boot camp and the soldiers training under the watchful and cruel eye of Gunnery Sergeant Hartman (R. Lee Ermey) who is not just tough but heartless, especially towards Private Leonard 'Gomer Pyle' Lawrence (Vincent D'Onofrio), an overweight and unstable recruit. Eventually, Private Pyle is put under the command of Private J.T. 'Joker' Davis (Matthew Modine) who teaches him enough (and organises motivational punishments)  to get him through boot camp. The second half of the film focuses on Private Joker in his military career as a Stars and Stripes correspondent. we see him trying to find news that appeals to the military eye rather than the completely truthful eye. Teaming up with his good friend from boot camp, Private Cowboy(Arliss Howard), and some of his men, Eightball (Dorian Harewood) and Animal Mother (Adam Baldwin), he goes out to experience the 'front line' of the war.

The recruits had a bit of time for practising their
defence against a free kick in football/ soccer. 

There is a real shame in the acting in this film. While all the actors are fine and dandy, the two best actors are only in the first half: R. Lee Ermey and Vincent D'Onofrio as Gunnery Sergeant Hartman and Private Pyle respectively. Ermey, having formerly been a Drill Sergeant, obviously knew his role back to front. Half of his most famous lines and scenes were completely unscripted and yet, you would never know. His character never falters (except for a split second when a gun is pointed at him) and because of this, he provides one of the rawest and most real performances cinema has to offer. D'Onofrio, on the other hand, has a reserved crazed aura about him. Whilst it is clear that he is not quite mentally stable, Hartman never seems to treat him differently and even compares him, indirectly, to Lee Harvey Oswald and Charles Whitman. What D'Onofrio  does so well is build gradually to a complete breakdown. The first signs of crazy are introduced through speech but Pyle shows that it's not going well for him.

A film with a film in it. Woah.

Stanley Kubrick is, no doubt, a cinematic genius. The film, from start to finish, is shot like no other war movie. With more tracking shots than you can shake a stick at, Full Metal Jacket seeks not to show the grit or horror of war, but to give a clearer, external perspective of the action of the Vietnam War. Almost post-modern in its approach in this sense - there's one scene in which Private Cowboy's men are all slumped down as a documentary crew pass and the camera sot follows the camera crew. One of the finest soundtracks in the entire film genre too; extremely jarring with what is actually on screen and, somehow, this really works. The films real success is in its dialogue. From the constant brutality of Hartman, to Joker's wit, one thing is always consistent: the quality of what is being said. Simple conversations can raise huge points which many films fail at. (One Colonel asks Joker, 'You write "Born to Kill" on your helmet and you wear a peace button. What's that supposed to be, some kind of sick joke?' and just like that, the subject of war and the duality of man is a prominent issue.)

A great war film with an outstanding first half. The second half, while still good, is significantly weaker but the entire movie is rounded off with possibly the most bitter sweet ending known to man. While not one of Kubrick's greatests it is still a must see for any of his fans or fans of the war genre, even if it is just for the first half.

Best Bit? Well, it has to be the first time that Hartman goes around insulting the men. More quotable lines than the entirety of Mean Girls.

Vietnam Week 2: War Is Not Nice

Out in the world of films there are more than a few war films. Perhaps this is because, as a species, we have so many wars. Whatever the reason is, it seems that we can never get tired of one war. The war that, if you weren't there, you can never imagine. Described by more than one solider as a hell on Earth and claimed 58,282 U.S. Solider's lives. The war in Vietnam.Yesterday’s filmed starred Martin Sheen, today we look at his son. Renowned more now for his drug abuse and his Tiger Blood breakdown, Charlie Sheen has become a bit of a joke in the media. But let us go back to when he was a serious actor and what could be more serious than Vietnam. This is Platoon.

Based on Oliver Stone's experience in Vietnam, the film’s events should arguably be a more truthful representation on the war. Young and naive recruit, Chris Taylor (Charlie Sheen) has just arrived in Vietnam for his tour of duty. He's one of the few men who chose to come to Vietnam after dropping out of college and he soon finds out that he is not the most respected of figures to to the lack of his war experience. Like most of the men in his platoon, he gets torn between two non-commission officers: the rough, tough, and indestructible Staff Sergeant Robert Barnes (Tom Berenger) and the nice, fatherly Sergeant Elias Grodin. (Willem Dafoe) In between fighting and smoking pot, the platoon experience ambushes, death, destruction, illegal killings, and rape - all of which start to push towards a psychological breakdown. This is not just a war in Vietnam, this is a war with a single platoon of men.

And that's before Sheen was known to be dirty...

It is hard nowadays, perhaps, to picture Sheen as a serious actor. Ironically, he got the role over Johnny Depp because Depp was not well known. How times have changed. But there was a reason that Sheen got the role: he is good. Starting off as an innocent college drop-out, desperate to do his part for his country but slowly his sanity starts to slip and we see his evolution from naive boy to hardened solider. But both stand out roles come from the polar opposite officers, both of which received Oscar nominations.That is Berenger as Barnes and Dafoe as Elias. Their hatred of one another is so clear and through their performances they manage to raise philosophical questions regarding the duality of man: does the war shape the men and if so how did they end on such opposite ends of the scale. It takes a really good performance to delve into philosophy. the supporting cast, too, are excellent additions to the film, especially John C. McGinley as Sgt. O'Neill, Barne's biggest supporter. The cockiest character throughout out the film until a request of his leaves him broken and fearful for the climax of the film, only to be followed by what would normally be considered good news, but not for O'Neill.

Despite not being the main part, Depp was still there.

Written and directed by a Vietnam veteran, Oliver Stone, there's no doubts about the realism of the film. The actors, prior to filming, had to participate in an intensive 14 day military training camp which finished the day before filming. There is method acting, and then there is this. Actors so exhausted they almost vomited, actors almost falling out of helicopters, actors who were just as happy to finish filming as they would be to leave 'Nam. A brilliantly directed film though. Some incredible action sequences and some horrifying moments. There is a real sense of the hell - as Taylor describes it - that was in and around Vietnam. With no front line, anyone could be attacked any time. It shows that the strong can be weak and the intelligent can break down. If I have one main complaint about the film it is the overuse of Adagio for Strings on the score. I'll die happy if I never hear it again.

Another good, gritty, realistic representation of the war in Vietnam. Again, it shows the true horror that the war installed in the fighters from both the U.S. army and the Vietnamese army and the innocent people that were just living their lives through the war.

Best Bit? [SPOILER ALERT] Well it has to be the iconic scene with Elias running from the Vietnamese before falling to his knees, heavily wounded, arms outstretched, taking bullet after bullet. Classic.