A fictionalized story based on the life of Chris Kyle, a Navy SEAL sniper deployed in the post 9/11 Iraqi war. I am never sure with historical fiction how much of the story is history and how much is fiction. Here it seems like the point of the film is to portray the emotion of what it means to be a soldier (in particular a sniper), which is strange since the story shows that a sniper is (must be) necessarily emotionless to succeed at their job. Kyle is exceptional at his job and almost from day one becomes known as "the legend" based on his efficiency and skill. Between the lines, between the hoo-rah, is a story of tragedy and destruction brought by war, both physical and psychological. This is a devastating undertaking. I suppose that in this first 2/3, the viewers point of view will reveal whether the film is a patriotic demonstration of American dominance, power, benevolence and responsibility... or whether the film is a critique, exposing the true cost of war. Then we get to the last 1/3. Kyle finally comes home, struggles, gets some help, recovers and begins to help others. Not perfect, but the military family and his own family rally around to allow Kyle to construct new meaning upon which he can base the remainder of his life. This portion of the story comes with point of view attached. The viewer either accepts this story as reality, or rejects the entire film.
I suppose I appreciate a film that exposes to the American public the reality of war, the devastating human cost. Unfortunately, this one does so with not so subtle undertones of American exceptionalism - completely focusing on the American cost. Yes, this is probably a realistic picture of the dialogue and attitudes of the characters. But it is not the only perspective and while it has the opportunity to show the human cost, those kinds of films are relegated to small independent, ultimately low viewership films.
No comments:
Post a Comment