CIVIL WAR - Movie Review
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- čas přidán 10. 04. 2024
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always love watching your review after i’m feeling conflicted on something because you narrow in + break down different aspects that i sometimes find hard to see especially on first watch (i always come away seeing the bigger picture instead of the more intricate things happening)
so i just really appreciate how succinctly you explain your thoughts on each little thing ahah i guess it’s something i’ll learn with more experience + knowledge but yeah
"I do struggle with this a bit" - well that's unusual
Garland has always been a filmmaker more interested in raising interesting questions to us viewers rather than dishing out definitive answers, so this movie is the logical endpoint to this idea by literally putting us in the shoes of people whos job is to show lifes tragic glorious truths to us and let us decide what it means. In this case the journalists I guess Garland can see as himself in a way, I don't necessarily need a film to have a thesis, theme is something I appreciate a lot in film, be it in the subtext or metaphors, but it's not something I necessarily need, its certainly poked at, but character serves the movie enough for me here
🙏 💯
Man you talked a long circle to say the movie gives you nothing. Why not be honest and admit you were had?
I just stepped out of the theater. She's right about the shortcomings of the film, especially the lack of acknowledgement about journalists being almost irrelevant. Even the choice of using a manual camera for me in a world where everyone is using video threw me off. For me, it almost dated the film.
Agreed 100%. I think we also need to appreciate it's a film about journalists in the thick of war, and this film is made in a social and political context that feels like a war (in America). The film is tapping into this in an open-ended way that works more often than it doesn't. The masterpiece version of this film could probably only be made in a more settled time, I think. I say Bravo to Garland for swinging for the fences even if it doesn't quite get there.
I think the problem is that the questions in this film aren't interesting. The initial premise was interesting, but the plot development was just so trash. The social commentary is child-like and the themes are shallow.
I loved your review, I found it insightful. I have not seen Civil War but based on your reviews of Garlands previous films, I will add this. His films do not have answers. They are questions about who we are and what we are becoming…. I love his films because of this. I don’t need to be told how I feel or what I need to believe. Paint me a picture and let me discover my own answers…. The big questions in life have no answers, only choices.
Solid point but the others just drew you in so much more than this one though…
Yes, posing the costs and consequences of our immediate choices, and then letting us ponder on the better ways to handle the situation.
thanks again for the great review! it said a lot about the age of cameras, the new recruit using an old film camera, and the veteren using digital, we had an interesting conversation with an historian for those who want to know more.
This movie was so….milquetoast. It was toothless. It had nothing to say about anything. A movie called _Civil War_ that didn’t want to mention politics? Sure. Weird, but sure…A movie called _Civil War_ that was supposed to be about photojournalism, but had nothing to say about photojournalism? Not so sure, and not so fine. Were the protagonists supposed to be cynical and jaded? Never seemed that way. Was this supposed to be a statement on social media and how it has co-opted journalism AND the minds of the public? Nope. That would have been a waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay more interesting movie that could have even sidestepped the political themes, but it didn’t even want to do that.
I walked out of the theater and immediately thought of Children of Men; a far superior movie that did what this movie wishes it could have done. That movie made a statement about both sides without taking a stance on either. At the very least, in Children of Men, you knew why one faction was fighting the other, and why our protagonists were caught up in the middle of it all, which made you care about what was happening to them. Civil War, on the other hand, just felt like second-screen viewing, but on the big screen. Only look up when things are going bang bang.
Hi there, can't wait to watch this one on the big screen. I love listening to your thoughts on various topics and movies, even tho I don't agree a 100% all the time, I feel it challenges me to take a closer look and reflect on my opinions much more. So thank you for that!
One small request or side note. Please consider bringing your content, in audio-form, to Spotify. I would love to listen to it on-the-go.
Its so interesting seeing your commenters not being able to conceptualize the true point of the movie, and wanting to be told how to think and being told to choose a side. Human life should be the side, and that's what the director kind of emphasises in the film. The more I read YT reviews to this makes me sad that people cannot create their own thoughts about this and understand the value of the film.
100% agree. Civil War made me feel, it stirred up emotions in me, you don’t always have to explain everything you feel, sometimes just feeling is enough to remember you’re alive. And I’m still feeling from seeing Civil War yesterday. I’m still shook from the film, and I don’t feel like explaining what I’m feeling from the film, but trust me that I got something out of it, and if you don’t, idk what to tell you, maybe look inward and do some introspection of your own mind, take some thc before seeing it, or meditate. Connect with your self on a deep level and open your mind up to the possibilities of seeing things in a different perspective other than what you’ve come to know as what a film SHOULD be, a film can be whatever its creator wants it to be.
And what’s the true point of the film? War is bad? Yep got that.
I don’t need a film to tell me how to think, but I would like a film to tell me how it thinks. There were some really great moments in the film and I think the sound design and soundtracks were my favorite, but I didn’t walk away from it knowing its internal logic.
@@mikeymacaque So you didn't want to conceptualize it, or couldn't conceptualize the main point of the film ?
If you couldn't conceptualize it, I find that very fascinating.
Q/ You didn't feel anything in the film at all towards the deaths and casualties, torture ?
Q/ And you did not or couldn't understand the value of real truthful journalism ?
@@WeylandLabs I’m not talking about plot or themes, I’m talking about consistency in tone and delivery. My affective reaction is only part of it. We are shown the horrors of war only to have the next, final act celebrate it. We’re given a Washington Post-approved message about “truth” in journalism but we’re given no reason to believe or root for this message. This film was enjoyable enough, but it suffered from a major identity crisis throughout and I don’t think its themes are as intelligent as the film wants you to believe.
Excellent review! Thank you for your points to ponder, and your own insights!
Dredd was so badass
This was one of the strangest moves that I have ever watched. Not strange as in strange, but strangely empty. All of your analysis was spot on. I wanted to like this movie so much but I really do struggle and have to go to lengths to find any meaning. On the other hand, it is an interesting and timely concept, the actors are good, the filming and production value is quite good, the war scenes are quite visceral but, but, there is something very important missing in this movie, just can't put my finger on what it is. It's like the story is missing. Like when they went into the town that was oddly normal they commented that it was like the twilight zone I really perked up thinking oh boy, something odd and strange is about to happen ... then nothing. big sigh...
I totally agree with you on this one. The movie was interesting to watch and the so-called "story" is interesting to follow, the quality of the production is great but it's actually rather dumb movie. I had problem with the characters and their decisions and how everything felt completely unbelievable. Like the car chase scene. Why they just didn't stop? There was no reason to continue with high speed and risk everyone's life. And then goofy stunts when they swapped persons from car to car. Why they did that? In a Bond movie, characters do that because in that context they don't have anywhere else to go so they must do that. In this movie, they had all the choices to do a safe thing and secure everybody. But no, they just did the most irrational thing without any kind of reason. And this was an example where the movie failed in general. All the big scenes makes zero sense because the rationality of going one place to another is missing. The sniper scene came totally out of the blue, I had hard time to understand that what was the value of that scene in the complete picture. It didn't show any kind of development of the story, it was just a scene for the sake of showing something. The last act was completely ridiculous. It made zero sense that military personal even let journalist to be in that position. And then they stormed into a high value place with bunch of soldier instead of doing something clever like doing a plan before entering to somewhere. Or if they don't care about that kind of stuff, then how they are so successful with the operation in the big picture? I think the movie tries to be really clever, but it's actually rather silly. The movie shows way too much about big things which spoils the little things what it tries to underline.
Excellent thoughtful review as always. The depth you go to explain crux of the films is truly envious. Something is lacking these days from movie critics.
If you are reading this: Is it possible to watch past videos, movie watch along videos on your Patreon? I'd love to join your platform there
First time on your channel and I wanted to say, well done. You have a talent in your presentation that will allow you to stand out in the long run and I have subscribed.
I thought this movie was very focused. I viewed it through the lens of being about journalism, desensitization to violence and our obsession with violence in media. I found it very refreshing and interesting from that perspective. Similar to nightcrawler for me
I didn’t think of any similarities between come and see or any war movie for that matter. I saw it all being about our interpretation of world events
You really nailed the ambiguity this film left after watching it. Great review!
I found myself feeling very human during & especially after the viewing. I didn't expect to have such an emotional response in the parking lot on my way out. "What was it really all about?" Idk, but I feel a strengthened conscious appreciation for nature & the simplicity of life. Some moments in the film granted us this relief. Not much I wanna dissect here, instead, just feel. It was heavy, not the brightest or fully realized story, just simple heavy stuff. & I think it's open ended world-building/lore leaves for a more emotional impact. Excellent Sound design.
I couldn’t put my finger on it but you nailed it. When the movie ended, I was like hmm I don’t know how to feel about it
I watched Civil war on April 8 premiere. There were moments but the overall movie was lacking and even non sensical at moments. Photo journalists dont operate so close.
That’s what I’m saying, literally mise we’ll have been riding the people they were following. So unrealistic in so many ways as a photographer, didn’t appreciate that at all.
Than make yourself a movie with realistic photographers, it will be lame as Hell. You have to sacrifice a peace of your Films realism if you want to get a Point other than portraying the reality across
I'm seeing this tonight! I'm so excited. I have so much respect for war journalists, and read the ap every day. Thats my main reason why I want to see this film.
Well-articulated as always. I quite enjoyed your lightbulb analogy. I may use it on my channel (with credit). Civil War almost seems like it would be better as a series or even a video game. There is much to dig into while still being apolitical, and it sounds like this fell short.
I just saw Late Night With the Devil, it was really interesting! I hope you'll see it.
Agreed, perhaps the most interesting and creative film of the year so far.
I loved this film!!
It seems like a remake of Under Fire with Nick Nolte and Gene Hackman. Three journalists go across Nicaragua during the Sandinista rlcivil war with Somoza. They interview both sides and end up having to get involved.
The difference is that they don't interview any side in this film.
Now there's a movie that I've been fond of for decades that's been mostly forgotten and I never hear anyone talk about.
Civil War also takes many cues from Children of Men. Both films are set in a dystopian near future, the old societal order is in decline, the cynical protagonist is reinvigorated one last time by a mission to protect a young person. Unfortunately for Alex Garland, Children of Men is the far superior film in every way, despite being 18 years older.
Nick Nolte's character's line "I take pictures, not sides." Hits hard.
9:20
I mean Sammy got killed in that same scene and he was the main character's mentor lol
That’s what I was thinking too. He did kill a major character. His death scene was one of the best visually.
This is one of the best comprehensive review I've seen on the movie, thank you.
Great review as always! I liked it overall. I liked the dialogue and how the moments of reality are conveyed in the mini golf scene and Plemmons scenes, but damn that Plemmons scene, that was tense and chilling. I have issues with 2 parts of the writing, but those are spoiler territory.
That was such a great review that’s spoiler free. Really enjoy your content.
Aside from its being apolitical, we should have at least gotten the reasoning behind each side committing to go to war. The film itself doesn’t need to take either side, though. It’s a weak and scattershot film aiming to offend no one or garner emotion from anyone. It just exists.
on Timcast they said it definitely had a leftist bias. It perpetuated urban leftist stereotypes believed by urban leftists about rural people. They saw it as blunt propaganda.
you want "sides" like it's a game ? once the bullets are flying in a civilian theater,the original "reasons" take a backseat to reactive defensive elimination of threat with a followup of blind blanket revenge, and a slathering of liberated thuggery
@@MicahMicahel "rural" in america is an odd label where we all watch tv, go to gas stations and shop at dollarmart.. some just drive further in bigger vehicles wearing hats. That aside, we don't hear the quiet rurals, we just hear the loud "ruralists" yelling how "rural" they are, in a relentless monotone twang stream of consistent self- stylized and self stereotyping caricature, demanding to be pigeonholed.. and yeah urbanites have their own, somewhat less overt conformism, but hey, i'm half north florida cracker half SanFrancisco surf hippie.. i like Garden&Gun magazine, Napa wine, art museums, yoga,shooting clays with an over under, backpacking, hushpuppies and catfish
@@davidgough3512 Every war has an origin story, the reasons for which people at least believe they’re fighting. It would have given more weight to the characters to know these things. Showing that the war’s origins had morphed into something different, organically and/or purposefully, might have been a more interesting and significant angle to take.
@@1165mac good point and supports the shift from wishful fantasy to harsh reality. Just a little push back (not having seen the film yet): apparently the POV of pivotal main character Kirsten Dunst as a hardened, world weary, jaded battlezone reporter lends itself to her not giving a damn about the why.. just the sad predictable ongoing mess by the time she gets called to work
You mentioned All Along The Watchtower… are you referring to the Jimi Hendrix version?
my favorite A24 is UNDER THE SILVER LAKE. would love to see a review!
I was looking forward to this review, I almost purchased a ticket last night
Hey, have u made a favorite sopranos vid yet. i love ur opinions
I think it’s a timely and important film. My biggest complaint is the dynamic between the 2 protagonist photographers (teacher/apprentice) which veers towards trite and predictable.
It was a popcorn version of Terrance Malik but I really liked it in IMAX Laser
It was a phenomenal watch on IMAX!
Yes yes i fully agree. I dont mind the angle they took at all but i wished they elaborated and expanded upon the characters and the world so much more.
Excellent review your perspective is always interesting and it’s so fitting that deep focus lens does a in depth analysis of this film and I agree completely with your takes. The film was mistitled should have been called “don’t shoot we’re Press” lol the emotions I was supposed to be feeling for the main characters were usually the opposite because like you said they knew what they were getting into and then felt like the press pass was like a VIP to a concert or their camera was some sort of shield it was somewhat comical when should have been heart wrenching.
Looking forward to seeing this when I start watching the latest releases again; too expensive at the moment on a retiree’s budget w/ so much else going on at the moment.
Ex Machina was a striking debut for screenwriter Garland; I didn’t like Annihilation at all (bored actors didn’t help) but Men quickly became a favorite for me. So I’m thinking CW will be at least worth seeing, Dunst/Offerman often choose stretchy roles in off-beat films.
I thought you were flexing on us with that thumbnail. 😂😂
Your channel is like a breath of fresh air. Many thanks for these reviews. I crave balanced, Intelligent and engaging opinions and you deliver every time.
The line that brings it home was when Jessie asked Lee if she was apart of a certain situation would she have taken the photo and she replied yes.
great review! I hope you do Immaculate soon!
I wonder if you speeded up your videos. I prefer the normal human more thoughtful speed. Great review as always.
I always love your reviews. Your insights and strong opinions remind me of Pauline Kael.
You should totally do Dredd, it's so good.
I grew up watching Siskel and Ebert, Whether one agreed with their personal opinion was beside the point. They informed the audience. I loved them. I have not enjoyed movie reviews since, UNTIL NOW. you do much the same and more. I love your reviews. Here for example I do see how even out of context "What kind of American are you? can stir our beliefs in many ways. Deep-focus, It is.
I also think Garland talked to Military Analysts and used a lot of subtle things to give the film depth. On the other hand, the white lights when clearing the building set my teeth on edge . . . .
I wonder how well the film plays as a double feature with Monsters (2010) [Apologies for invoking Gareth Edwards’ travelogue]
Oh. Mah. Gawd. I thought of that, too!
haven't seen it but from reactions, it seems like a critique people seem to be circling around is that he's AFRAID TO SAY ANYTHING. which is understandable since you obviously don't want to alienate half the audience. so there's this semantic vacuum at the core of the movie that seems to be... obnoxious. and frustrating. and not wholly in a good and intentional way. like people want to tell garland, "ffs, just say something!"
he's saying that war just takes on a "life" of its own, regardless of what leads up to it
It’s an anti-war movie, with just as much specifics on the politics of the war as the recent All Quiet on the Western Front movie (maybe more).
Good review as to the ambiguity of what we are watching: the concentration on specific vignettes, moving towards the larger picture in the background; the ability to focus on this group of photo-journalists, because
of the demonization of a once noble, truth-seeking profession, was good. We could be in any country, but America/USA galvanizes the greatest energy/ anxiety due to its post-truth politics and move to autocracy.
Liked your use of filmic references like Children of Men and Come and See. The scenes looked very real
and the battle scenes were spectacular, nail-biting.
I really like when a young person like Maggie uses all references she wants freely whether they are films from the golden age, or rock songs from the 60s, or modern stuff, she can talk about Fellini or Wim Wenders and Nicolas Winding Refn without stopping to educate us about the matter because she assumes we’re smart enough to understand.
Young? She’s 33
@@dylanshorrorchannel1378 Please elaborate….
@@dylanshorrorchannel1378 You think 33 is old!?!? In the Middle Ages it might have been but not now 🤣
@@Sharvalgon Its certainly not young lmao.
@@dylanshorrorchannel1378 What on Earth are you smoking? People in developed countries are living well into their eighties. She's not even middle-aged yet!
Your usual thoughtful, intelligent discussion
I genuinely could listen to you all day. I've had the tendency to stay away from your videos because you explain things so much more clearly than I ever could. And that shatters my fragile ego ;) But really, I'm hooked with you and your content. WELL done :)
Based on this and other reviews - I'm going to pass on it. What bugs me is it seems to be exploiting political division as a gimmick to get people into the theaters but then shrinks from the subject matter. Understandable, that subject matter would be an impossible minefield in this era, so then don't make the movie. But it seems the producers want to use the political vitriol to get people to go, then feed them some idealistic pro-journalism movie that avoids the real questions the name of the movie begs: what were the events leading to CWII, what caused the factions such as they are, what are the ideological conflicts. But to put a story about photojournalists in the context of a 2nd civil war, when that story could be told in any war, seems to be a gimmick somehow even more offensive than any political slant bc at least a political slant would be about more than just money. Hollywood, no surprise.
I have to disagree I think it resonated deeply in that the point was how it showed how during such events, man loses their humanity and gets to a very animalistic us vs them.
It felt very realistic and reminds us of the pain that comes from such chaos
Movie trailer bombast causes me to look away from the screen and tune out but it took some effort not saying “oh, fuck you.” out loud during the trailer for _Civil War._
trailers typically pull in the rubes so they can be tricked into an educational experience
Hoping you'll review The Beast by Bertrand Bonello.
Review "All of us strangers" please.
Great review!
What if the film is actually about Americans secret desire for a civil war only so they can be voyeurs of it. The journalist represent Americans addicted to tragic/violent stories, who claim to want to be aware of what's happening in the world but are actually addicted to the dopamine of bad news. They don't have to choose a side or actually help in any meaningful way but can go along for the ride
very interested to see your thoughts on this
I walked out of the theater feeling the need to shake off bad/unwanted feelings. And the feeling stayed with me for a while, which is a positive indicator for impact/quality. I do also question the timing of this type of movie's release; why now, what implications, what hidden agendas?
Interesting that you did not find ex-machina visually there. I, found that the movie was built on the juxtaposition of natural beauty up above, compared to the sterile feel of the world the AI existed in bellow. The theme here is “beyond” Turing Test….where an AI contained within an inescapable cage, will convince humans to let it out….and this film did that.
Going from the prison into the open is shown..and as predicted…the human is tricked into letting it happen. So it’s possible that the story told through these visuals was by design .
too much grammar for the conceptual payload but i trust you’ll get it smoother with time
Word salad
@@chrisgipson455 devastating put-down!….so..my girlfriend’s cousin died being a jackass on train tracks. Word to the wise, dont be a jackass on traintracks. More succinct Chris?
@@chrisgipson455 How in the world is this remotely "Word salad"? I found it to be a really interesting and thoughtful comment.
@@buckocean7616"word salad" is anything you're against trying to comprehend
Couldn’t agree with this analysis more! Honestly so many sloppy details in this movie and story telling. Character development was some of the most disappointing I’ve saw, the scenes and some lines were just….not doing it for me. Music choices also very interesting…. What it did do well was anxiety and tense moments. Bullet sounds, A+ - also I thought we were traveling across the US, not through Pennsylvania…. 7.5/10 still but could have been a 10/10.
Plemons' line was about whether you are from the US... His actions were akin to those in Germany at the end of WW2 -- some did terrible things to avoid having to fight on the front lines. Some did heroic things to save lives in the end.
i actually liked this movie but i do agree that the world building feels a little thin and the characters where a little one note but i thought the movie was really immersesive and jarring. the scene where the girl falls into the pit lingers in my mind and will probably stick with me for a while. love your reviews, hope you do one for challengers when that comes out
Thank you for this review. I really haven’t enjoyed any Garland and I had a feeling this movie was going to really irk me. 😂
Thanks for another thoughtful review.
Alex Garland is one of my favorite writer/directors because he treads in interesting territory. But most of the time his work feels like it’s not quite reaching its full potential. It’s like he’s consistently nailing 80% of the execution. I think he has some truly great work ahead of him still and I look forward to his future projects.
You nailed it when you said, "Children of Men." Just like that film, the world is a character itself and it gives up the background of this movie if you really pay attention.
It was the main film it reminded me of.
I saw it & agree - I feel however perhaps he needs to shoot more & work on the editing to get the best material for scenes as possible - then streamlining it all via creative edit work. I dunno - maybe he needs to focus on the writing - so many films today seem like they were just slopped together. the process pays off > one of the best pictures I've seen in a long time was The Zone of Interest
I've seen mixed reviews about it. But I guess it's worth watching.
I had a feeling that Garland, like John Ford, had really developed back story for these characters but (mostly) did not hare it with the audience . . . .
THANK YOU for this review! I have been SO sick and tired of seeing the same stale, basic dismissals of the film because people (typically Americans) can’t get over the vague premise of the film-they want a political reason for the eponymous war and can’t get over the fact that this isn’t what the film is even trying to be about. Hearing you call the film “refreshingly apolitical” was a blessing.
And that’s precisely because, like you, I had a lot of problems with the film: it seems thematically confused (and/or nihilistic) and doesn’t raise its questions in a particularly compelling way; the characters make such stupid decisions that it breaks my suspension of disbelief; etc.
It’s impossible to discuss the substantive problems of the film when people are just caught up on the superficial absurdity of California working together with Texas, or when they otherwise insist on viewing the film exclusively through the lens of contemporary partisan politics. I’m so glad you took the time to delve into the substance of the film here.
Watching your review made me what to go see come and see, not civil war. Garland is good at concepts, and bad at execution. In general I wait to watch his films on streaming.
You shouldn't. You should see it at the cinema. It's an excellent movie.
I passed on "Men" but im intrigued in this one because of the what-if scenario about a war on american soil in present day. the modern political context aside, i like the concept and i'd actually like to a decent realistic movie about that.
Completely agree... didn't think about that whole "what kind of american are you" not having any weight because they don't really show what the different americans belief in... but yeah, on point like always , thanks
That’s not the point of the question
I think it was more about how Americans LOVE to divide themselves. Mexican American... African American... even dividing ourselves by states What type of American are you...
@@juanvasquez8616 leftist politics is about dividing people into identities. they are segregationist at heart. the left are the real racists. They want people divided because their marketing plans depend upon it. A divided populace is an impotent populace.
I loved the movie for being so aesthetic and apolitical at the same time.
Also Cailee Spaeny is my new star crush after this and Priscilla.
Cailees pretty in this film
The moment you choose a side, an anti war film ceases to be so
300 Canadian and what kind of American scenes worked for me. Rest was just ok.
Great review! What I find most appalling about filming a violent conflict in a democracy (democratic republic I know ) like ‘Civil War’ is the director chose not to explain anything . Since when has a film not wanted to explain who, what , when , where, why ! I took film class and the first thing written on the board by the instructor was ; ‘your job is ; WHO , WHAT, WHEN , WHERE , WHY’ that is storytelling 101 . That is book writing . That is in every script . Filming a story about paparazzi journalists seeking to get the best scoop is milk toast trash . These are not the stories of true photojournalists. The real ones get the story and interview , interview , interview . They send in a complete synopsis with positions , sides, reasons .. this is just lazy ! Maybe he’s riding off the infamy of his former films .
Just wnted to be one the 1st commenters..Love from Botswana
Saying Civil War is apolitical is like saying the Zone of Interest is apolitical.
wow, excellent review. I agree on all points you made re: Alex Garland in general. Although I don't think this film is second to anything in terms of images and sound design. I thought it was really progressive and absolutely stunning, technically speaking.
He never seems make his films work as a cohesive piece, but the little moments where they do work really hook me.
It’s so interesting how many reviewers I’ve watched and people I’ve talked to about this film found it too wanting or ambiguous, whereas I found it so beautifully precise in its purpose and storytelling. While watching movies themes usually stand out to me first and then the methods the themes present themselves comes second to me. However, here I find that the method comes first. Like the photo journalists, Alex Garland doesn’t editorialize political meaning. He presents a snapshot of a civil war that allows us to ask the questions, and I found that very effective for myself, and ended up getting into many great conversations because of it.
Firstly, I believe the fact that the story started at the end very intentional along with the ambiguity of the start and divisions of the nation. To me, the intention was that no matter what the starting political views are, no matter what you start fighting for, the nation afterwards will be unrecognizable. The worst of mankind will be let free, many will lose sight of what they’re fighting for and will fight just to survive. And after one side wins, who’s to say the fighting ends there and the regime that follows isn’t worse. As Lee says in the movie she hoped that going over seas and taking photos of war would caution America to prevent going in the same direction. I think this film is trying to take a small snapshot of a possible future for the same purpose, and let us ask questions from there.
Then there are smaller themes throughout each theme. For one example, I found the scene with Jesse Plemons the violent conclusion in war of something I see today where people on both sides of the political spectrum don’t care to know your story or why you believe something, but are willing to vilify you and write you off based on one thing: which side you vote for.
Nothing about the storytelling is incredibly complex, but I do think it was precise and impactful as long as you aren’t trying to make the film more ambitious than a cautionary snapshot.
I think we're too fixated on the politics of it all when the film is much more focused on the impossibility of objective journalism and the glorification of violence through images and icons
Can it be that we are too close to the subject? We live in a divided America. Thus, we focus so much on the background we lose the story he wanted to tell. If it were on a different timeline or place, we would understand it better. The quote can't see the forest due to the trees
Seems like a poor choice of setting because that's an entirely predictable issue
I really like it was number one at the boxoffice. We need more original movies on top. Thanks for that!
Thanks for your input.
I believe some of the negative criticism comes from many who have not served in the military or likely do not have any experience in war planning or fighting because their reviews are all based on modern action movies and dramas that they grew up watching instead of being actually deployed to a poor, ravaged foreign country and being looked at with great vitriol, threatened and/or shot at just because they’re an American.
My perspective comes from someone who’s been used around the world to satisfy the goals of the empire and who believes that as a result of our global expeditions and campaigns, we’ll eventually experience those pains in our homeland
someday and I’m not happy about that, but I am a realist who knows enough to prepare for difficult times ahead. So I see the movie as a sort of documentary whose goal is to open our eyes to a reality that many Americans still deny.
Many people may not think the events depicted in the film could ever happen but think of this, the U.S. is structured like a large version of Europe with states that mimic individual countries held together by the state’s promise to uphold the Constitution in which the mentalities of 21st century political leaders and citizens have clearly concluded, is just an old piece of paper. This format once proved that a massive civil war could and did occur and often history repeats itself, whether people want to believe it or not.
Sure it’s just a movie, but it’s a serious one and there is a major message in it for us which is, war is truly hell and it’s not something that we should glorify nor something that we should ever hope occurs in our communities.
Critics should stop trying to analyze this film like they’re watching some make believe superhero movie, an Oscar contender’s review or some political circus commentary akin to the events of the 2020 election.
I suggest we watch it like we’re analyzing potential future “real world” events because the premise of this movie might be much closer than some of the many naive Americans think.
From a military (not militia or political) perspective, often wartime strategic alliances form strategic partnerships which are not necessarily based ideological similarities. States like Texas and California both are very large populations (30-40 million residents), massive police and national guard forces and GNP’s that are comparable or larger than some of the current top ten percent of wealthiest countries on the globe. Texas was once its own republic and has governed that way since. An alliance of these to states and perhaps a third one of similar status and structure would be a major problem for DC politicians.
Given today’s times, we need to hope for the best but only those who can’t see or hear won’t prepare for the worst. Most Empires haven’t lasted more the 500 years throughout history so, I think it’s very important for people to accept their possible future or that of their children, grandchildren or great grandchildren because we are definitely heading for a major change down the path of U.S. history. This fate is even foretold in the book of Revelation and in greater, specific detail in the “extra-biblical” text of 2nd Edras.
Time and experience has proven the old Mark Twain quote that, “truth is stranger than fiction”
I thought it was brilliant. It reminds me of a realistic Christopher Nolan movie with hints of an Apocalypse Now style vibe. The music took me to the post Vietnam era.
Many wanted to know the cause of the war but the context of the war is not important. Most 21st century Americans (except the naive) know how this could happen.
Overall, this movie was an essay warning us (Americans) to not let our politicians lead us in this direction because…, in a war everyone loses.
A future cult classic movie for sure!
Kylo Rens gorgeous lil sister reviewing garland (?) 👍
I loved Alex Garlands novel the Beach, very dark indeed. Then the film came along changing the british backpacker to Leonardo and watering the whole thing down. A rare miss indeed for Danny Boyle and I tried again recently and it was worse than I remembered. Ex Machina is wonderful. Still creeps me out !!!
I liked it.... Gave it a solid 7/10 in my review.... Trailer kinda miss sold it though.....
Thank you, your level headed perspective really raises the correct issues with this film.
Thanks. I saw the movie earlier today. Indeed, the slippery equivocation of the script vaporises whatever real depth the film might have had. The concentration on nameless combatants and motiveless photo-journalists instead of the civilian experience damn near destroys it. A deceptively dumb movie made by intelligent people about an important subject that they don't really want to address. A pity. This review is bang on the money. Cheers.
Finally somebody says that this movie is dumb. Because that's what it really is. Everything is very irrational without any kind of clear decision-consequence connection.
@@jussi-pekkaturunen689 Yes, it's a pity because the film is extremely well made and Garland is a good director, but the script's caution handcuffs him really. Having said that, people are at least talking about the movie's general concepts, and that's no bad thing.
@@HeathcliffBlair You are absolutely correct. Thanks for replying
"Again, here, the theme of partiality and impartiality so far as, you know, the press is concerned - it's not fleshed out enough for this to really create a special moment". That's kind of ironic to fault the film for impartiality and for leaving things outside the frame vague, since the entire point of those photojournalists was that they just take the pictures and leave interpretation and partiality to others. "Muddled" basically means that the movie didn't tell you explicitly what you're supposed to feel about every given thing and didn't lay on the exposition to build a world that's ultimately less meaningful than any action of any character therein, on which the film actually focuses.
That wasn’t Karl Glusman in the gas station sequence, you were thinking of Edmund Donavon. He stood out to me too, even over Jesse Plemons
Annihilation is a movie that never leaves my mind. I've only seen it once and liked it fine, but it's continued to haunt my imagination years later.
How is it no TV network has hired you, for a late night slot, with a soft jazz intro, and heavens above... Maybe even a chair!
In lieu of a Siskell & Ebert, or film... (Here in UK) I sorely miss this kind of critical content on TV.
Michael Herr's Dispatches and Loyd's May War Gone By, I Miss It So are all over this film . . . .
Film had a ton of last of us moments clearly some inspiration
Good review
It's a superb, thought provoking film that says all it needs to say. For me, its up there with Garland's previous work - Ex Machina, Dredd, Annihilation, Men etc. A real tonic to all other fluff that gets released to cinema these days.