Tuesday, December 30, 2014

American Sniper

Chris Kyle was a highly decorated Navy SEAL who, during his four tours in Iraq, reportedly became the most lethal sniper in U.S. history. That’s the kind of meaty material I would expect to produce a blazing action war film. Something generic, packed with eye rolling bravado, ceaseless explosions, gruesome violence. Chris might be played by a former pro wrestler, he’d show little emotion, boast about his kills, crack unfunny one-liners. Instead, director Clint Eastwood has created a film of emotional depth and impressive restraint. A film as concerned with in-county battle as the horrors those battles leave behind. American Sniper is one of the finest films made yet about the War in Iraq. It’s a film that, perhaps for personal reasons, I assume I’ll like more than most. Which is fine. By this point, I’ve learned that the films I connect with emotionally aren’t always movies that the masses are drawn to.

American Sniper has been Bradley Cooper’s passion project for the last several years. The actor prepared tirelessly for the role – gaining weight, training with SEALs, perfecting a Texas accent, researching the real man – and he has never been better. Cooper fought so hard to get the picture made, that he actually signed on as one of the film’s head producers. The first director he secured, David O. Russell, was a good fit. Russell has directed Cooper to two Oscar nominations, and made a masterful Gulf War film, Three Kings. When Russell dropped out, Steven Spielberg was briefly attached, before Eastwood came on board. And while I would’ve been interested to see how those other filmmakers embraced the story, I find little fault in Eastwood’s execution of the material. The film is fast paced, but patient when needed. Emotive, but highly thrilling. It contains a screenplay, by Jason Hall, in which the characters speak with the cadence and inflection of actual people (which is all too rare). Grandstanding and tired monologues are absent. Thought, emotional expression, and nuance are what guide Eastwood to greatness here.
Watching American Sniper, I can’t help but think of my step brother, Neal. Neal and I are the same age, and we’re close (my father married his mother almost exactly 10 years ago). He has served as an Army infantryman since the late 2000s, completing two tours in Afghanistan. In a few weeks, he’ll set out on his first tour in Iraq. I’ll speak for myself, but when someone close to you is involved in a war, politics go out the window. Many would disagree, but my point is that my conversations with Neal don’t include the words “Republican” or “Democrat.” Oil is never mentioned, nor is money or political gain. Instead, we talk about safety, about coming home, and soon. We talk about harsh conditions, cold nights and crap food.

We also talk about post-traumatic stress disorder. About transitioning. Neal hasn’t told me the most brutal stories of what he’s experienced in combat. It’s not my place to ask. But I know him well enough to know that he’s seen things that have changed him. The closest we’ve come to talking about his in-country hell was a few years ago, in early 2011. He was home on leave, and after a few drinks we began to vocalize our troubles. I spoke first, talking about how I had recently ended a long and taxing romantic relationship. It was messy and painful, and I was a wreck. He empathized, then spoke briefly of the horrors he had witnessed in combat. I’ll never forget the conversation – we were in a crowded bar in downtown Washington, D.C. Florescent neon lights, house music, attractive women, expensive vodka. Not the most conducive environment for a heart-to-heart, but if someone’s ready to talk, you let them. I’m not sure how you measure pain, but his struggles certainly put mine into perspective. I went home that night and slept by myself on a big bed in an empty house. Neal went home and likely had trouble closing his eyes, afraid of what the silence and dark may bring.
American Sniper has some very interesting things to say about PTSD. Cinematically, what’s most compelling about Chris Kyle’s PTSD is that it is realized through sound. An electric impact wrench in an auto shop reminds him of a deadly power drill, the playful family pooch is reminiscent of a vicious attack dog. Chris never verbalizes his emotional pain (accept when pressed hard by his wife and doctors), and Eastwood wisely chooses not to visually recall how a modern noise reminds Chris of a terrifying event. For example, when Chris hears the wrench, the film does not flash back to the power drill in Iraq, then cut back to Chris hearing the wrench in the present. The film is smart enough to let us infer what is happening in Chris’ mind. Like Chris, we’re forced to remember.

Yes, there have been better films made about PTSD. No film tops The Deer Hunter for its fearless and devastating portrayal of coming home. And concerning the current conflicts in the Middle East, many superb documentaries have focused on soldiers with PTSD. Wartorn, an HBO doc produced by James Gandolfini, and the Oscar-nominated Hell and Back Again, are two fine examples. But American Sniper is the best modern narrative film I’ve seen on the subject.

And I say this with the understanding that American Sniper is not a film fully concerned with post-traumatic stress disorder. The film spends on equal amount of time in-county as it does at home. The battle scenes are visceral and engaging. But the quiet moments at home are where American Sniper truly succeeds. Cooper is so adept at conveying nervous tension, he’s virtually unrecognizable behind Chris’ agony. There’s an unpredictability to his blank stare that is truly haunting. Watching Chris at home – the kids running around, the wife getting him beers, the neighbors over for a barbeque – I was so fearful of what he might do. It’s a beautifully nuanced performance of such profound regret.
Another reason the film excels when it is stateside is Sienna Miller, who delivers a quietly astounding performance as Chris’ loyal wife, Taya. Women are often ignored in war films. It’s only when such films choose to convey the horrors of coming home that we get to meet the woman behind the man. And, once home, American Sniper is just as interested in Taya’s emotional well-being as Chris’. With her long brown hair, Americana accent, and tear-stained cheeks, Miller proves to be the emotional anchor of the film. I so identified with her inner torment; with her longing for her husband to not only return, but stay. There’s a scene midway through American Sniper that epitomizes why Miller has delivered one of the finest performances of 2014. Chris has just finished his first tour of duty, and a very pregnant Taya waits on an anonymous runway for her man to return. She sees Chris, they embrace and say hello. When they turn to walk away, Miller lets out a nervous sigh of relief while slightly raising her eyebrows, as if to say, “Okay, fuck, that’s over. He’s here.”

That’s over. He’s here. For now. “You can only circle the flames so long,” Taya tells Chris at one point. If war is a drug, then the only thing Chris Kyle wants to do is return to battle. In combat, your enemy is clear. They may be unseen, but you know they’re there. Who is Chris left to fight at home? Where does he hide his pain? Maybe he doesn’t even dare to close his eyes at night. Perhaps he’s afraid of what the silence and dark may bring. A

45 comments:

  1. Wow...and I didn't even realize Sienna Miller was in this.

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    1. She is so good. A revelation, genuinely. She'd be my pick for Best Supporting Actress this year, no question.

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  2. As beautiful as Sienna Miller, which was often a detriment I think to her skills as an actress. It's good to see her do roles that are supporting as she was excellent in Foxcatcher as she looks very different in this film. I think I will see this as I hope it's a return to form from Eastwood.

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    1. I completely agree. It's sad that attractive women often have to make themselves less attractive in order to be taken seriously. I've always thought Miller was a fantastic actress, but it's a real shame that her perfect looks have worked against her. But either way, she is absolutely fantastic in this movie. Can't wait to hear your thoughts on the movie.

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  3. AW, this is a fantastic review, man. I started to skim at the end, as this flick might be the only thing I see theatrically in the next month, but you're story about you and your step brother knocked me on my ass. Great stuff, man. I'm glad to hear that Cooper and Eastwood deliver on what was an intensely engaging trailer. Can't wait.

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    1. Thanks buddy, I really appreciate it. It just felt right to mention all that, you know? I hope you enjoy the film. It really worked for me.

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  4. This is a brilliant review. I haven't been too keen on seeing this since the underwhelming reviews came in (and after that brilliant trailer!), and I was thinking that this would be another Eastwood dud. However, your review has raised my expectations. I don't think I'll like it as much as you did, but I think that I'll like it more than I thought I would.

    Also, when people on Twitter talk about American Sniper, they keep talking about a plastic baby. Without spoiling anything, is it that big a deal, or an important part of the film?

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    1. Thanks Aditya! I honestly wasn't expecting much at all, based on early reviews and Clint's last few films. And, to be perfectly frank, I kept waiting for the movie to fall off and let me down. Never did. It just kept getting better and more emotive. I loved this film.

      I have no earthly idea what "plastic baby" could have to do with this film. Virtually none. Something horrible happens to a kid (maybe 11 years old) off screen, but he's certainly not a baby. Can you show me one of these tweets?

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  5. Great review! I didn't think this film sounded interesting at all, but you made a good case for it. Maybe DVD for me.

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    1. Thanks! It honestly didn't seem like a film I'd enjoy too much either. Arguably my biggest surprise of 2014.

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  6. Exceptional review...just exceptional. I really want to see this. Cooper, an actor I'm not always a fan of, looks remarkable here. I love that you included the part about your step brother. The personal connection to the material rings true throughout your review.

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    1. Thanks man! I'm not Cooper's biggest fan either, but the Bradley Cooper we know isn't in this film. He is completely transformed. And thanks a lot for the kind words about that story, I really appreciate it!

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  7. It is the best Clint Eastwood film since...

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    1. Letters from Iwo Jima, no question.

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    2. Whoa, whoa, whoa. Aren't you getting a little film called 'Trouble with the Curve'?

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    3. Damn it! You got me again!

      Maybe if I keep saying it, enough people will believe me.

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  8. I'm glad you reviewed this. I saw a preview a while back, and I was very intrigued -- I was wondering whether it was good.

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    1. I really loved it. Would be very curious to hear your thoughts on it. Thanks for the comment!

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    2. Realistic portrayals of modern warfare fascinate and deeply depress me. My husband and I saw this preview when we saw Gone Girl in the theater; the trailer announced it opened on Christmas. I commented that I wanted to see it but definitely NOT as a holiday film. :-P

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    3. Also, I appreciate the personal angle concerning your stepbrother. My impression is that, in the context of thinking about their own experiences, politics mean little or nothing to most soldiers. Considering the absurdity of the situations decision-makers often put them in (I've heard some crazy stories) it's often not even about the war, if that makes sense. It's all about doing the right thing by the men and women with whom you're serving and who trust you with their lives. I'm not dismissing their well deserved pride at having served, of course. As a police officer's wife, I can relate to all this, sort of.

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    4. I'm completely on board with your second comment. Exactly. And at the risk of speaking for Neal, I feel that he would agree as well.

      And yes, this is definitely not a holiday movie, but I do think you'd appreciate a lot of what the movie says, and how it says it.

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    5. I do think I'd appreciate this movie, and I want to read Chris Kyle's book, too. I think it's important for us, as thinking citizens, to understand modern warfare, as much as we can. It's a difficult but compelling topic. I'll probably wait for this one on DVD, and maybe I'll watch it with my son. I sometimes worry that he's too sucked into War-as-a Video-Game-Franchise culture. :-)

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    6. My friend, an avid reader, started the book but said it was very poorly written, which didn't really surprise me. I've seen a lot of solid flicks based on bad books, you know? Raging Bull is a slog, for one.

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  9. Got to admit, wasn't overly excited about this film when I first saw the preview, was still planning to see it, just wasn't excited. I'm glad to say, I'm more excited now. I only saw the first trailer too, so any that have come after I haven't seen. I'm happy that it was good though, I'll see it as soon as I can, and I expect the theaters near me to actually play this movie. I still haven't seen Birdman or Whiplash because none of the stupid theaters near me will show them. Alright, enough getting mad, it's New Year's Eve. Great review!

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    1. Thanks man! I honestly wasn't very excited for this one either. Truly one of the year's best surprises for me. I think it'll get a wide release on Jan. 16, so hopefully it comes your way. Sorry some of the better films of the year haven't been released near you. Such a bummer. I grew up in a crazy small town, so I feel your pain.

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  10. Well-written review, Alex. I've known several veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan (as well as the wars that preceded it), and your experience comports with my own. A few of them have strong beliefs about whether those wars were justified, but those beliefs don't mean a thing when lives are on the line. The bond between soldiers is much stronger and more immediate than politics. The unfortunate reality, however, is that we'll be dealing with the fallout from these wars for decades to come. And unlike WWII, there doesn't appear to be a baby boom complete with suburban homes and good jobs waiting for these guys.

    I was somewhat skeptical about this film given Eastwood's recent track record and the opportunity for rah-rah boosterism. The trailer and your review has piqued my interest. Eastwood's success with the material really shouldn't come as a surprise as his last great film, Letters from Iwo Jima, tackled similar themes.

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    1. Thanks so much. I couldn't agree more with everything you said in your first graph. Very well said and, sadly, all very true.

      I do suspect I'll like this film more than most, but maybe I'm wrong. Maybe it'll hit home for you like it did me. Can't wait to hear your thoughts on it.

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    2. I love your first paragraph -- beautifully said.

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  11. Hell Alex. You got me so excited for this man! I was slightly disappointed with Clint's recent work but I'm definitely watching this. And Miller... Personally, I love her but I hadn't realize she was such a crucial part of this film. Great to hear.

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    1. Miller is so good in this movie. Really, an astonishing performance, I think you'll be very taken with her work. Hope you have a chance to see it soon!

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  12. Beautiful review. Can't wait to see this next week. Glad to hear that Eastwood handles it well and Cooper delivers a great performance. Also thrilled about the praise for Miller, who I still wish had received more attention for Interview. With this, Foxcatcher, and several upcoming projects, she appears to be making a strong comeback.

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    1. Thanks man! I've always like Miller, but it wasn't until Interview (which I thought succeed her Factory Girl performance), that I really began to appreciate her. She's sensational in this movie. I mean... wow.

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  13. Great review, Alex and Happy new year! It's refreshing to read some positive about American Sniper since a lot of the reviews I've caught have been mostly negative. Please thank your step brother for his service for me.

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    1. Thanks Katy, and happy new year to you as well! I really was surprised that I liked this one as much as I did. But I am happy to be a positive voice for it!

      I will certainly pass on your kind words to Neal. Thanks for that!

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  14. Man, this is a great review. I just posted a review myself. I really loved this movie, even more than I expected. I fully agree with you on this being Cooper's best work. His nomination is no joke. And Sienna Miller's work, I agree, was great here as well. Eastwood really can make a solid film when he wants to. This is a massive step up after the Jersey Boys debacle. Thank you for sharing about you step brother. I have close friends who did tours in Iraq, some as early as 2004 and during the height of our engagement there. American Sniper, in my opinion, is a message of support to the young men who have sacrificed over there by never slamming any heavy-handed "message" in your face. The actions of the characters are fully-realized and show us all we need. Politics don't enter into it for me either.

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    1. Love this comment, thanks so much for leaving it. I agree, when Eastwood connects with the right material, he can really hit. I think we liked this film more than most people, but who cares, you know? I thought it was tremendous. And Miller, my god, she gutted me here.

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    2. I haven't seen the movie, but I find the differing opinions on it to be interesting. This blog, in particular, asks why PST isn't more of a factor in the movie's plot:

      http://thebitterscriptreader.blogspot.ca/2015/01/american-sniper-makes-its-most.html

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    3. Interesting post. At first, I thought it could've pushed the PTSD sub-plot a bit more. But I ultimately appreciated its more subtle approach.

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  15. O.K. -- the first time I visited this post, I only skimmed it (pausing to read your moving account of your stepbrother's experiences). Now that I've had a chance to watch and blog about the movie, I read your review. Beautifully done! I always enjoy your eloquent, closely observed analyses of films.

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    1. Thanks so much! I'm glad you saw it and I'm glad it provoked discussion with your son. I'm really interested to see it again actually. I had no idea this movie would eventually become so controversial.

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  16. Alex! It's so nice to read a positive review of this film. It feels like it's become the subject of political propaganda, which is just sad to me. I thoroughly enjoyed American Sniper and would give it a high grade as well. Excellent review!

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    1. Thanks Kristin! It's really quite interesting, the controversy concerning this film. I didn't see it as pro-war or pro-America Fuck Yeah! at all. I saw it as a very human, very horrific story of what war does to a person. A few people have asked me if I plan to "amend" my review, given the surge of controversy. And I'm like, "'Amend'... really? I liked the film, why would I ever apologize for that?"

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