Recent trends show that Iraq War movies bomb at the box office. So why do big directors and studios continue to tackle stories enveloped with war, patriotism, politics and action?
Maybe it's to build a timeless film that may not do well now but might transcend this generation and be in high regards in the future. We know that these films can find acclaim, as in "The Hurt Locker," but that film managed to avoid throat-cramming politics. What about the most recent release "Green Zone"?
Director Paul Greengrass, of the shaky-cam school of shooting, pieces together a story that seemed to be advertised as "Jason Bourne goes to war." Instead, you see a politically charged war thriller, challenging the value of truth.
The story follows a weapons of mass destruction squad at the beginning of the Iraq War. Matt Damon stars as Miller, the leader of the squad. Instead of following the realism and grittiness of war, the film veers toward action and unraveling a political conspiracy that muddles the reason for a war in the country. Miller searches for truth and trust to figure out what is happening.
You will leave wondering, "Why do we wage war in the modern world?"
Since World War II, every single conflict we enter is increasingly becoming morally and politically vague. The Vietnam War, the Gulf War and now the Iraq War further political agendas for leaders and politicians. After "Green Zone," you begin to understand why America quickly becomes divided over conflicts like this. No one can agree on anything or attempt to understand the culture. I had the impression the Iraq War was excessively compared to the Vietnam War, but after thinking more about it, this film confirms that history has a way of echoing through modern events.
Along with the historical context, "Green Zone" can be harkened to classics including "Apocalypse Now," which both have a man entrusted to carry out military orders without question. Through experience and confusion, both main characters seek answers internally to figure out truth and righteousness. In the end do either find peace? No ... but they begin to understand why the situation evolves and devolves.
For a story about a current war, you would expect a great deal of true or realistic situations. The filmmakers decided to raise the bar and rewrite history while it's still happening. The key plot point of the film hinges on this new alternate history, raising the question: How soon is too soon to completely disregard fact?
"The Patriot" is probably the most atrocious when it comes to butchering history by having its climactic battle crown the opposite victor. Will we next see World War II films with Adolf Hitler as the good guy, defending Germany? Or a Vietnam film taking place in space? Hollywood will continue to preach falsity to audiences, but the line has to be drawn for when it becomes too audacious.
Matt Damon seems rather realistic for his character, though. Instead of the invincible and programmed Bourne, he plays a flawed militant who is not the most politically savvy fighter. He follows orders and executes them with great efficiency, but he shows that soldiers are not reprogrammed human combatants. He has a brain that questions why the military intelligence is always wrong. In a military system, questioning leadership certainly is a bold step into a world of trouble. Damon's character pushes how far he can fight authority, and you learn that no matter how justified your actions are, there is a higher authority to stop you in your tracks. That's how the American bureaucracy operates, to the ill fate of justice.
The final aspect that "Green Zone" highlights is the effect of media on modern warfare. During the Vietnam War, America witnessed the power of news on public opinion, but in "Green Zone" you see the media's power has overtaken decision-making. Lawmakers make decisions based on how the public will perceive it through the media. They fight certain battles in order to give the evening news a great story. Television is the ultimate enemy and comrade in this fight.
"Green Zone" isn't a perfect thriller. It bogs itself down with political agendas and statements against the government, but shrouded behind this fog of opinions is a fun thriller along the narrow alleys of Baghdad.
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