By Avid Maldonado
As this preview was in the works, President Donald Trump ordered an armada to the shores of North Korea and even though it was eventually broadcast around the world that the fleet was seen sailing in the wrong direction, the militaristic macho posturing couldn’t be ignored. The U.S. military also dropped the Mother of All (non-nuclear) Bombs, an GBU-43/B MOAB on an enemy site in Afghanistan in late April.
And if that wasn’t enough (for the people who want peace and the people who want war) … uh oh … Brad Pitt is saber rattling again.
Collateral Damage can be a bummer, that’s for sure. America apologizes, offers financial compensation and, yes, sometimes, expresses guilt. Again. And again. And again. But for the families and friends and neighbors of the victims killed and maimed, the collateral damage is on a psychic and metaphysical plane that only they and people with similar experiences can empathize.
WAR MACHINE, directed by David Michôd, appears to be a comedic and parodic take on a general’s experiences at war. I believe it is incredibly insensitiveto release such a film, especially with another war of significant magnitude on the horizons. The real saber rattling has been about attacking Iran or attacking North Korea.
As this preview was in the works, President Donald Trump ordered an armada to the shores of North Korea and even though it was eventually broadcast around the world that the fleet was seen sailing in the wrong direction, the militaristic macho posturing couldn’t be ignored. The U.S. military also dropped the Mother of All (non-nuclear) Bombs, an GBU-43/B MOAB on an enemy site in Afghanistan in late April.
Collateral Damage can be a bummer, that’s for sure. America apologizes, offers financial compensation and, yes, sometimes, expresses guilt. Again. And again. And again. But for the families and friends and neighbors of the victims killed and maimed, the collateral damage is on a psychic and metaphysical plane that only they and people with similar experiences can empathize.
WAR MACHINE, directed by David Michôd, appears to be a comedic and parodic take on a general’s experiences at war. I believe it is incredibly insensitive to release such a film in these times, especially with another war of significant magnitude on the horizons. The real saber rattling has been about attacking Iran or attacking North Korea.
Michôd is an award-winning writer and film director. His 2010 film, ANIMAL KINGDOM, brought him acclaim and was also turned into an American TV series.
In WAR MACHINE, U.S. General Glenn McMahon’s career is showcased as he goes through a roller coaster ride. Part of the film is based on true events and part is ruthless distortion.Also appearing Michôd’s latest is a myriad of actors including Emory Cohen, RJ Cyler, Topher Grace, Anthony Michael Hall, Anthony Hayes, John Magaro, Scoot McNairy, Will Poulter, Alan Ruck, Lakeith Stanfield, Josh Stewart, Meg Tilly, Tilda Swinton and Sir Ben Kingsley.
After being at war for eight years, Gen. McMahon is called upon to dive into action and “get the job done” by not winning the war, but by cleaning up the mess in Afghanistan. It is a story about the politics of war unlike typical war movies such as Pitt’s past two, FURY and INGLORIOUS BASTARDS.
Avid Maldonado can be reached at avidmal@gmail.com