smh.com.au
Warfare": A Real-Time Depiction of the Iraq War
Alex Garland and Ray Mendoza's "Warfare" presents a real-time, unflinching depiction of a 2006 Iraq War battle from the perspective of US Navy SEALs, filmed on a British airfield using firsthand accounts to prioritize realism over political commentary.
- What is the unique approach of "Warfare" to depicting the Iraq War, and what is its potential impact on the genre?
- Alex Garland and Ray Mendoza's "Warfare" offers a raw, real-time depiction of a 2006 Iraq War battle, filmed on a British military airfield for accuracy. The movie uses the firsthand accounts of US Navy SEALs, prioritizing a visceral experience over political commentary.
- How did the filmmakers' collaboration and the use of firsthand accounts shape the film's narrative and visual style?
- The film aims for realism, eschewing typical war movie tropes and focusing on the disorienting chaos of combat. This approach stems from Garland's dissatisfaction with how war is often portrayed in cinema, seeking a more documentary style as seen in his previous work, "Civil War".
- Given the film's refusal to explicitly condemn any side of the conflict, what are the potential criticisms and interpretations of its approach to representing war?
- Warfare" may set a new standard for war film realism, impacting future depictions of conflict by prioritizing the lived experiences of veterans. This style could influence filmmakers to approach war narratives with a focus on emotional truth and psychological impact over narrative conventions.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The film's framing emphasizes the visceral experience of combat through real-time depiction and immersive visuals. The focus is on the sensory details and emotional impact of battle, potentially overshadowing any contextual or political analysis. The headlines and introduction of the article focus on Garland's known interest in creating discomforting cinema, establishing a lens that influences how the reader will perceive the film before even knowing its subject matter.
Language Bias
The language used in the article is largely neutral and descriptive. However, Garland's quote "Honestly, they should grow the f--- up" displays strong emotion and could be considered loaded language. It lacks the neutrality expected from an analysis of a movie's content. A more neutral alternative might be: "I disagree with those criticisms.
Bias by Omission
The film avoids explicitly stating the political context of the Iraq War, omitting details about the reasons for the US military presence in Ramadi, the motivations of the insurgents, and the ethical implications of the soldiers' actions. This omission, while potentially unintentional due to a focus on realistic portrayal of battle, might leave viewers with an incomplete understanding of the conflict's broader context and its human cost beyond the immediate battle.
Sustainable Development Goals
The movie aims to realistically portray the experience of war, fostering a better understanding of its human cost and potentially promoting more informed discussions about conflict resolution and peacebuilding. By avoiding judgment on the political context, it invites viewers to grapple with the complexities of war and its impact on individuals and communities. The film's commitment to truth and accurate depiction of events can encourage reflection on the causes and consequences of conflict.