Civil War
The movie Civil War was a pleasant surprise. Although the trailer hinted at a cheesy war film with a Michael Bay-style flair, the film defied my expectations. I’m glad it did. Often, when I write reviews, I praise the theater experience—it’s what inspired this blog. I enjoy going to the theater and seldom leave thinking a film was poor. Even if a movie doesn’t completely engage me, there’s usually something to ponder. This wasn’t the case with Civil War; it completely engaged me.
I saw the film in Dolby Cinema, which provided an immersive experience. I could feel the explosions in my seat, thanks to the powerful sound system at the theater. The storytelling offered its own level of immersion. A24 and Alex Garland present a haunting vision of a future America, as two war journalists race to reach Washington, D.C., before rebel forces assault the White House. Joining them are a veteran reporter working for "what remains of The New York Times" and a young photographer following her passion. Together, the group aims to interview and document the president, who has not released a statement in 14 months. As western forces gain momentum in the civil war, these journalists chase the story before it fades away. That’s the premise of the film.
The film embodies an anti-establishment spirit and creates a morally ambiguous landscape. It leaves the audience to judge the sides for themselves and discern right from wrong. All the characters depicted serve themselves, whether they join military or rebel forces, or remain as neutral as possible. As the nation falls apart around them, laws and ethical rules lose their value, and the only Bill of Rights amendment that matters is the Second. The film's exceptional sound design stands out. The fly-on-the-wall shooting style thrusts viewers right into the action, while the crispness and sonic details make for an engaging experience. The choice of silence and overwhelming incoherence effectively throws viewers into chaos and shock at the will of the editor. Some people around me in the theater reacted negatively to the wide spectrum of sound, feeling upset and overstimulated. These are active choices to evoke a response from us as viewers. One of the film's most compelling aspects was the tunnel vision our main character experienced. As we see Lee Smith enter an active war zone, her tunnel vision initially serves as a tool to maintain her focus. However, as she continues her work, it becomes a paralyzing state of shock, blurring the lines between reality and dissociation. By the end of the film, the young photographer also experiences similar tunnel vision, indicating the heavy toll war takes on those documenting it.
Civil War delivers a powerful message that resonates beyond America. It opens with a style mirroring an observational documentary, associating victory with pain and suffering. By following the journalists, the film shows how staying neutral is an active choice. Journalists prioritize the task over personal opinions, highlighting the actions of others that affect many. The film seamlessly blends objective moments with more intimate ones, allowing viewers to connect with the characters and understand their motives.
The film's genius lies in the disparity between the emotional response of the in-universe characters and the audience. While characters are in pure survival mode, the audience experiences their journey from an emotional perspective. The lens shapes the story, but the characters’ responses reveal their human experiences. As the film ebbs and flows, it questions the role of photojournalists and their dedication to capturing the truth. The film challenges viewers to consider the role of media and the courage it takes to document the truth. The lens may shape media, but tragedy shapes people. Will you let your voice be flattened by fear, or will you push through numbness for a greater purpose?
There is so much more to be said as I let the content sit with me more, but I don’t want to spoil it. Just know there are layers to the genius of this film and I think most people are critical of it because it seems so far-fetched to them. I ask you to watch it and think about the irrational people of power in our nation. No matter what side you’re on, the fact is that it is possible to reach that level of conflict. To immediately credit this as impossible is irresponsible and will lead to similar realities.
Ratings: 9.6/10
I loved it. I have my own bias and reasoning, but I loved it. I understand the controversy and heat it sparked but to say that this movie was poorly shot, written, executed— this movie was textbook. The plot shines effortlessly. I seriously could go on and on about it. Go see it.
