Thursday, January 22, 2015

Review of AMERICAN SNIPER: Debilitating Desensitization

January 21, 2015





In recent years, there is at least one war movie set in the Middle East that catches Oscars' attention. There was "The Hurt Locker," "Zero Dark Thirty," and "Lone Survivor." This year, it is "American Sniper," which is nominated for six Oscars, including Best Picture.

The title refers to Chris Kyle (Bradley Cooper), a real-life Navy Seal who served during the war against Iraq from 2003-2009. He was a Texan cowboy who decided he wanted to do more for his country as a soldier. During his training, it is discovered that he has a particular talent for being a sniper. He subsequently had four tours of duty in six years, notoriously credited with a record 160 confirmed kills (probably even more in reality). On the other end, he was neglecting his young family Stateside -- his wife Taya (Sienna Miller) and his kids. An injury in his last mission led to his forced retirement. He realizes he cannot get back to living a normal life anymore.

Director Clint Eastwood had directed introspective war films before, the lyrical "Letters from Iwo Jima" (2006) being a personal favorite. Being a Eastwood movie, the story of "American Sniper" (based on Chris Kyle's own memoirs) was told in a very straight-forward manner, not too much cinematic excess. The war scenes in this film are very well-shot, with excellent editing and sound mixing. It does not shirk from the violence, but there was no overkill on the gore. The climactic sniper scene (a spectacular 2,100 yard kill) and its dusty aftermath is really a memorable one, very exciting and exhilarating in execution. 

The last thirty minutes or so dealing with Kyle's post-traumatic stress disorder were very touching. This is where Bradley Cooper best displays the acting chops which earned him his nominations for Best Actor from various award-giving bodies, Oscar included. This is already Cooper's third Oscar nomination in a row after "Silver Lining Playbook" and "American Hustle". Aside from the fact that Cooper absolutely dominates this film with his nuanced performance, the patriotic fervor inspired by this film may also work in his favor, although his category is really tight this year.

With the title alone, expect to watch a very American film -- a movie clearly made for its flag, country and ideals. While it has been accused of being pro-war propaganda, you will actually pick up Clint Eastwood's anti-war sentiments along the way. (Oh, you will notice something odd about Chris and Taya's baby, but don't let it bother you too much.) 8/10.


24 comments:

  1. Another one to watch over the weekend. Thanks for the review Ricky!

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  2. seems quite interesting. Nice review can make my mind. :)

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  3. I'm really a film freak but if I want to watch moview I prefer bollywood.

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  4. Bradley Cooper! He is so sexy.. May be I'll go to the cinema to watch this movie, I love movies. Thanks for the review

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  5. Looks like a good entertainer.. and Bradley Cooper sure is worthy of an Oscar . All the best to him

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  6. American Sniper. I have to watch this movie! I think it will bag a good amount of Oscar's this year. Bradley Cooper is the best

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  7. What? What's wrong with the baby? Now I'm really determined to watch this movie!

    I wonder if American Sniper made it's way to a cinema here with all the 50 shades practically taking up every single theater available here.

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    1. May, it was already shown in local theaters back in January when I wrote this review.

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  8. I can't wait to watch this movie!! My dad said that it was good. I got curious on why the baby seems odd. Please explain. haha

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  9. I havent watched this movie, maybe later, a lot of movie today is all about love, good thing theres still a slot for this one

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  10. Somehow, war time films are the ones which will affect me alot, and I try to avoid them, despite loving the action thrills...
    This might just be a film that I will catch.

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  11. I love this type of movies. I am gonna watch it soon.

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  12. I've seen this movie and I like how Bradley Cooper acted in this flick so natural.

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  13. i wanna watch this but recently there's so many interesting movies released, i'm spoilt for choices! does the movie show what happened to him in the end? i heard in real life, he was accidentally shot by a militant and died of fatal wounds.

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    1. This ending is where I thought the film was rather vague. They just mentioned it, instead of showing it.

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  14. What a great directorial job again for Dirty Harry. I have seen the film and yes I agree, that soul-searching scene by the actor was so touching.

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  15. It is interesting to recreate the war in Iraq and the reflection it has on the mentality of the soldiers who took place in it. Bradley Cooper is great dealing with Kyle's post-traumatic stress disorder.

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  16. Is this shown in malls here in the Philippines? I would love to watch this film. Although this type of movie would also make me remember our fallen44. But yeah, this is one good movie I'd want to watch instead of Fifty Shades haha

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  17. Sounds like it's an interesting movie. I hope everyone whom watch it will enjoy the movie!

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  18. War is a really complex subplot for a movie and it can help us relate on how troops are doing and also dealing with post traumatic disorder.

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  19. I want to see this movie because the trailers have been fascinating. Glad you reviewed it. I plan to see it.

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  20. i really want to see this! love bradley cooper XD

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  21. I love Bradley Cooper but again, an action movie which I normally don't watch unless I'm forced by my bf. Lol

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  22. This is an inspiring and life changing movie if you will look at it differently. WAR indeed change lives.

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