Is Alex Garland’s Warfare anti-war? Director breaks down stance

by

Francois Truffaut, a renowned French New Wave filmmaker, is known for saying that it’s impossible to make a film against war.

In an interview with The Chicago Tribune in 1973, the director of 400 Blows expressed that every movie about war seems to advocate for war.

This topic is intriguing and might easily catch your attention when you watch Warfare, a new movie directed by Alex Garland in collaboration with Ray Mendoza, who used to be a US Navy Seal. The film was produced by the same person behind Ex Machina and Civil War.

As a movie enthusiast, I recently had the opportunity to watch a gripping film that offers an unflinching portrayal of war’s brutal reality. This captivating production, featuring an ensemble of promising young talents like Will Poulter, Cosmo Jarvis, Kit Connor, and Joseph Quinn, is inspired by the personal experiences of its creator during the Iraq War.

The narrative unfolds around a group of American soldiers, following their harrowing journey in real-time after a disastrous reconnaissance operation leaves some of them gravely wounded. The raw, unfiltered emotion and the palpable tension make for an incredibly immersive viewing experience.

Despite allegations suggesting the movie serves as pre-release military propaganda, its impact is more profound, leaving viewers with a clear understanding that war is nothing less than a harrowing experience.

In other words, how does Garland interpret the Truffaut statement: could it be indeed challenging to create a film against war?

However, by being mindful and cognizant of potential pitfalls, you can steer clear of unintentionally producing content that might inadvertently resemble military propaganda, often seen in Hollywood films.

Additionally, let me express my opinion that the classic black-and-white movie “Paths of Glory,” directed by Stanley Kubrick, undeniably carries an anti-war message. It’s a profound exploration of the horrors and absurdity of war.

As a movie enthusiast, it’s hard to step out of a movie like that without feeling an immediate urge to mobilize for battle the next day… but that’s not the path my thoughts take me on. Instead, I believe this film aligns with the spirit of some other cinematic masterpieces.

Garland pointed out that, although there have been films created by military veterans before, such as Oliver Stone’s Platoon, he believes that Warfare possesses a unique quality that distinguishes it from other war-themed movies.

He stated, “This tale seems exceptionally raw, perhaps more so than any other, given its thoroughness and meticulous attention to detail. It sets it apart and imbues it with a unique character and atmosphere.

It’s peculiar, isn’t it, that we don’t encounter a lot of raw perspectives from veterans in movies, especially considering the abundance of war films. Yet, it’s truly commendable to share the same space with Ray and witness his work firsthand.

It’s quite unusual that there aren’t many authentic accounts by veterans portrayed in movies, given the sheer number of war films produced. However, being alongside Ray as he brought those stories to life was a remarkable experience.

Read More

2025-04-18 03:04