Rolling Stone:American Sniper a story without context
 

The celebration of the movie "American Sniper" seems to irk Rolling Stone's
reviewer Matt Taibbi.

Matt would like some context.

I would say to him: Many people just want to be entertained.

http://www.rollingstone.com/politics...cize-20150121/

It's totally OK to write a review that doesn't praise a movie. Movies that purport to be based on fact should indeed be factual, methinks. This criticism (of mine) applies even more so to Selma, wherein LBJ's contribution/leadership to civil rights reform is downplayed.

Finn you are looking for a documentary.

The major thrust of a movie, even if it takes some inspiration from real event,
should be entertainment.

We should not get too serious about movies. The reviewer transmitted his annoyance that the movie goers should be exultant, excited when the sniper scored big. It is a movie...just another Rambo but with a real name.

American Sniper is propaganda, worse then The Green Berets.

It happens.

Dond, you can't say a film is 'just entertainment.' Films are, in fact, art. One of the things art does is create and share meaning. The film says things that go to 'What does this war stuff mean? What do we think about it?' This is whether the audience is consciously examining these questions or not. But perhaps, for example, it means something that we are 'exultant, excited when the sniper scored big."

No one says you have to agree with the reviewer, or even read the review in the first place. No one says you have to consciously think about anything in particular, if you don't want to for any reason. Feel totally free to just 'sit back and be entertained.' But criticism that looks at what art means, and affirms or questions it on that basis, is generally legitimate.

And it's perfectly likely that a film will have an agenda, and be pushing certain meanings.

LBJ's contribution is also downplayed in real life. Many are unaware of the
legislative weight of LBJ re civil rights.

Probably this is deliberate because of his Vietnam connection

Indeed before he got religion his voting record on civil rights was quite dismal.

I believe the reviewer was over critical of films of this type...not artsy, not
docu.

He was looking for too much. People in a movie house are generally looking,
seeking fantasy, escapism. That Clint Eastwood or others can give them that should be viewed and appreciated in that light.

Dond, have you seen the movie? In other words, is your critique of the RS review based on the movie or your impression of movies of that type?

Full disclosure: I haven't seen it and likely won't.

John

I thought Eastwoods "Flags of our Fathers" and "Letters from Iwo Jima" were pretty good.

But it will probably be a while before I see "American Sniper" because I'm a cheap son of a bitch and don't like to spend any more on Movies beyond the eight bucks a month for my Netflix subscription.

As for war movies in general, well, they are like most other movies, not terribly realistic.

If movies were realistic they'd lose money.

Indeed people go to movies to escape real life.

I have not seen it. However I am reacting to the reviewer general disappointment of such movies. I think he wants/expects too much gravitas from them.

BTW I love Forrest Gump.

I have seen it a million times.

I think Taibbi's criticism was pretty specifically aimed at "American Sniper".

John

He wants Clint Eastwood to "clear things up".

I get the role of snipers in warfare but they are also universally loathed and relentlessly hunted on the battlefield. I've never understood the hero worship.

I did see 'Enemy At The Gates' (War of the Rats in Russia) a brutal flick if there ever was one but I'll sit this one out.

Not always. Not only. Even the most fanciful movies are about people, and one can pick up a thing or two about them....

AMERICAN Sniper is apparently punching a lot of people's patriotism buttons, and so has hit big. That does raise questions. Sneaky cold-blooded-killer = all-American-hero?

Modern day warriors are pussies.

Not like in the good old days when they fought like men.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJVsS-vIDdc

But the Sniper wouldn't be a good litmus test if just everybody digged him....

Probably providing an outlet for pent up hostility.

It is virtual...a celebration of blowing away the guys who are cutting off heads.

Input from a sniper:

http://www.businessinsider.com/ameri...cowards-2015-1

In the 1993 film "Sniper" starring Berenger the loathing aspect was indicated.

Sounds right.

Despite its critics it grossed a lot of money in its first week.

As indicated by the staggering $105 million for a weekend. Yeah a lot of people want to
shoot Muslims.

In the meantime the right gushes with jubilation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7rAMXdBoQY

We know. That is not at all inconsistent with what Dond said in post 21....

Berenger was awesome in that.

And even more awesome in "Platoon."

There was one of these guys over in an airgun forum I used to frequent, interesting sort from some of the postings.

Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk

Gotta demonize them enemies doncha know?

http://i843.photobucket.com/albums/z...9528631606.jpg

Couple days ago a buddy was gushing about this movie.

Clint knows how to make feel good movies.

http://www.salon.com/2015/01/23/7_en...erica_partner/

I've changed my mind.

After reading up about how much of a pathological liar this Kyle was I don't think I'll watch this movie even if it comes on Netflix streaming.

The story is an autobiography. Kyle wrote the friggin' book about himself.........

OF COURSE IT'S A FLATTERING TOME FULL OF SELF GLORIFYING TRIPE.

Dave

I may be going to see it tomorrow, but only because my latest "friend", Marcia, wants to see it...........

So, I got to give a little to get a little. Know what I mean?;)

Dave

People have to have "heroes". They are eager to hear about the man who singlehandedly defeated our nations ungodly enemies. That's why so many have swallowed Kyles self-aggrandizing BS hook, line and sinker so willingly.

I have worked with a few ex-Seals when I was in the Navy. We need such men to do our ugly, yet often necessary dirty work. Unfortunately, the truth is that some of them do what they do, because they enjoy killing. The get a charge out of the violence of it.

Think about it objectively; Who else, but someone who doesn't mind blowing another persons head off, someone who can grievously hurt people and not lose any sleep over it, would you want for the job? Really.

Harsh, I know, but it's the truth.

Dave

Reminded me of this...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPg9A1bmn3Q

I've read two autobiographies. The first I bought at an old soldier's tomb in the tidewater when I was a kid. The other was a GF Christmas present. After reading each my primary thought was: "what an asshole."

I watched a "Dual Survivor" episode that really confirms your statement. Matt hit an animal with a throwing knife type of thing & while the animal was passing, Joe (Special Forces Vet) attacked the poor beast like it was a threat to his life. His explanation revealed the mindset you speak of.

Don't let her lead you around by a ring in your nose.

She'll never respect you if you do.

Ya gotta take charge.

Show her whose boss by taking her to a chic flick instead.

Those guys seem to be demonizing themselves without outside assistance.