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| Movie Review: The Fog
of War Story: Director Errol Morris (The
Thin Blue Line, A Brief History of Time and Dr. Death) tackles an
interview with the much hated (by some), much revered (by others), ex
Secretary of Defense, under JFK and LBJ, Robert S. McNamara.
(The S stands for Strange - no kidding.) Through one on one interviews
we get a glimpse into the mind and revisited memory of this man who lived
through and was directly involved in some of last century's most turbulent
times (W.W.II, Cuban Missile Crisis and the Vietnam War).
The film is divided into eleven chapters named after things that McNamara
says he has learned through living his 85 years of life.
It is a fascinating, enthralling, thought provoking film and makes for
great conversation as you leave the theater. I am not sure someone who
did not live through the Vietnam War will fully get this film. There
are many references that remain unexplained and there is also some new
information. The given is that the viewer knows what he McNamara is
talking about.
I remember those days vividly -- and am somewhat cynical about what
is revealed in this film.
Acting: Does not apply to a documentary.
Predilection: I like documentaries.
Visual Art: There are some interesting graphic visuals.
Blatant Product Placement: Even though it is a domumentary
and should not count - I must mention Agent Orange and Ford Motor Company.
Soundtrack: Music is by Philip Glass
- I found this choice most appropriate.
Opening Titles: Simple.
Theater Audience: A handful of other politicos and
us.
Predictability Level: I had no idea what this man was
going to say.
Oscar Worthy: I think it could get a nomination in
the Best Documentary category.
Nit Picking: No nits to pick.
Big Screen or Rental: Either. For some other films
that feature the Vietnam War as a theme try: Apocalypse Now, Behind
Enemy Lines, Birdy, Born on the Fourth of July, The Boys in Company
C and Coming Home.
Length: 100 minutes.
LOBO HOWLS: 7
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