Much like the subject matter of this movie, I'm on a mission. A mission to see all the Oscar nominated films (Best Picture, Actor and Actress categories only) before the Oscars, so I can try to predict the winners. Apart from that though I was also interested to see this movie that has caused a little bit of controversy in the United States - is it pro-war, neutral or anti-war? As someone who was watching out for this carefully, I have to say I found that the ultimate message was anti-war. So don't let the fact that it's directed by Clint Eastwood and there's a hoo-ha about it being pro-war and pro-US put you off, as it's actually an excellent film.
The film tells the true story of Chris Kyle, a Texan who joined the military at the age of 25 after his first career choice, a bronco rider, didn't work out after an arm injury. With the shooting skills learned from hunting with his father from a young age, Chris is right for the Navy Seals and becomes a sniper - the guys who sit on rooftops that can pick off anyone attacking the main military force's operation. Chris Kyle, the real person, was credited with 160 confirmed kills from a probably 255 kills during his military career of about 10 years. While still in training, he meets Taya (Sienna Miller, who is almost unrecognisable here, not sure what she has done to herself though), falls hard and they marry before he is even deployed on his first overseas mission.
While the film appears to deviate from or leave out some parts of Chris Kyle's true story, it hews close enough to the key events to be a worthy document of his life. The film switches between Chris' time in Iraq through four tours, his wife at home raising their two children, and his time at home between tours. While Chris' 'absence' from life at home even when he is home must surely be exaggerated (why would Taya remain in love with such an empty shell), it certainly serves to show that the impact of war on those in the military and their families is extreme.
Bradley Cooper is very good as Chris Kyle. He worked out and ate a bunch (every 50 minutes) until he gained the size of the real guy, making a more believable character, but more importantly he nails a mix of Texan charm, gung-ho patriotism and brooding intensity over the horrible things he has to do at times. Chris' belief is that his role is essential in protecting American soldiers and the homeland he loves so much and he seems, on the surface, to be able to use that to ignore any criticism of his job and America's wars. However, Cooper does a great job of showing the deeper feelings of trauma or sadness, even if they are only seen for a few fleeting seconds before he firms again.
There are really no other name actors in the cast of fellow soldiers and the people trying to help Chris Kyle 'become human again' after his honourable discharge from the Navy in 2009, when he started to work with injured vets to find meaning and purpose after the horrors they experienced. The only other big role is that of an enemy sniper, a Syrian former Olympian who was plying his trade in the same area in Iraq against the Americans, who becomes Chris' nemesis and obsession to take down.
Clint Eastwood is assured in both the action scenes (no shaky cam here thank God) and the family drama, with excellent pacing throughout. While we can't agree with his pro-gun stance in his personal life, I truly don't think this has been made as a pro-war film. If you don't walk out of here thinking "What a mess these wars make" I'd be very surprised. It's tense, it's interesting and it's a quality film that deserves to be seen before it's judged.
I'm giving this 7 out of 10.
Great review!
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