Lecture Notes on 'Civil War' Movie Review and Analysis

Overview of the Movie

• Title: Civil War
• Director: Alex Garland
• Production: A24
• Plot:
  • Fictional second American civil war
  • Conflict between federal forces and militias
  • Focuses on four journalists traveling to interview the president
  • Main characters include Lee, Jesse, Joel, and Sammy
• Themes: War journalism, political division, and the impact of violence

Characters and Storyline

• Lee: Veteran photojournalist and mentor to Jesse
• Jesse: Young photojournalist, takes risks; idolizes Lee
• Joel & Sammy: Writers accompanying Lee and Jesse
• Key Events:
  • Encounter with armed men and looters
  • Documenting battles and staying at a refugee camp
  • Meeting fellow journalists and a confrontation with Jesse Plemons
  • Final attack on the White House

Cinematic and Thematic Analysis

• Vignette Structure: Series of unconnected scenes depicting war experiences
• Use of Sound: Guns with full rounds for realistic sound, enhancing tension
• Violence Representation: Sound used to convey violence instead of gore
• Criticism of Viewer Expectations: Challenges viewers to not seek bias confirmation
• Critique of Journalism: Questioning the role and impact of journalists

Political and Social Commentary

• Political Context: Avoids detailed political biases; focuses on war's impact
• Comparison to Real History: References Vietnam War and journalism's role
• Critique of Political Obsession: Highlights dangers of polarization

Film Industry and Artistic Integrity

• A24's Risk and Success: Financial and critical success for A24
• Garland's Approach: Respected as sincere, though accused of thematic ambiguity
• Criticism of Hollywood: Discussion on the corporatization of film making

Audience Reception and Interpretation

• Diverse Interpretations: Mixed views on what the film says about journalism
• Emotional Impact: Designed to leave the audience feeling disturbed
• Surrealism vs. Reality: Discussion on Garland's use of surrealist elements

Broader Cultural and Artistic Implications

• War as Art: Discussion on the romanticization of war through film
• Comparison with Other Garland Films: Mentions films like 'Men' and 'Annihilation'
• Role of Art in Society: Commentary on the ability of art to influence perceptions and dialogues

Conclusion

• Final Thoughts: Garland's film sparks debate about the nature of journalism and war
• Critique on the Lack of Resolution: The movie raises questions but offers limited answers
• Call to Audience: Encourages viewers to engage in conversation about the themes presented

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