Today’s quick review: War Machine. In 2009, the President sends General Glen McMahon (Brad Pitt) to take charge of the War in Afghanistan and wind down the US occupation of the country. Instead, McMahon concocts a plan to win the war by force, calling for 40,000 more troops. But McMahon’s initiative faces challenges from all corners, not the least of which is Sean Cullen (Scoot Nairy), a journalist working on a profile of McMahon.
War Machine is a political satire and drama about the War in Afghanistan. War Machine looks at the war through the eyes of Glen McMahon, a decorated general who faces the nearly impossible task of managing an unpopular occupation. The film contrasts Glen’s confidence and idealism with the reality of the situation, in the process casting a harsh light on American foreign policy. However, abstract drama and static conflict limit its appeal.
War Machine immediately backs itself into a corner with its choice of protagonist. Glen McMahon is a beloved leader, a proud soldier, and a patriot who genuinely believes that he can win the war. But the movie undercuts him at every turn, using Sean’s sarcastic narration and Glen’s unconvincing arguments to drive home the point that he is hopelessly misguided. The movie caps it off with barbed humor aimed at the general and his men.
As a result, it is hard to build up any investment in the character. Glen gets caught between two extremes: a quixotic fool worthy of ridicule, and a tragic hero doomed to failure. Glen’s noble spirit and good intentions make it hard to write him off completely, but the movie is more interested in proving him wrong than portraying him in any sort of positive light. The outcome is a dry watch that misses the chance for actual pathos.
War Machine will hold some appeal for those interested in a pointed take on the War in Afghanistan. Its big picture take on the issues involved and its centrally placed protagonist give it at least the skeleton of an effective political piece. But War Machine falls short as a story, lacking the absurdity to bite as a satire and the emotional connection to move as a drama. Fans of the genre can do better elsewhere.
For a more moving portrait of war from the perpsective of one of its leaders, try Letters from Iwo Jima. For a more rounded portrait of a general, try Patton. For a more elaborate critique of American foreign policy, try Syriana. For a similar satire with a bit more humor to it, try The Men Who Stare at Goats. For one with a more involved plot, try Three Kings. For an absurd comedy that goes farther in making its points, try War, Inc.
6.0 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it the same for gambling on a mediocre character and comedy and drama that both miss the mark.