Review of Eye in the Sky (2015) by Luke L — 30 Dec 2016

"Never tell a soldier that he does not know the cost of war.".

Movies have often offered commentary or asked tough questions regarding war and the way it is conducted. One area of warfare that has been somewhat controversial in recent years is drone warfare. This controversy is the primary focus of the movie Eye in the Sky. A mission to capture three major figures in a terrorist organization to be carried out by many different political and military figures of multiple nations is complicated when it transitions into a situation that can only be solved by a drone strike, which is further complicated by a child wandering into the blast zone. Directed by Gavin Hood, this film is probably one of the best films of the year. The film is incredibly suspenseful, and tension filled thanks to the editing of the scenes and the way the situation continues to evolve and change. The film also takes a harsh look at drones and the questions they raise regarding them and the warfare they cause. These tough questions also take a fascinating look at the devastation that collateral damage can have on both civilians and those who cause it. Similarly, the film raises questions about whether the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few or the one and whether punishments should come before crimes if all clues point towards destruction. It is also interesting how, with a few exceptions, the leaders with power do not want to make decisions on the issue while the military personnel seem to want to but appear to lack the authority to act. All of these issues are compelling and addressed through varying yet compelling viewpoints. There are many characters in this film, each with a different perspective on the subject of drone warfare. However, the film never displays a bias towards any of the viewpoints. This makes the film and the issues it covers interesting and engaging. The way the film presents the interconnectivity of the governments of the world is also interesting. The characters of the movie are each in different areas around the world and are all connecting through technology to this one mission and debate. These connections display the perks of modern technology while simultaneously showing the destruction that technology, like drones, can cause. Similar to the issues that the film raises regarding drones, the tension and suspense of the film are aided by the movie's score. The score, which occasionally sounds like a pounding heartbeat, fits each scene and conveys the tension of the situation. Even the lack of music in certain spots can be useful. (The final chord of the film is particularly nerve wracking.) All of the actors in the movie each portray their characters and roles in the movie actually and believably. Helen Mirren plays the hard-nosed general who believes in the greater good. She is shown to be convicted, dedicated, and angered by the indecision of other figures. The late great Alan Rickman gives his final onscreen performance as a British general overseeing the operation. Rickman's voice fits the authority his character has and gives weight to his argument regarding the situation. There is an instance in the film where he calls for the Prime Minister to make a decision and it is almost creepy the way he delivers the line. However, it adds to the tension of the film. This final onscreen performance displays the talent Rickman has for showing emotion and conviction with such subtlety. Aaron Paul of Breaking Bad fame also has an exciting and emotional role in the film since he is the drone pilot that has to pull the trigger. He plays the moral argument of the movie and willing to stand for his beliefs when he uses protocol against a superior officer. Barked Abdi, known for his role in Captain Phillips, adds to the tension greatly since his character spends much of the film undercover and having to utilize his wits directly around the target zone. Aisha Takow also adds to the tragedy of the movie by displaying the innocence of a child in the target area. Overall, really the only problems in this movie are nitpicks. For instance, the drones in the film appear to be made by poorly made computer generated imagery and if they are not the drones do not look realistic. Additionally, despite a near perfect pacing throughout the film, ending drags a tiny bit. However, these faults are extremely minor and do not hinder the overall impact of the movie. Eye in the Sky has incredible tension and performances, most notably by the late Alan Rickman. The film is willing to ask hard questions, have the characters make tough decisions, and address the possibly tragic outcome of them. Eye in the Sky is probably one of the best and most underrated films of the year, and I would recommend it to those who are interested in the drone warfare and the issues that it raises.