Review of Live from Baghdad (2002) by Jayson H — 09 Jun 2007

It?s rather astonishing how the human psyche works, specifically the old additives ?you never know what you?ve got till it?s gone? and ?you never really appreciate the final product till you?ve been through hell and high water for it.? On January 16, 1991 I spent the evening completely enthralled by the live coverage of bombs raining down on Baghdad whilst simultaneously getting the play by play from CNN?s Bernard Shaw. Sure, we?ve seen footage of Vietnam and the likes, but never has a reporter been behind enemy lines reporting live as laser-guided bombs fell mere yards away. Only now, having scene what CNN ?s Robert Wiener went through, do I truly appreciate the coverage provided that fateful evening.

Live from Baghdad sets its beginning on August 2, 1990 when the Iraqi military ruthlessly stormed to the Kuwaiti capital with no goal but to dominate, as was the directive set-forth by Sadam Hussein. The story at the time was that Kuwait had allegedly been tapping oil reserves that belonged to the Iraqi, eliciting Iraqi retribution. With the United Nations enraged and inevitable war on the horizon, every news agency was scampering around to find their niche in the possible Gulf War. Enter stage right our hero Robert Wiener (Michael Keaton), all too eager to make his everlasting mark in the journalistic community. As fate would have it, Wiener and friends are the only ones with the determination and audacity take on the task. After a great series of dialogue between Ed Turner (Paul Guilfoyle) and Wiener, the viewer gets the ominous feeling that at the time everyone knew that things were bound to go bad and that it was really only a matter of time; even Wiener comments on how being behind enemy lines while the bombs begin to fall will become his metaphorical walk on the moon. For this obvious gusto, I appreciate journalists even more.

Once CNN is at the center of the storm (Baghdad) the film takes on an unexpected characteristic. Rather than focus solely on the opening shots created by the Gulf-War director, Mick Jackson brings the film to life with all the seedy bartering and wrangling the Iraqi government implied on news agencies. Wiener isn?t kidding when he says ?tell Ted we?re going to need lots of cash.? To give the readers a perspective, it cost a box of Cuban cigars to Naji (the Information Minister) in order to get an appointment, another box of cigars to the US ambassador, some $400 cash to the hotel check-in desk for a reservation, $100 a day for an uncertified interpreter, not to mention the costs linked with whatever other unforeseen palms needed greasing. For the most part Westerners have been exposed to the Iraqi nations as a homestead for fanatics hell-bent on destroying corporate America. In reality, or in the reality presented to viewers here, citizens are more like prisoners in their own country, and the government is run like HBO?s Sopranoes mafia.

Most impressive is how Wiener managed to work the corrupt systems to make what appeared to be small gains, while all along setting CNN for the most important coverage of its corporate life. In the end, Wiener gets an inside connection via Naji, an exclusive tour of the besieged Kuwait, a one-on-one interview with Saddam Hussein, interviews with the American hostages, and the legendary four wire that kept them broadcasting through the coalition?s initial strike on Baghdad. Granted, like every other red-blooded movie buff, I wanted to see the bombs obliterate Baghdad; but as much as one mightn?t think it, Michael Keaton steals scene after scene. The truly entertaining moments are those spent watching Wiener doing a tap dance around various Iraqi restrictions.

Without a doubt, the film?s most humbling moment manifests itself in a scene where Wiener has to pin a microphone on the jacket of the greatly feared Saddam Hussein. To put it in perspective, it would be like going face to face with Hitler had he survived World War II. The men are like ravenous carnivores capable of eating their own young in order to survive?which wouldn?t be too far from the truth as Hussein has killed relatives in order to retain his legacy. After digesting this and other poignant scenes, one begin to comprehend what limited room CNN had to work in and one can only be amazed that despite their adversities, the network still managed get the job done, and done admirably.

Live from Baghdad is well worth the cost of HBO and the Movie Network. Come for the bombs and explosions, but stay for the story and for the character interactions. Keaton will take your breath away with his unbelievable work ethic and dedication, while his supporting cast keeps you grounded as they fear for their lives through this Iraqi reign of terror.