Review of The Fog of War (2003) by Josh F — 28 Jan 2014
Errol Morris' Oscar-winning documentary featuring interviews with former Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara as he ruminates on his service in the Presidents Kennedy and Johnson administrations, focusing particularly on his involvement in the Vietnam War.
The title refers to the uncertainty during military conflict. Morris incorporates intertitles with lessons that summarize McNamara's philosophy on warfare but the result is nebulous. McNamara is compellingly contradictory; both candid and evasive.
Morris falters when he aestheticizes his commentary - repetitious images of falling dominoes is an obvious pronouncement. The score by Philip Glass is frequently obtrusive when matched with archival footage.
There is a spectacular inclusion of taped audio recordings between McNamara and the Presidents that is astonishingly revelatory. Despite these reservations, this is an endlessly fascinating oral history essay.
This review of The Fog of War (2003) was written by Josh F on 28 Jan 2014.
The Fog of War has generally received very positive reviews.
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