Review of The Fog of War (2003) by Michael O — 18 Oct 2010
This film is an uncompromising, riveting, spellbinding masterpiece that should be seen by everyone.
It does what documentaries are supposed to do, answer questions (even unresolvable ones), and speak to the human condition...why are we the way we are?
The Fog Of War is the best Documentary I've seen in the last decade.
For those that don't know, Robert McNamara was the secretary of defense during one of the most politically charged moments in the 20th century. He is an influencial, controversial, and intriguing figure in the very tumultuous times of the 1960's and early 70's. When this was filmed, he was 87 years old. He remained to the end of his days, sharp as a tack and wildly intelligent. Sadly, he passed in 2009 at the age of 93.
The film follows a format of an interview process with the former Secretary, explaining the 11 philisophical lessons he's learned over the course of his lifetime. His rationale behind each of these is amazing, and often extremely freightening.
He goes on near the beginning of the documentary, in a wildly excitable and WORRIED tone, "Kennedy was a rational man! Castro was a rational man! Kruschev was a rational man! And we were AN INCH away from total nuclear annihilation! How did this HAPPEN?".
No only does he explain how and why this happen, Robert McNamara explains his insiders part and role in these historical events. It's absolutely spellbinding.
McNamara was widely criticized for his role in the Vietnam war, some even calling it "McNamara's War". The film even asks the question, was it McNamara's ego that kept the USA in Vietnam, even with an overwhelmingly negative reaction among the population? Did Lyndon Johnson PRESSURE McNamara to keep the US in Vietnam?
He's surprisingly open with his answers, and as expected the tone goes darker and more defensive when the topic of Vietnam is discussed.
This film does what documentaries are designed to do. Answer questions about the human condition. This is the most riveting, unforgettable documentary I've ever seen.
Do not miss this film.
This review of The Fog of War (2003) was written by Michael O on 18 Oct 2010.
The Fog of War has generally received very positive reviews.
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