Review of The Fog of War (2003) by Adam W — 27 Dec 2008
Its hard to rate this one because you really don't know what you think of it after you finish. McNamara is enigmatic in the lead 'role' of the documentary. As a documentary goes, this is top notch directing.
McNamara's stories, lessons, and comments are paired with archive footage, rarely heard phone conversations, and info-graphics that successfully make a companion to the material. Phillip Glass' score also ratchets up the emotions with another top notch soundtrack.
As for McNamara and his 'teachings', they come off as wildly brutal and honest. Though his information has been disputed since the release of this movie, the former Secretary of Defense comes off as a wildly intelligent analyst of situations.
Your understanding of the Vietnam War will double, and the leaders that got us there will come off as much less militaristic than common opinion generally portrays them. I took a Vietnam history class with a professor that is the CIA Head Historian and what he taught me is pretty much exactly what McNamara speaks about.
That leads me to believe that this film is right on the mark. But some of the things he states in this movie make you quiver with the recognition of the people we killed during WWII and Vietnam. Other things he states will make your eyebrows rise.
Great movie for historian, philosophers, and the current administration in power. They should have watched this film before some of the things they put in place the last eight years.
This review of The Fog of War (2003) was written by Adam W on 27 Dec 2008.
The Fog of War has generally received very positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
