Review of The Fog of War (2003) by Kilian Z — 09 Sep 2008
The film that The Fog of War reminds me of the most -- if you're the kind of person who asks, "What other movies is it like?" -- would probably be Secret Honor. Both movies, I think, are about people who were kind of demonized during their time in the spotlight, but who have compelling rationales and a startling humanity. The difference between Altman's film about Nixon and Morris' film about McNamara is that Altman's story was fiction. The Fog of War is a documentary, which affords the viewer the chance to see every line of thought painted vividly on McNamara's face.
I didn't really know anything about Robert McNamara before sitting down to watch this film. I suspect that if I were old enough to recall the Vietnam War, or if I were knowledgable about American history in the least, his story may have been more resounding with me. Still, the frankness with which McNamara recounts his decisions over the years in regards to war and politics is astounding. He talks about fire-bombing cities in Japan, admitting afterward that if the US had lost World War II, he and his compatriots would have been charged as war criminals.
He stops, grinds his teeth a little, looks past the camera. I have only seen one other Morris doc (Fast, Cheap, & Out of Control), but I was similarly impressed with it because of the way the subjects really seemed to be talking to me (thanks to the Interrotron for that, I suppose). It really helps to draw you into the story when you feel that the people on-screen are engaging you, rather than just throwing out facts and figures.
I hardly know anything about McNamara, but after watching Fog of War, I feel like I've seen further into his mind than I could have otherwise. And as in Fast, Cheap, & Out of Control, occasionally a seemingly innocuous phrase will be spoken which throws the entire interview into a newer context.
And I haven't even mentioned Phillip Glass' beautiful score, or the bright and playful metaphors drawn from found footage and constructed scenes.
It's all really quite wonderful.
This review of The Fog of War (2003) was written by Kilian Z on 09 Sep 2008.
The Fog of War has generally received very positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
