Review – American Sniper
This review first appeared at Graffiti with Punctuation.
A Texan bull rider, Chris Kyle (Bradley Cooper), sits at home with his brother Jeff (Kier O’Donnell), sipping a beer after an event, watching the news as terror attacks are being reported. Kyle is inspired to serve, signs up to become a Navy SEAL, and survives the rigorous training. Kyle is deployed to Iraq and when he hits the ground a fellow soldier tells him “the new Wild West is in the old Middle East”. From the outset of American Sniper it seems filmmaker Clint Eastwood may have something to say about the new type of American cowboy. It’s an intriguing prospect from one of the godfathers of the western, in front of and behind the camera, who once revived the slumbering genre with Unforgiven. Sadly, Eastwood’s portrait of Kyle’s wartime experiences (adapted by screenwriter Jason Hall from the memoir written by the real Chris Kyle, Scott McEwen and James DeFelice) bleeds red, white and blue in the worst ways.
American Sniper follows Kyle through four tours of duty where he earned the nickname ‘The Legend’ for becoming the deadliest marksman in U.S. military history. Over the course of Kyle’s service he also becomes a husband (Sienna Miller plays the clichéd long suffering wife), a father (look out for the robot babies), and develops post-traumatic stress disorder.
American war films have moved past the jingoism of American Sniper and Eastwood’s film is a fossil. Three Kings, The Hurt Locker, Zero Dark Thirty and Lone Survivor all pushed the boundaries in their scrutiny of modern warfare. Eastwood is no slouch when it comes to the topic of war, and has shown he can attempt something different with the differing WWII perspectives of Flags of Our Fathers and Letters from Iwo Jima. There is no cross-examination of patriotism, sacrifice or the addiction of combat in American Sniper, it shoots first and then shoots again later. Even Eastwood’s cowboy comparison disappears in a hail of gunfire early in the film. As Kyle snipes men, women and children on the streets of Iraq, there is a sense of the horrors of war but Eastwood is too quick to celebrate the bloodshed with soldiers’ high-fiving each as they crave the next kill. There is nobility in serving your country, without a doubt, but it’s nowhere to be found in American Sniper. There’s even a complete disconnect with the carnage on show as Eastwood uses digital blood and bullet holes to create an uncanny valley of violence, completely at odds with the hardboiled staging of the battle sequences.
Cooper excels at sticking out his jaw and projecting like there’s a wad of chewing tobacco in his mouth in his portrayal on Kyle. Cooper’s post-war Kyle is one of the most intriguing elements of the performance but it’s swamped in an overbearing pathos. What becomes clear halfway through American Sniper is the ancillary characters who could have been a more appropriate vessel to tell the story. Kyle’s wife stays connected to her husband via the phone, sometimes during skirmishes, and it’s a perspective begging to be explored. Kyle’s brother enlists in the marines to try and outgrow the shadow of his sibling, ‘The Legend’, and there is a scene where Jeff appears shaken by what he has seen in battle; show us that film. There’s even a rivalry between Kyle and an enemy Syrian sniper and former Olympic marksman named ‘Mustafa’; one ticket to the opposing side of the story please.
How did we get to a point where the prospect of a new Clint Eastwood film is met with groans? American Sniper is the answer.
2/5
Cameron Williams
The Popcorn Junkie
Can’t disagree more with this review. Without getting into long winded arguments, a film doesn’t have to “move on” from unapologetic patriotism to be great in this day and age as the author suggests. In fact, I think Americans, at this time, need a film like this. At the end of the day, it was a great film and should win the Oscar IMO.
Thanks for reading the review. Great point about it being the film America needs right now.
You’re full of shit – just like this pathetic “film”. What this country needs – more than ever – is conscience. As well as more intelligent citizens who can look past their own childish, petty need for feel good “patriotism”.
Couldn’t agree more. In an era of killer drones and “enhanced interrogation”, America needs films that objectively observe our presence in the Middle East.
I wanted to like this film. I’m a big fan of Eastwood and I also like Bradley Cooper, but I would have to agree with the reviewer. There were plenty of missed opportunities that could’ve made this film much better. It had potential but I didn’t like the direction they took. Also had high hopes for Sienna Miller, but her character was just blah.. I highly doubt it gets best picture.
You completely missed the point. This movie is about the struggle of one man. If you had lived a little longer, though a few more conflicts, where your friends come home torn apart, you may have seen the heart of this film. Alas, yours is a generation that believes in self before country.
Dumbass review that misses the point in every way. This movie is going to be a massive hit.
Thanks for reading Brad. Box office never reflects quality.
I could not agree more! Great film that told the heroic story of an even better man.
Your ignorance bias is showing…
and your bias isn’t?
If I had a dollar for every time I read or heard one of these hacks um “critics” say Jingoism in reference to this movie I’d be set. Hey Cameron, your political bias is showing in your review, try being objective!
I agree fully, movie was bland and uninspired. It had potential, but it never realized…
Yet here you are – reading every line. Take your own advice.
I just want to point out that there are far too many “critics” using their 2nd rate “blogs” as a political soapbox!
Great review, the people above are just butt-hurt that you point out how one-note and boring Eastwood can be–and how sadly–some of his work as a director, especially his themes become lost and bogged down in other aspects of the movie. I think you did a fine review and i applaud you for sticking to your guns (haha pun intended)! You where actually objective here — ignore the tears Chris seems to be shedding. Also I disagree with “American’s” view too, he sounds like a grumpy, bitter ex-marine. Also, why Papafrog, do americans need this film right now? Please explain.
Thanks for reading the review. I understand the fierce patriotism that burns behind most of the comments on this review but it doesn’t excuse the content of the film and the execution of the story. Or any bad behaviour from people who choose to threaten me for having a different opinion.
Jingoism? You realize the movie is based on the autobiography of a Navy SEAL in combat, don’t you? Cliché of a “long suffering wife”? You do realize that they are not clichés, but, in fact, exist by the thousands? My wife and I suffered through years of separation while I was at sea in a twenty-four year Navy career; she finished her degree while taking care of three kids. You are almost a parody of the high browed keyboard warrior that thinks far more of himself, and his accomplishments, than is warranted. So, what have you done for your country, besides rolled your eyes at every display of patriotism? Obviously you’re not ex-military. The Australian version of the Peace Corps perhaps? Even that would give you some shred of credibility . . .
Thanks for reading the review Martin. The ‘long suffering wife’ is a cliche in film, not in real life. Yes, I understand the film is based on an autobiography, as referenced in my review, and I think Sienna Miller deserved better than the role she was given. As you said in your comment, there are thousands of partners who stay at home while their other half serves, and they are amazing people. The screenwriter had the opportunity to write something that truly represented these sacrifices, a strong female character that avoided the cliche. I even mentioned in my review that I would watch an entire film of just Mrs Kyle. I also said there was nobility in serving your country, I never questioned that, I am passing judgement on a film, not reality. Films can be based on true stories but they have more in common with dreams than reality. Congrats on your twenty-four year career in the Navy.
You’re almost a parody of a jarhead.
And Mike (not the reviewer) your are the parody of the kid living in his parents’ basement.
“There is no cross-examination of patriotism, sacrifice or the addiction of combat”
Spoken with such intellectual prowess of someone that knows little other than what is beyond his keyboard. Such comments remind me the difficulties I had when I first came back from Iraq, to a population that was too busy with their selfish lives speeding through neighborhoods playing on their iPhones while almost hitting children in the street, and when correcting their irresponsible behavior they look confused that anyone should do so… the comment also reminds me of anytime a younger than 30 year old finds out about my service, their first questions is: “Did you shoot anyone?” as if it were just reward points for Modern Warfare.
People are quick to thank for service, but rarely ever really listen to anything we have to say. The “patriotism” you want cross examined is different than how I see Patriotism… it isn’t flag waving BS, or chanting of USA, USA… You wouldn’t know anything about sacrifice and wouldn’t have anything to attach the idea to, and the idea of “addition to combat” is about as callous and realistic as quick-scoping is from Modern Warfare.
Instead of wanting a movie to challenge a point so you can walk away from it feeling good about your choices in life, how about just listening to those that have… just listen, and then you might understand…. just listen.
I agree with everything you just said, and it’s very well put, but I didn’t see any of that in the film.
Cameron, your replies to the hatred and shortsightedness of others here is an inspiration. Just wanted to let you know. My good friend Pat Tillman would have made for a fantastic movie, as a side note. Finally, AS serves as a reminder of two thins for me: the bravery of the men and women who serve, no matter the nobility of the wars at hand, and how certain things in our culture are so sacrosanct that any REASONABLE critique is rendered blasphemy.
Well, here’s hoping you catch a ballistic change of heart real soon. Or get decapitated for Allah’s Snackbars.
I hope whatever career you have ends on this review. You apparently didn’t watch the whole movie..or you just hate the freedoms that many a soldier died to preserve for all of us. Maybe you should hang out with Micheal Moore and hate America together
OMG. A Review by Cameron only reveals what is wrong in publication and movies today. A complete disregard for the art of story in favor of blowing one’s horn and opinionating. Definitely a Weinstein advocate of lousy scripts.
For Cameron: A quick class in creative writing to learn the art of the fiction or non fiction would come in handy. Learn what a Story Arc is. Learn that the character (not one’s opinions) move a story forward. Learn what the protagonist’s goals are: Kyle is protecting family and country. Learn what the antongonist’s goals are: to kill and destroy in a most gruesome manner American family and country.
The legacy of Kyle in the hands and eye of Eastwood will become and is an American Classic. A stunning, flawless story that riveted audiences and left them speechless and humbled at the close of the movie. Eastwood’s ability to find a property about an ordinary man/woman becoming extraordinary is a winner everytime. Cooper and Eastwood brought the character to life and the character took charge of the movie moving strongly yet humbly from one scene to the next revealing the personality of Kyle in layers until the hidden core is revealed – one that is golden like the sun. Matching Cooper’s strength and valor is his wife, played by Miller. This movie is not about the ideology of war, it is about an American who protects what he loves: his parents, his wife and children, his nation and his military brothers from radicals and butchers. That’s a huge slice of love and courage, a commitment few of us in this selfish world will make. Eastwood and Cooper created a story arc that was able to penetrate into Kyle’s world with compassion. intelligence and empathy. This movie made Hurt Locker look like wood. A five star at the top of five star films.
Most of all Cameron. You will never rise to the level of an American hero. Why? Perhaps you are a sycophant to the Michael Moore dwindling and gropping group of liberals.
Thanks for reading the review Susan and cheers for the lesson. Just to clear something up, I can’t be an American Hero because I’m not an American. I don’t think there’s anything major wrong with publishing or movies today. The problem is people not willing to accept a different opinion. This is a review of a a weak film not a country. I also mentioned American made war films that have done it so much better but you chose to disregard The Hurt Locker. I’m not going to rant about why I disagree, I accept your different opinion because I know you prefer American Sniper. Also, I strongly suggest a quick class in propaganda and bias.
I agree with there being no cross-examination to the things you mentioned, but isn’t that due to the man that the story was about? Of course I didn’t know Chris Kyle, but from everything I’ve read and seen about him, these types of thoughts didn’t occur to him, and that his biggest struggle came from military versus his family, and what his place should be with one and the other. Chris Kyle did shoot first, then shot again later. I don’t think this was meant to be a film that addressed the issues you mentioned. I think it was Kyle’s story, and it didn’t try to be anything but his story.
Cameron, great review. I am happy that another person was not brainwashed by Hollywood, (with a few kick-back$ from the u.s. military) telling easy to program people to ‘cowboy-up & luv war’! Kyle’s lie on Jesse Ventura was proven in court with Kyle’s key witness admitting it was made up. What else was made up? People who do not think with smarts allow hate and anger to lead them oh-so-easily. We were told that the North Vietnamese shelled our u.s. ship in the gulf of ton kin – then the masses voted for war. Hey we see now that it was all a lie. Something like 60,000 Americans and close to 2million (?) Vietnamese DEAD- all from a lie. Most of these folk need to learn that the ones in charge ($) buy news channels and media outlets for a reason – to lie. They also buy into movie making when it comes to things like this.
How much do you want to bet this “critic” never voted for a Republican, and never will vote for a Republican. A critic should be able to separate his political views from the subject matter. This guy obviously can’t. Jingoism? It’s called killing the guy before he can kill you.
Hey Eric, I can’t vote Republican because I’m not an American. Because of this reason I can be completely objective. There are countries outside the United States of America.
Are there really? I never would have guessed.
Never voted conservative the.
Chris’s autobiography is amazing and inspiring. The movie was a cliche work of fiction.
Jesus, what is with this flock of brainwashed sheep trying to drown out a review of a movie with cries of “you hate our freedoms” and “you’re not a soldier”. If this heap of garbage gets an Oscar I think I’ll be sick.
Let’s not even start to talk about the idiocy of people bitching about the reviewer’s political opinions (which they assume), while asserting their own in the same breath.
HE’S A FLAMING LIBERAL SOCIALIST DEMOCRAT!
Opinions are like assholes everyone has one. Cameron your gift in life seems to be that you have been given TWO. I guess you have more then one use for yours?
All these attacking comments point to one thing. Disgust for a reviewer not loving a film about a man defending his country. I see none of that in his review. What he criticises it for, something few critics seem to have the guts to do, and what he’s taking American Sniper to task for, is how flat the actual film is, how bland and anonymous Cooper’s performance is (curious for a usually interesting actor), and how uninspired Eastwood’s direction is. Flags Of Our Fathers and Letters From Iwo Jima were infinitely superior on every level. They were shaded, and brilliantly constructed. This isn’t, and its a shame. After that tense trailer, I was ready to be wowed as I was by The Hurt Locker and Zero Dark Thirty. If you really felt any tension or empathy for Kyle’s plight, it was a result of being conditioned by that trailer and then spoon-fed the story. I saw this the day the Oscar nominations were released and expected much more.
Could not agree more! It glorified people who were so desensitized to violence that were craving murdering, and killed women and children alike.
—-Jason Hall is a good friend of mine—and I believe you’re missing (have missed) the direction Mr. Eastwood chose to take this film in (as opposed to SS, who DID want the script to focus on a sort of “the mirror has two faces,” with Kyle and his Iraqi antagonist representing two sides of a very tarnished coin)…
—In the end, Eastwood chose to focus on this ONE man’s personal journey/struggle, to have a “blinkered” view of only HIS experience—.and I feel it was to great effect, as to include the subplots/side stories you suggested would take the focus off of “the soldier.”
So from your review I gather that it’s just like… a war movie that doesn’t carry a strong enough anti-war message and doesn’t pander enough to hipsters. There is too much patriotism (United States? Gross!) and it takes too positive of a view about American fighting forces. Bradley Cooper is just acting way too tough in his portrayal of a bull riding Navy SEAL, and you want to watch a movie about insurgents killing American soldiers instead. Mmm kay…. free speech I guess.
A very intelligent review, summed it up perfectly
Nobody in America cheers when a U.S. soldier is killed, except for the progressive liberals and Muslims, they throw parties.
As someone who spent several years dealing with the people of Iraq, they are savages. You can’t treat them like normal human beings, because they don’t value life, or think like normal human beings.
All the progs are up in arms about this because the movie was insanely successful, and they don’t like that Chris Kyle called it as many of us saw it. Literal barbarian savages settling blood feuds in the desert with the relics of Soviet military power. Not any kind of recognizable modern human society left in the deserts of the caliphate.
World opinion is turning against the religion of peace, Islam is not compatible with modern western society. It needs to reform or face a general purge in numbers worldwide.
One really dirty bomb on Mecca, doesn’t even need to have a high explosive yield, and you turn the 5th pillar of Islam into ‘get cancer for Allah’s Snackbars.’
I wonder how many times they’ll thank Muhammad for their tumors after they make the pilgrimage? Five? Maybe 6 times a day? It would even sterilize them too. Talk about a win win.
Did we see the same movie? “Eastwood is too quick to celebrate the bloodshed with soldiers’ high-fiving each as they crave the next kill.” Nonsense. You maybe missed the entire scene then when Kyle tells his spotter to “shut the f*** up” when he tries to congratulate him on a skillful shot. You missed the emphasis of Kyle saying his entire manic drive was to protect the lives of his brothers in arms, not celebrate the kill. You missed the part where he’s praying and imploring the child NOT to pick up the rocket-launcher and thus compel his shot. Or perhaps you saw only what you chose to see as your anti-patriotic skree seems to drip with almost every sentence you wrote. No…you did not “see” this film. You saw what you clearly pre-determined to see. Terrible review because it missed not only the point of a man willing to suffer for the good of others, but also most of the actual scenes that even a casual observer would have seen could not have led to the conclusions you drew.
Thanks for reading the review. I don’t think we saw the same movie but that’s the beauty of differing viewpoints. Great point about the rocket launcher scene. If you read my review you’ll see that I pointed out better films and the honour in severing your country and being patriotic. Funnily enough, the reaction to this film from people violently opposing any differing opinions has been like the kid with the rocket launcher.
Cameron, I took it differently. The film is told from the view/with the attitude of its protagonist. Chris Kyle saw himself as an American Sniper whose every shot was obvious and necessary. Hollywood has become obsessed with reluctant and regretful heroes, but there are people who seek heroics and don’t regret anything. That’s not to say the movie is accurate about what actually happened (Kyle was somewhat of a compulsive liar), but I found it a useful character study on how personalities like Kyle view the world rather than patriot propaganda.
Really great observation Patrick, it plays into Eastwood’s themes of the new American cowboys too.