In Civil War, Garland masterfully portrays the consequences of unchecked political violence in a near-future America. The film serves as a cautionary tale, warning viewers about the dangers of allowing extremist ideologies to take hold and divide a nation. The unspecified reasons behind the country’s descent into chaos leave room for interpretation, allowing audiences to reflect on the current political climate and the potential consequences of divisive rhetoric and actions.
With a fascist president at the helm, the nation’s democratic institutions are under threat, and the once-united states have become battlegrounds for opposing factions. Garland’s choice to focus on the Western front, where traditionally conservative Texas and liberal California join forces, highlights the severity of the situation. It emphasizes that when faced with a common enemy, even the most ideologically opposed groups can find common ground and work together.
As the film unfolds, a group of journalists becomes the voice of reason and truth in a world filled with propaganda and misinformation. Their mission to secure an interview with the despised president is not only a dangerous endeavor but also a symbolic representation of the power of journalism in holding those in power accountable. By placing the journalists at the forefront of the story, Garland highlights the importance of a free press in a society on the brink of collapse.
The journey through war-torn America takes the group of journalists on a harrowing and treacherous path. The landscape they traverse is filled with chaos and violence, mirroring the state of the nation. Garland’s attention to detail in depicting the destruction and devastation caused by political violence serves as a stark reminder of the consequences that can arise when political differences escalate to armed conflict.
At the climax of the film, the journalists find themselves at the doorstep of the White House, the epicenter of power and the symbol of the nation’s democracy. This final destination represents the ultimate test of their resolve and determination to bring truth to light. The chaotic and violent landscape surrounding the White House serves as a powerful metaphor for the state of the nation, where political violence has brought the country to the brink of destruction.
Through Civil War, Garland delivers a thought-provoking narrative that urges viewers to reflect on the dangers of political violence and the importance of unity in the face of division. By exploring a near-future America on the verge of tearing itself apart, the film serves as a wake-up call, reminding us of the fragility of democracy and the need to protect and uphold its values.
The Journalists’ Journey
The group of journalists consists of hardbitten war photographer Lee (Kirsten Dunst), Reuters correspondent Joel (Wagner Moura), aspiring photographer Jessie (Cailee Spaeny), and elderly reporter Sammy (Stephen McKinley Henderson). Their task of gaining an audience with the president is no small feat, as they navigate through numerous violent and terrifying encounters along the way. One particularly chilling encounter involves a malevolent and racist soldier portrayed by Jesse Plemons. Despite the odds stacked against them, the journalists ultimately arrive in Washington D.C., where the Western front clashes with federal troops street by street and block by block.
As they make their way through the war-torn landscapes, the journalists witness the devastating consequences of the conflict firsthand. Lee, with her camera always at the ready, captures haunting images of destruction and despair that will later become iconic symbols of the war. Joel, armed with his pen and notebook, diligently gathers firsthand accounts and eyewitness testimonies, piecing together the intricate puzzle of this complex conflict.
Jessie, the youngest member of the group, is filled with a mix of excitement and trepidation. She is eager to prove herself as a talented photographer but also fearful of the dangers that lie ahead. With each passing day, she learns the harsh realities of war and the sacrifices that journalists must make in order to bring the truth to light.
Meanwhile, Sammy, the seasoned reporter, provides invaluable guidance and wisdom to his younger colleagues. His years of experience have taught him the importance of perseverance and integrity in the face of adversity. He shares stories of past assignments and imparts valuable lessons on journalistic ethics, reminding the group of the immense responsibility they carry as messengers of truth.
As they inch closer to their destination, the journalists encounter a myriad of obstacles. They must navigate treacherous terrain, evade enemy fire, and negotiate with local militias who are suspicious of outsiders. Each encounter tests their resilience and determination, but they refuse to be deterred. Their mission to reach the president and shed light on the atrocities of war becomes a driving force that propels them forward.
Finally, after weeks of arduous travel and countless near-death experiences, the journalists arrive in Washington D.C. The city, once a symbol of democracy and stability, now bears the scars of the conflict. The streets are filled with barricades and armed soldiers, and the air is thick with tension. But the journalists press on, undeterred by the chaos around them.
As they make their way to the White House, they encounter pockets of resistance and fierce clashes between federal troops and rebel forces. The sound of gunfire and explosions reverberates through the city, a constant reminder of the violence that has consumed the nation. Yet, amidst the chaos, the journalists remain focused on their mission, determined to bring the truth to the highest levels of power.
Finally, they reach the gates of the White House, their journey nearing its end. Exhausted but filled with a sense of accomplishment, they present their evidence and demand an audience with the president. Their voices may be weary, but their determination is unwavering. They have risked their lives to bear witness to the horrors of war, and now they stand ready to confront those in power, to hold them accountable for the suffering they have witnessed.
The journalists’ journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of journalism in the face of adversity. Their story serves as a reminder of the vital role that journalists play in society, as they strive to uncover the truth and give voice to the voiceless. In a world plagued by conflict and misinformation, their unwavering commitment to the pursuit of truth is a beacon of hope.
The Cinematic Approach
Civil War adopts a cinéma vérité approach, immersing viewers in the all-encompassing chaos of the siege of D.C. The production went to great lengths to create authentic street sets in Georgia, meticulously choreographing the cameras, actors, and vehicles to capture the intensity of the conflict. While Garland acknowledges the influence of classic feature films like “Saving Private Ryan” and “The Battle of Algiers,” he emphasizes that the main inspiration came from news footage and the lived experiences of the crew. This handheld, visceral style of combat footage adds to the raw and realistic portrayal of the film.
It is worth noting that the script for Civil War was written before the events of January 6th, but Garland acknowledges that the insurrection had an effect on the film’s production. However, this influence is not reflected in the visual depiction of the Washington D.C. sequence. Instead, it served as an incentive for the cast and crew to work harder and commit further to the project as a reaction against the violence. The production team, including the stunt, military, and special effects departments, rose to the occasion, with many veterans contributing their expertise and bringing a sense of realism to the film.
Civil War offers a cautionary tale about political violence and the potential consequences of a divided nation. Through its gripping narrative and visually immersive approach, the film prompts viewers to reflect on the fragility of democracy and the importance of unity in the face of adversity.
One of the notable aspects of Civil War’s cinéma vérité approach is the use of practical effects to enhance the realism of the battle scenes. The production team spared no expense in recreating the devastation of war, using pyrotechnics, smoke machines, and carefully crafted set pieces to create an authentic and immersive environment. The attention to detail was remarkable, with every bullet impact, explosion, and crumbling building meticulously planned and executed.
Furthermore, the handheld camera work in Civil War adds to the sense of immediacy and chaos. The cinematography team employed a combination of steady cam shots, tracking shots, and shaky handheld shots to convey the disorienting nature of combat. This approach not only puts the audience in the middle of the action but also allows for a more intimate connection with the characters, as the camera follows them closely through the chaos.
Garland’s decision to draw inspiration from news footage and the experiences of the crew also adds to the film’s authenticity. By grounding the story in real-life events and personal accounts, Civil War becomes more than just a fictional narrative. It becomes a reflection of the realities of war and the impact it has on individuals and society as a whole.
Overall, the cinematic approach of Civil War not only showcases the technical prowess of the production team but also serves as a powerful storytelling tool. By immersing viewers in the chaos and devastation of war, the film forces them to confront the harsh realities and consequences of political violence. It is a stark reminder of the importance of unity and the dangers of division in a nation, leaving a lasting impact on audiences long after the credits roll.
