American Sniper Through The Eyes Of Hollywood

Rating: 8/10 (29 June 2015)

Having lived through this time, having servicemen in my family, and having my own expectations with the written account firmly placed in my head, American Sniper was a difficult movie to live up to, in my mind. I was set to dislike Bradley Cooper's portrayal of Chris Kyle. In fact, after watching the entire cast on late night talk shows, I was determined that Bradley Cooper, although my movie star crush, was out of his depth. I was wrong.
It was extremely clear that Bradley Cooper researched and acted through this role as though he was Chris Kyle. At times it appeared as though the action was authentically occurring as we were watching the events unfold. The care in which both Cooper and Eastwood brought Chris Kyle to the big screen was respectful and complete. The only downfall, although true to real life events, was that Chris' return after his final tour was incredibly brief until his untimely death. As a viewer with the complete story fresh in my mind, some details felt as though they were left unfinished. I was waiting for the turn in his character that was so clear in his book. That turn, when he knew he could not return to duty but could focus on those who remained stateside and try to "save" them as well. In film, this occurred at warp speed. He's home, he's moved, he's at the doctor, he's volunteering, he's dead. Just that staccato. As much detail and care was placed in the truthful, accurate retelling of Kyle's tours; the viewer should have had that time to connect with Kyle as a veteran.
The interaction with family was also glossed over. The relationship between Chris and Taya was portrayed as intermittent, at best, While the viewer is left to consider if Chris Kyle was just afflicted with a God-complex or if the slow, self-assured Texan attitude was of Cooper's design and a result of artistic impression.
On the complete opposite page, Kyle's bond with his fellow servicemen was apparent. The viewer could feel how strongly bonded they were. How ingrained the image of a quitter was. How they all seemed to believe in Chris, even when he didn't. That aspect was portrayed spot on.
All in all, as a story or account of war, American Sniper told the tale with care and with a fresh perspective. I'm glad I watched the film. But wanting to know more about Chris Kyle as a person, not as a servicemen or veteran, I was disappointed. But the disappointment is something the world feels at the loss of such a tremendous warrior. May his family know the peace their son, brother, husband, and father brought to Americans like myself. And how very grateful we are for his service. May his memory live on.