Film Works Well on More Than One Level of Reality

Rating: 10/10 (8 August 2015)

Apocalypse Now Redux is a close second, but has a weak ending, in my opinion. Casualties of War is expertly directed by DePalma. Penn and Fox give intense performances. Casualties' grip on the viewer increases step by stop and scene by scene. Each scene ends with a dilemma that "hooks" the audience and demands continued viewing. Each scene begins with either a resolution of the previous scene's hook, or begins with an oblique answer that leads into a direction not anticipated by some viewers. Like DePalma's best films Casualties is primarily a thriller. One doesn't need any political viewpoint to enjoy this film. The film works well on more than one level of reality, which is always an artistic accomplishment.