a well done pointless exercise

Rating: 6/10 (7 December 2005)

With all that's going on in the world, why they chose this particular war to examine is beyond me. The story goes nowhere, which is the point, but the actors are wonderful, particularly Jake Gylenhaal.
The camera work is fluid and showy, but I felt it was often trying to tart up a story that needed some pizazz- and the music is, well, reminiscent to American Beauty.
I was disappointed with Peter Skarrsgard, I felt he coasted through the role that could have infused the film with a little energy.
All in all a very macho film with no place to go, perhaps this would have been brilliant ten years ago, but in this day and age it felt like I was watching a very well produced antique.
Sam Mendes, however, remains a director to watch.