Interesting albeit ambiguous

Rating: 8/10 (18 August 2006)

A war film that's not decisively pro-war or anti-war. In fact, it's not really sure what it wants to be. Some parts of it are artsy, meaningful, and anti-war, while other parts are testosterone-fueled, profanity-laced, and somewhat pro-war. I think most of the problem lies with the screenplay, and thus with the novel from which it is based. Since it's basically a memoir of Swoff's time in the desert, it's not a normal fiction novel with a definitive theme and message - it's just a recollection of what the war was like. The book is much better than the movie because it includes a lot of Swofford's inner musings and reflections on war, which cements all the experiences together. The movie just seems like it took the 'coolest' scenes from the book, and threw them together, not really taking time to establish a constant theme or message. It's my biggest problem with the movie.
Besides that, however, it's a very well-made movie. The performances are all great, with Gyllenhaal standing out as usual. Jamie Foxx is pretty good in a surprisingly layered role, and Sarsgaard is good but not outstanding. It's directed technically solid but not that creatively by Mendes - I would have preferred more intriguing dream/fantasy sequences like when he vomits sand. The cinematography is solid, and the production design is, well, non-existent. The first third with all the training is interesting, but not really necessary. I would have preferred more time showing how they gradually lost their mind to boredom in the desert - I didn't find that part boring at all, but quite fascinating. The end with them wandering around the desert in the oil rain is where it really drags, as it seems to be trying to say something but can't quite get the words out. And the climax (?) is interesting, but not really the peak of the action. In fact, the action never really peaks - it just ends. I suppose that's true to life, but something a bit more exciting would have been nice. The denouement feels a bit rushed, too. Still, it's a pretty good film - well-made, fairly entertaining, and definitely thoughtful.