It was a pretty significant event in the last 20 years of the century and it was really rife with comedy and absurdity and unrecognized historical events. At first, Russell opposed the Gulf War at the time, and certainly the film questions America's motivates for getting involved in the war. I think it made more sense to me. But the situation that had been left at the end of the war, was, I think a little bit disgraceful. Unlike the military-controlled journalism of the war, Russell takes the story into previously forbidden territory.
Nothing is taken for granted.
Among his bold stylistic flourishes, Russell gives us an almost hilariously graphic image of how a bullet wound damages internal organs. It's gutsy stuff, disturbing but funny and strangely captivating. Clooney's combination of authority and devilish charm has never been better utilized. Wahlberg, again exposing the dark underbelly of the all-American boy image, is likewise well cast. Jonze, better known as a groundbreaking video director, is a hoot.