Alex Garland reveals how Civil War is partly autobiographical

Alex Garland’s latest film Civil War is unsettling even in its premise - maybe because of how real it feels. Set in a dystopian future America, the film follows a team of journalists who travel across the country during a rapidly escalating Second American Civil War. Alex sits down with Tom Power in studio for a conversation about what inspired the film, his feelings on journalism and media, and why Civil War is not just a warning about conflict, but the loss of a collective truth.
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[@area51pictures]

FINALLY. A real interview with Alex Garland. Tom Power, you are the man.

[@brentulstad3275]

Also checkout The Big Picture podcast, interview with Sean Fennessey. Incredibly personal & in depth conversation around Civil War and related issues.

[@smoothbrain4384]

What an absolute pleasure, the best Alex Garland interview I've seen. The film was incredibly powerful. Like all of his work it makes an unforgettable impression and just sticks with you.

[@That80sAstronaut]

Brilliant interview. Alex Garland is absolutely right about journalism. I'm glad he made this movie.

[@PeterZeeke]

Damn this interview was awesome

[@andreafeliciangeli3785]

The desensitization depicted, the scenarios are so well depicted they all stall rent free in the back of my mind…believe me this movie will remain as a CLASSIC✨

[@JohnMinehan-lx9ts]

Kristin Dunst did a great job underplaying PTSD.

[@aarondavis156]

I love that it wasn’t explicitly stated it made it such a better film. Such a complex, brilliant film.

[@aservantinbabylon]

Just watched last night. Still ruminating on it. Very impacting.

[@antonio_ferme]

Brilliant interview. Alex Garland is one of the most visionary directors of all-time - and it’s solidified by the fact that he would never agree with that. Thanks for sharing!

[@Tea-rettes]

One thing to mention about a lot of the animosity toward legacy media these days is that much of it is well founded. Garland talks a lot about the very valid position of journalists as those who speak truth to power. But the distrust and hostility toward the news today is because they simply aren't doing that. Instead, they trade flattery of politicians and business leaders for access. They get bigger business if they actively support those with money and power. In America in particular, legacy media are private businesses run by wealthy moguls for whom profit is more important than content. As such, the public is presented not with an informative view of the world, but a false image tainted by so-called "journalists" uncritically parroting the talking points of the very people they should be holding accountable.

[@adambazso9207]

Ok, but that was the case almost always, with very few exceptions. Media was always a propaganda-tool of the wealthy and of the suppressors, who wanted to form public opinion. With the endless campaign against whistleblowers like Edward Snowden or Julian Assange, who is actively tortured and killed by the in-justice system, and how almost none of the so-called media-platforms are informing us about it, shows, that they are part of the problem and they always were, besides of very few brave, real journalists. They were always a rarity and always hunted and despised. Hated by their own fellow "colleagues" and by the powerful. Nothing has changed. (The only change is maybe that almost nobody buys newspapers anymore, because of the internet and online media, but I honestly can't feel any sympathy towards them. They dug their own graves and fully deserve their fate. Of course now they are even more power-conform and defensive regarding the status quo, because their complete lack of criticism and independent thinking is the only guarantee for their funding. A vicious circle.)

[@InlandDiscoEmpire]

@@adambazso9207 No it's not a few exceptions if you've been paying attention. You clearly haven't.

[@iplaydodgeball]

The hostility is because people who want to degrade trust in media are also twisting truth into becoming "bias" as a way to deny that truth power.. and that how the media is sometimes biased doesnt help. it's the exact opposite of what youre saying. You didn't understand what he was saying at all and you are exactly the type he's talking about. You're being manipulated. Its the type of person who claims that the stuff trump does is media bias even though a lot of it just comes out of his mouth himself in plain English or there's literal incontrovertible evidence for it or both. That's the exact 'Watergate scenario" that he is talking about.

[@Tea-rettes]

@@iplaydodgeball I don't think we're on entirely different grounds here. I completely agree that there are many bad actors who exploit distrust of media to discredit real journalism, but there is a reason that sort of manipulation works so well. The media landscape of today simply isn't what it was 30 years ago, especially since Reagan repealed the Fairness Doctrine, opening the floodgate for news to simply lie to their audience without consequence. Are there still quality journalists able to offer valid and fair critique of politicians? Absolutely. But you will not find them on CNN, MSNBC, or Fox News. They can't be heard over the cacophony of voices telling you the status quo is great, anyone promising change is a radical, and your neighbors are to blame for all your problems. Moreover, we must do away with this delusion that neutrality equals objectivity. It doesn't. The truth is biased, whether we like it or not. Humans are biased, whether we like it or not. Objectivity means fessing up to both of those things, telling the truth regardless of who it agitates, and doing your best to acknowledge and compensate for your biases in the process.

[@wychwoodmusic]

Damn, well-said.

[@BIGSchuZ]

This was a fantastic interview! You're a great host

[@Lagrangeify]

What I like about Tom ( besides the terrific questions) is that he always looks totally engaged. I tend to find Alex Garland seems initially quite poker faced in interviews but then he always turns out to be effusive and generous. This was a good match.

[@ElCid_1099]

Great Interview. Best interview with Alex Garland I have seen. His comments on polarization (and the extremists responsible) at the end of the interview put into words exactly how I have been feeling recently.

[@mikesoylu]

Best interview so far

[@angelleigh9468]

I deeply appreciated that there was no clear definition to why California and Texas were allies. also, war crimes that were enacted by rogue, individuals and groups, that US Americans associate with other countries. There was a point where I was so emotionally moved that I leaned forward and hugged the empty seat in front of me while the scene played out. I watched this film with my Air Force veteran gen-z son and I found a conversation spectacular. I can’t wait to buy it on Prime.

[@janari64]

The scene with the mass grave was not placed in the context of individual crimes, but of the planned elimination of others.

[@emilymitchell6823]

Tom's openness and how comfortable he seems to make his guests feel are all on display in full force, here. We literally get brand new insights into Garland because of it and it is so worthwhile and edifying to get his perspective

[@sultankuan2349]

I really love watching Alex Garland interview. So smart and interesting dude. Well spoken, calm and very talented filmmaker

[@EditorJord]

Best interview I've listened to about the film. I really need to dig into Garland's filmography. I was very moved by Civil War.

[@atreidesN]

Ex Machina is excellent if you’ve not seen it yet.

[@tzz89]

@@atreidesN I second Ex-Machina. Brilliant film - it shines even more than this one, IMO.

[@EditorJord]

@@atreidesNFor sure, Ex Machina is the next film I'm gonna watch

[@IJohnSmith]

Devs is my favorite of his, check it out

[@MistaZULE]

@EditorJord also watch Annihilation. His horror science fiction film. Absolute masterpiece

[@Lucilup]

Best interview and I love how they open up in the process. The best reflections .

[@Warnerchild]

i've only seen a few interviews by tom but every one i see is ace - he matches the guests energy so well like a sparring partner and is always on his toes ready to follow any switch ups or something that can be explored and seeing what path the guest is up for exploring - must be a student of psychology

[@arelis9383]

This was so good. I was in search of a deeper conversation surrounding the film’s themes and this was exactly what I was looking for.

[@nevengrujic6518]

Terrific movie. I felt there were many parallels to Apocalypse Now throughout the movie but everything was done in it's own unique way told through its own scope on a different topic.

[@Dridgeism]

Yeah definitely in between another Heart of Darkness-like and a bit of Dante's inferno...but fortunately not too explicitly derivative.

[@nevengrujic6518]

@@Dridgeism I haven't been lucky enough to read either yet but of course I know apocalypse now was based off of hearts of darkness. What similarities did you see between Dante's Inferno and Civil War?

[@deangulberry1876]

Loved Civil War. Saw it yesterday on imax. Will be seeing it again today. The trailer was right: this movie was made for imax. The sound in this movie was really intense.

[@dhammaboy1203]

I definitely got those vibes too!

[@thomasscottwilliams6672]

I am so grateful for cinema that recognises that the audience is intelligent enough to understand and extrapolate or query the whys and not have everything spelt out. Oppenheimer was an incredible piece of cinema that had an implicit understanding that the audience would understand or investigate to extrapolate for themselves.

[@marinebymistake]

understand and investigate what exactly? There's nothing to investigate in Oppenheimer lol

[@mtb5778]

great interview. Alex is relaxed. sharing much more than I have ever seen. also the lack of adverts every 5 minutes helped my viewing. thanks.

[@branchestarot]

Thank you for this! Just met Alex Georges from A24 who worked on this film. Incredible.

[@user-friendly-b6q]

Fascinating interview, thank you so much!!

[@treevnor]

so many great quotes, "some people on the far right, and some people on the far left, will dislike an attack on polarization. but I dislike them" and "most people are not extremists, but extremists have a loud voice"

[@DANJONPEARCE]

great interview and love the Fleet Foxes t shirt

[@roymc1866]

Not sure i believe Alex's statement @15:15 about the purpose of the Western Forces. To me, the beauty of this film being released in our current historical moment, is that having a scenario where Texas and California are allies instantly breaks-down whatever partisan lens the viewer is bringing into the theater. That only works, precisely because it seems so implausible, from our current polarization. And by breaking the viewer out of that partisan dynamic, you enable them to see the ensuing violence for the tragedy & horror that it truly is. I thought that it was a genius choice, and as a result this film is able reach so many more people than if Alex had portrayed a more 'plausible' political scenario. I find it hard to believe this effect is not completely intentional, from the get-go.

[@mhawang8204]

From what I see in the discourse about this film, a lot of viewers checked out mentally when they see that TA and CA joined forces and dismissed the film as nonsense, so his implicit message about a "litmus test" for partisanship is pretty valid.

[@roymc1866]

@@mhawang8204 i have seen that attitude from folks as well... about the film's trailer. Havent seen anyone say that who has actually viewed the film. Which is a shame, because its precisely those people who need this message most.

[@jay1jayf]

@@roymc1866 cringe

[@dreigivetimpoolmassivewedg7646]

Agree 1000%. I was honestly uncomfortable with this film before i saw it being an American during these times but that decision changed everything for me.

[@jamesdorkings3853]

Incredible interview 👏🏻

[@domeneccdi420]

Gotta admit that Civil War might match the bar set with Ex Machina. Awesome film. Quite an original way to address a subject like that one. Props to Alex Garland and his team. Peace from Spain🌿

[@toxiccylon]

yes always appreciated

[@paellaking9007]

Garland is a fiercely intelligent introspective individual, & it both gladdens me & saddens me many still quite don't get or understand his projects or his works.

[@hazardousjazzgasm129]

a lot of people seemingly beg for movies that don't spoonfeed them everything and treats them like an adult, but then complain that a movie "lacks substance or a message" when they finally get what they asked for

[@IGBOSTROLOGY]

Great interview! Ate that up! Someone did his research period!!!!

[@Dinalafont]

Excellent interview. Greetings from Argentina. Unfortunately we are living a nightmare here. Excelente entrevista. Saludos desde Argentina. Lamentablemente acá estamos viviendo una pesadilla.

[@notonate69]

Thank you for this incredible interview!

[@Veronica-oc9yt]

Thank you for this interview, what a fascinating person

[@TeleuteDPu]

Outstanding interview & listen; well done!

[@CaptainPopcorn]

Excellent job.

[@darthgzuz]

brilliant talk ... thanks Tom for bringing out real Alex to us ... thanks for this amazing interview

[@BryanKerr1]

I watched all the interviews about this film, this was the best by a mile.

[@paulruddock8885]

Excellent interview! Thanks to both!

[@wychwoodmusic]

Damn, I love so many points from this interview and film. But I think what Garland also misses is that centrist capitalist democracy has also led us to the brink of ecological collapse, mass extinction, and omnicide. The political centre seems to be leading us to mass death just as surely - if more slowly - than fascism and communism did. What the extremists he detests get right is a sense that something is deeply wrong and needs to deeply change. A reformist or progressive path has failed to address any of the cascading crises we're currently facing. Real reform of a system-saving variety like the New Deal seems completely blocked and unrealistic in the 21st century. *Polarization isn't just a bad idea mean people thought up and put into practice, it's a response to the material crises and conflicts ripping our economic and physical world apart.* Every conflict and crisis is an opportunity for destruction, but also for a break-through and sea-change. There are good reasons to be profoundly afraid, but also wildly hopeful. Anyways, as long as we can all agree fighting fascism should be our first and unifying political goal, we might just be alright. (On that count, three cheers for Garland and this film!)

[@EmyRulz300]

incredible interview and insights, thank you!

[@elfari100]

Thanks so much for making this film. As I watched I was reminded of the stories my godfather, who was a correspondent during the Vietnam War, told me. It was spot on and believable.

[@madeleinelaidlaw9568]

Such a good interview!

[@oaktowndaddyg]

I grew up in the late fifties and sixties and served as a medical corpsman in Vietnam. And things were much worse back then. There was an undeclared civil war over the actual war when I came back to the world after my tour of duty. But I think there will be a civil war in America. But I do think we are marching toward a Third World War given events in Ukraine or Gaza or this saber rattling in the South China Sea over Taiwan rather than a civil war in America.

[@AP-hb2qw]

Q is the most underrated talk show

[@jollypioneer]

I am very interested in the film but I think we are a very long way from civil war in the UK. In the US, much much closer...

[@evertonvale3773]

Amazing!!! And think the actor Wagner Moura fantastic. Congratulations.

[@shitpostheavy]

Great job Tom

[@captcomps]

To not be fascist is a low bar for any ideology. It's ironic that this is a key reason for why we end up with fascism. Because if we don't strive for anything better our red line will always be nearer to what we oppose than what we dream of.

[@ChristopherPoitras]

Fascism is such an over used word and I am not sure many know what it really means. More of a buzzword left leaning media used and everyone ate it up.

[@masterchain3335]

It's interesting that at around 16 minutes he says that it would be insane to imagine that two states wouldn't put aside their political differences in the interest of combating a larger threat... and yet it's pretty easy to imagine that right now in the US. In fact, Republicans have made it pretty clear that they would follow Trump to whatever doom he leads them before ever acknowledging that they had put their faith in someone who had no intention of saving them.

[@KevLavigne-qp5sx]

Had the same thought, he’s intelligent but seemingly naïve.

[@jonathanlopez2697]

Fantastic interview. Alex Garland spoke exactly like what id invision the director of civil war would to be like. His views and vision of the movie resonates with me and i too am deeply concerned with this current climate.

[@americanpancakelive]

Fantastic interview.

[@o0pinkdino0o]

He is a savant and needs to make all of the movies.

[@michaelfowler3187]

I didn't come away from this film with the same satisfaction as other garland films, but I have to remind myself I felt pretty confused after most of them- thrilled and intoxicated with the visual (and audial) and emotional journey of his films.. but this one left me puzzled and contemplating, still impressed but in a less clear way. I don't think I could bring myself to see the film a second time- but I hope some healthy dissent comes from it.

[@Rocco_Co]

Garland is right that you really don't want to be associated with the extremes of either party and really the idea that politics is two-party is dumb. You don't want to be agreeing with AOC often, like you don't want to be agreeing with Alex Jones or Nick Fuentes often.

[@dreigivetimpoolmassivewedg7646]

Comparing someone who wants healthcare for everyone and fascists is wild

[@mattgilbert7347]

How are people misreading this film? It's almost as the film itself provides an answer to this question.

[@GonzaloCruz-bn3dg]

As Peruvian, I agree 100% with Garland. Most of my friends are more worried and aware about US politics than our national politics (that is useless with most aspects of our life).

[@MrMisuma]

I just came home from the movie theater and I loved the movie. I get that a movie especially like this, needs to be loud, but man, I should’ve brought some ear plugs 😵‍💫

[@thomasscottwilliams6672]

This was an incredible movie, it brought to the foreground the recognition that the media really does not portray the reality of war to the extent that the general public are almost anaesthetised to the barbarism that is going on on in the world today. We are constantly fed ambient noise of war but nothing of the horrors.

[@MrHowsabouthathen]

I loved the film, absolutely loved it.

[@vcr1232]

Loved the movie, i still believe the title was misleading.

[@f.n.246]

Perfect.

[@M.H.I.A.F.T.]

Surprised to hear Alex actually laugh a bit. I thought he didn't have a humorous bone in his body.

[@chaosmusician]

A solid film of consequence is hard to find...like cheap popcorn these inflationary spring days🎉

[@marcosvelasquez461]

If God were to bless America, you will see a lot of consequences.

[@JohnMinehan-lx9ts]

It seems like Michael Herr's Dispatches and Loyd's My War Gone by, I Miss It So influenced this . . . .

[@kokopelli314]

I very much enjoyed this film because I didn't feel like I was being infantalized or preached to. I also understood the depiction of journalists from age and career perspectives. This was not a war film.

[@alexbade]

i absolutely love this : the world is absolutely and deranged going fascist - far right and people being like : oh, honestly i am a centrist ... i find that slightly chilling

[@CharlesFitzgerald-pm5uk]

The Beach is a great book

[@DmitryParanyushkin]

Right, so he says he is against polarization and then he himself calls people he doesn’t agree with “idiots”. How is that not polarizing? How is that not that left smugness that he’s against?

[@mtb5778]

10m30s - love it - am I being coherent? I get that feeling and say am I making any sense?

[@nomoresunforever3695]

I'm confused. The movie did not make me appreciate journalism at all. It made me see the journalists as the prime example of what is wrong with humans that will lead to civil war. These war photographers have to shut off their empathy for non journalists, laughing and being aroused by the rush of the action after having watched random people die, while still being able to see the humanity of other journalists after these die later in the movie. It made me feel like that is exactly the psychological process that leads to civil war. We have well-meaning motivations that make us become just as blind to the humanity of "the other side".

[@nbt3663]

It was a very fast and very realistic movie.

[@TheStarBlack]

Wow last person I expected to hear "both sides" from. Remember which side the actual fascists are on Alex.

[@DoctorFurioso]

I liked the film and really all of Garland's work, but I think it's morally irresponsible to "both sides" left- and right-wing politics. If we're talking about Nepal or somewhere, sure. But the most obvious problem with this is that there's basically no left wing in the UK or US (or Canada): it's a spectrum of slightly left of centre to far-right. So, he's falling into the trap -- perhaps by accident -- of branding people who actively oppose fascism as "as bad as" the fascists. Whereas, one of the major critcisms of centrist liberal politicians, right back to the time of Neville Chamberlain, is that they are unable or unwilling to address fascism except to appease fascists or shift to the right themselves. The, supposed "opponents of Fascism," in Walter Benjamin's words, "are prostrate and confirm their defeat by betraying their own cause." The other major issue here is the idea that centrism is the only morally responsible and clear-minded stance free of ideological motiviations, which itself is obviously an staggeringly ideologically charged assertion-- thinking you're objectively right. But, it's also precisely the liberal depoliticization of politics and the emptying out of the left wing that is driving voters to the far-right. The "at least they have an ethos" vote, and all that. I'd wager we'd all be better off like Spain with a huge variety of parties/blocs to choose from than a binary of slightly-leftist centrists and partly-rightist centrists: Bill Hick's "the puppet on the left hand and the puppet on the right hand."

[@Lucilup]

Min 31:42

[@JohnMinehan-lx9ts]

It seems like Garland had a detailed backstory in mind and got advice from military analysts, but I'm not certain about this . . . .

[@JohnMinehan-lx9ts]

My thought was more that both TX and CA have military formations that went with the States against the Feds and the decision is utilitarian rather than idealistic . . . . (settle this with the Feds then deal with the other state).

[@BabyOatmeal]

This movie is what happens when truth and trust disappear. At that point you better be on the correct side in the right place at the right time. We take truth and trust for granted, like it's steady as oxygen or gravity. But look what happen in only the past 5 years.

[@Rocco_Co]

Pissing off the extremes means you are probably doing something right. The answer is moderation in everything. Garland seems to understand that even though he mentions he is left leaning.

[@dasarkas]

When DT was campaigning before being elected, I saw all the makings of a civil war developing as a consequence. It’s pretty obvious how divided we became and become increasingly each day. A very sad state of affairs in our country.

[@jœTexazz]

You either die an amateur correspondent, or live long enough to see yourself become Timcast.

[@thomasalexanian927]

What terrifies me the most about Civil War is that given how America is now, it should have already happened in real life.

[@aservantinbabylon]

It's coming. Perhaps by the end of this year.

[@thomasalexanian927]

@@aservantinbabylon I'm calling it: The East vs The West

[@aservantinbabylon]

@@thomasalexanian927 Nah, not in the least. Places like TN have much more in common with states like Montana and Idaho than they do with the eastern seaboard metropolises. It will be very much like the movie......a huge fracturing with many factions going at each other....at least in the beginning until alliances are made.

[@brennanlundgren]

This guy wrote enslaved odyssey to the west best game ever

[@GK-wx6xo]

Love AG but his views on the media and western governments seems a bit naieve

[@earnthis1]

Trying to remove bias, is both impossible, but also leaves you in a bland, fence sitting, middle ground. Not a rational centrist position. So, basically, nonsense.

[@AP-hb2qw]

Why are his glasses on his head the entire time?

[@WhiteDove73-888]

You’ll understand soon youngling

[@patozols7747]

Garland supremacy.

[@ChristopherPoitras]

This guy makes it sounds like the movie is this deep thought provoking movie. The idea was good but the execution was very underwhelming.

[@USALibertarian]

"Who is undermining trust in journalism?" That's easy: Journalists.

[@rathowreck]

32:30

[@AntonChigurh989]

It's a really good film, is it imperfect, yes, no film is perfect

[@earnthis1]

"Division" is a problem??? Um so we should all just politely agree? lol This is a pretty milk toast take from Garland. I wish he would make some stronger statements, and less bland platitudes. His points don't land when he's wishy washy.

[@sean748]

milk toast 😂

[@alexbade]

the ending is so cynical regarding the world of mass-media and journalism ...

[@Mumra2K]

Quintessentially, unapologetically British. ❤

[@earnthis1]

How is this movie more intelligent than like The Purge series? I hope it is, but if it's wishy washy, platitudes and "both sides" nonsense, it will be LESS effective than the Purge series.

[@newhorizons-1945]

The movie is great and horrible at the same time. But Garland totally misuse the term fascism.

[@ggalan212]

theres 666 likes

[@anarchisttutor7423]

Regarding national divorce, it's not only necessary, it's successfully been done before elsewhere.

[@Paintballandthings]

It's not necessary. We're more alike than we are different.

[@sethflix]

I LOVE this! God is now clearly working through filmmakers in order to keep things as He wishes. America is not meant to be a fascist state. We were established with a shared recognition that no matter what we may call "God" be it Allah, God, the Universe or whatever, we are all his equally beloved children during the era of enlightenment! But oh how we have fallen from that enlightenment into a place of becoming a godless and nihilistic society whose "god" has become money and most people are unconsciously being enslaved by their own egos by way of advertising in America and elsewhere world-wide. This godless, fear-based, fascist threat is spreading all the time slowly too like a frog slowly being boiled alive in a pot of hat started with it being cold water on the stove. God is love. Love is in direct opposition to fear. Love is the answer. Alex Garland knows this and that's why he did not take a side on the left or the right, but instead stood up for a peaceful world and brotherly love amongst all humankind. I believe we would all do well to listen to what Alex Garland and other wise centrists who support brotherly love and unity amongst all humankind, just as I do as well. Stop caring about what the extremists on the left and the right have to say and Come Together as one human family through brotherly love. I'm just starting out on my film making career. Yet listening to this interview I can sense a kinship with Alex Garland. Alex Garland clearly listens to his conscience over all the propaganda being fed to us all in the world and I salute him for this! I sincerely pray that God will use me as His instrument to help make this world a better place through the films and TV series He inspires me to write and direct, just like our Heavenly Father so clearly has done and continues to do for our beloved brother, Alex Garland. May God bless Alex indeed and keep him putting such amazing and much needed films into the world. Amen.

[@NotLazySelectivelyMotivated]

He’s just capitalizing on Americas political angst. No matter how he dresses it up that’s all he’s doing.