Civil War Movie Explained (SPOILERS)

[@ThorogoodFilms]

This is the original upload :) The clips got blocked suddenly so I had to trim large portions. But I have now uploaded a new version of my full script with fewer clips here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hqq4XoN_oK2Bnpo

[@jimtilley1158]

My fav scene in the movie was the sniper scene "she doesn't get it." Who's in the house? "Someone shooting at us." Yep, Thats all you need, LOL. Jessie got it.

[@ThorogoodFilms]

Ah yes that is a really significant moment isn't it? Wish I'd mentioned that

[@spenserwilliams5592]

@@ThorogoodFilmsIt shows how deliberate the writers and directors were about keeping the audience out of the political context. If there was any point to actually learn what’s going on, it was right there; when the soldier was asked “what side are you on?” I was actually a little disappointed about his answer, but it helped to keep the focus on wartime photographers.

[@thehamzakhan9855]

This scene was definitely one of the best and sets a tone for the movie and the plot of it as a whole

[@seanwieland9763]

@@иванкитаев-в4ф thermal > nods 💯

[@MoviesAtTheBar]

Look at the hands of the sniper...What do you see...There's a clue there as to who he is!!

[@kriskross6934]

I’m so tired of people shitting on it because it doesn’t tell you to be left or right. The best part of the film is that you essentially are the photographer with them, you are the neutral party. I loved it. Edit to add that the film explicitly tells you on multiple occasions that picking a side is useless in terms of being a neutral party as a journalist, and for the fact of if someone is shooting at you the side is already taken. There’s no time to ask the other person their viewpoints and why they’re doing what they’re doing, if they’re shooting at you, you shoot back. Another edit to add that y’all are really pressed and it’s funny. I think it’s a good film, not perfect by any means. I even found myself questioning after first viewing on why we couldn’t hear more on why things fell apart. But then I realized that would open the window for people like you down in the comment section to immediately lob it into anti right or anti left woke propaganda. I like it for what it is, war is hell, nobody wins. Does it really matter why we got here when all we can see is red, blood, hate, violence? I would also ask yourself why you want so badly for it to be an either or issue, what are you afraid of it saying about you? Would you become the man who strings up his old classmates in the car wash? Would you become the photographer who get beaten and killed for trying to photograph reality? And yes they do say that it was dangerous for them as journalists to get close to the capital because they’re being hunted and killed. Maybe we should all have a little more critical thinking beyond the parties we follow because apparently y’all think that equates to morality. When in reality that kind of mindset is EXACTLY what this film was cautioning against. Extremism in any form is dangerous and inherently harmful. Last edit since it got more likes than I thought: Free Palestine. this film also highlights the importance of war journalism, edited to reflect that now over 200 journalists have been killed and targeted in Gaza. Free Palestine 🇵🇸

[@ChadAV69]

It’s biased against republicans idk how you can’t see it. There were no liberal bad guys only redneck bad guys.

[@rubenbarrera7338]

Exactly. It was disappointing to see some people complain about that. But I guess you can't please everyone. I thought the film was great!

[@sasjme81]

THANK YOU!!!!!!! I've never thought I'd be in & also witnessing arguments about being apolitical!

[@Craigalicioususa]

Actually the movie was pretty left wing.

[@terrabnadia1793]

movie was ass lol. I get the meaning behind being neutral blah blah blah but the entire movie was just confusing.

[@Bohemian0522]

both Sammy and Lee would not have died, if they didn't bring Jesse along.

[@bridewar]

I agree! But no one would’ve gotten to the president

[@saraa4203]

​@@bridewarlee would have

[@jeffstrawn3073]

Totally

[@bed2000]

do you think sammy would have survived the events that happened in the last act?

[@Rafa-ek6ob]

Yup her recklessness nearly got herself killed but got Sam and Lee killed instead.

[@puppymew]

"Can I get a quote?" "Don't let them kill me." "That'll do."

[@worsethanhitlerpt.2539]

You cant threaten the President but you can make a major motion picture about killing him

[@RaymondLand]

Hey you can make a movie about Democrats thinking they are elites hunting deplorables and people who question narrative .... We're you upset by that ? It's a movie....

[@Miller09095]

Not sure if you know this but, Nick Offerman isn't president.

[@richardmorgan1588]

@@worsethanhitlerpt.2539 The President in the film is fictional.

[@tdrewman]

The Western forces standing around him after they kill him, looking like they just killed a big game animal. Nobody flinched when that Sergeant shot him twice in the chest. Not even Joel. And they slowly looked back at Jesse taking the pictures. That was powerful

[@jeffbo8748]

Really insightful analysis. On the part about clothing, an interesting part is how it’s almost impossible to identify which side is which. Both sides have the same multicam uniforms with very few identifying patches; sunglasses guy and the two snipers have no patches and we have no idea whose side they’re on while WF have their two star flag on their left arm. In a conflict like that, friendly fire would be rife and in a civil war; it’s _all_ friendly fire, isn’t it?

[@mindhost]

Another interesting thing about the clothing, and the choice of camo: the gas station guys are the only ones wearing anything else than multicam, indicating that they are not associated with any given faction (non-feds as they would call themselves), then you have the hawaiian shirt guys, with high spec AR15's, being a direct reference to the boogaloo boys. Then the ghillie snipers in the wonderland scene have coloured hair and painted fingernails, so presumably alternative leftie dudes, but everyone is pretty much wearing the same sort of gear and using the same sort of weapons. You see some western forces guys in MARPAT in the last scenes, indicating that the marines are involved. It's all very deliberate and well thought through from a costume design perspective, very impressive.

[@wolf2966]

@@mindhost I saw that too i can’t stand when gun lovers as i call them say lefties wouldn’t survive of fight in a war because they don’t have guns when in all actuality it doesn’t matter with side you identify with both would fight a war and steal guns from each other and the will to survive and adapt will kick in this movie did a very good job ago showing how others just adapt barely anyone was screaming or crying out side of fire fights everyone just learned to adapt and that’s probably the most realistic depiction of what a war on homeland would be like I just hope we never reach that point

[@JakvsMetalheads999]

The Western Forces seem to be the most organized and legitimate rebel forces, with nearly standardized uniforms and heavy military vehicles. Seems to me like a decent chunk of the military, likely state national guards, defected over to them. I got the impression the sunglasses guy and his buddy at the mass grave were federal loyalist soldiers doing some kind of off the books dirty work for the "Offerman Administration", with the sunglasses being looted from someone they killed, but they could've been anyone in retrospect. On the topic of friendly fire, the WF vehicles all look identical to loyalist US Military vehicles. The only identifying marks on them are very small, low contrast "WF" initials and the Western Forces double stars painted on - I have to imagine they had serious issues with friendly fire.

[@ElCatrinOlguin]

​@@mindhostI noticed the same thing with the Hawaiian Shirts.

[@shelbysieg1607]

I think thats the point. All sides think they are righteous and their enemies are at least wrong or possibly evil. It's also not a binary choice between just two sides because we are complex and motivated differently. And all sides will commit atrocities.

[@isaiahdenver4224]

This is how hunger games fans wanted Mockingjay to be like, no joke

[@Mazzty]

Never thought about it this way until now, but this is a great insight

[@ndudiobichi3515]

I think Mockingjay was like this movie as much as it could have been with the PG13 rating it had.

[@salinagrrrl69]

"Hunger Games" - capitalize in quotes a film name.

[@isaiahdenver4224]

@@salinagrrrl69 you’re sO sweet, thaNks you for the grammar check. Heil, Grammar!

[@MrSethmo13]

@@isaiahdenver4224 I think you missed a real opportunity here. If you had responded by correcting the person who attempted to correct you by advising him/her that the title of a movie is supposed to be presented either underlined or in italics rather than being placed in quotes, then you would’ve put that person in his or her place. But instead, by responding the way you did, the person who corrected you still thinks that he/she is correct and in addition, now they think that you behave like a petulant child who throws a tantrum, who kicks and screams, and who breaks everything in sight. In essence, that person thinks less of you than he/she did before he/she tried to help you make a better impression with your written word. It’s very likely that he/she won’t respond to you any further because he/she no longer cares about helping you improve yourself.

[@V.W.Austerlitz]

I like how the uniforms of the Western Forces and the Loyalists are almost identical, with the key difference being the flag patches on their arms. It shows that both sides could be capable horrific atrocities.

[@mickeyholding7970]

War is ugly, it has to be.

[@thezplayer3002]

This is what many left and right wingers has failed to understand

[@soopahsoopah]

both sidesism is bullshit

[@basicbodybuilding]

Or because the uniforms are practical camo patterns, other countries have the same camo patterns. 1. There's no reason to change the camo if it works. 2. There's no reason wasting money on new uniforms because of a new uniform.

[@thecraziestofalldave]

kinda the point innit?

[@scipher99]

As someone who fought 6 tours in Iraq/Afghanistan the thought of a civil war here in the states is terrifying. I know what those weapon systems can do and the thought of them turned on Americans is unthinkable to me.

[@whtwht]

Don't be surprised when it happens.

[@MG-lc5tv]

Don't worry. It won't happen.

[@22mshep]

@@whtwht Assholes with assault rifles maybe. You'd have to have a major defection of military brass to have a scale like this movie. That will never happen. Every national guard asset will also be federalized and seized in the event of a civil war.

[@ericcook8254]

​@@whtwht won't happen people aren't that stupid. Those people that think it's a good idea are idiots that don't understand they wont have any money and will be starving, and freezing by winter. All while they currently have in better then the majority of the world. Talk about being out of touch with reality.

[@Anthony-dy5cq]

There's a side clamoring for it they'd start with overrunning the capitol.

[@NuggetsXx]

It’s also a movie that doesn’t spit information at you in a single info dump.

[@justinedse8435]

@isaiahmcdaniel3912 Good! Cause that would be bad writing.

[@Tastemaker300]

The sniper scene where the Texan was spitting for the Californian was gold. Shows how no matter their differences war time is war time

[@wolf2966]

What scene?

[@abrahamtzm3783]

@@wolf2966the sniper scene obviously

[@complex9k]

What's spitting?

[@ManUtdBigJoe]

@@complex9kI think he meant to say “spotting”

[@fleaguss]

I wonder how he could tell they were Texan and Californian.

[@BrazTalksFilms]

Amazing breakdown and well done observations! The minor details in the film making that you pointed out makes this movie an intimate human experience with a horrifying setting. You made me appreciate the film a lot more.

[@ThorogoodFilms]

Ah thank you!

[@kaylasalazar7879]

Exactly. I loved the film honestly I just love the whole seen it’s hard to explain. Kinda of like the ending of the movie.. when she shoots lee in that last camera shot. It was like … bitter sweet. And brought me back to when Lee said to her she would catch her photo as Jessie was shot. Best freaking movie I’ve seen honestly . I loved it. Good job to the actress and actors 👏🏽

[@wbhuyan]

After watching the movie and those analysis, I can’t help but think of the parallels between this movie and the back half of Full Metal Jacket.

[@enjoisk8a911]

Great points about Lee vs Jessie's choice of photography and what that says about their characters. Another thing that i noticed is that later in the movie, the journalists movements became more militant. They were mimicking that of the fighters, for safety, but they also began to resemble fighters themselves, but with cameras instead of guns.

[@dajo2824]

Brother you are deep. You don’t take sides. You explained the movie at different levels. 👍🏽 most of us would have never understood the red glasses. Thanks.

[@nancyneyedly4587]

I haven't seen the movie but coudn't the red glasses also symbolise the red right, seeing things only thorugh that ultranationalist lens, not so much the blood he can't see.

[@rubenlanda9887]

@@nancyneyedly4587 or they could also symbolize left leaning undertones echoing the colors of the USSR and Chinese flags.

[@nancyneyedly4587]

@@rubenlanda9887 Except that is not the charcter he plays in the movie, his line has something to do with him questioning if something they did wa unamerican, but maybe something sympolic along the lines of dictatorship. The Director said he modeled the vigilantes after the Khmer Rouge. Guess I'll need to see the movie. And it all doesn't matter, much ado about nothing. Looked into it and there are many articles written about the glasses, and turns out it was Jesse Plemons idea to wear them to look more "menacing or unhinged". And now people are looking to buy them! It's Fashion!

[@rubenlanda9887]

@@nancyneyedly4587 I'm not talking about what he's thinking of as a character...what I'm saying is that predictable liberals want to seize on every opportunity to equate red (republicans) with lunacy and extremism, what I'm telling you is that two can play that game. Hope that's clear enough

[@nancyneyedly4587]

@@rubenlanda9887 Agreed. The extreme on both ends of the spectrum lose the plot and it is unfortunately the moderate majority that loses out. It also taints any truly valid good points either L/R side may have. It's why I hate the idea that you can only lean one side or the other, and that by having an opinion on a single point that aligns with one side you must therefore agree with everything on that side, and that is rarely true, at least in my experience with those I know in my country. We have even got to the point where people are redfining liberal, conservative, marxist, libertarian, etc to suit their agenda. So much discourse for a movie I have yet to see so I am looking forward to seeing this movie as it seems they really tried to keep the story less about right/left politics so that we can experience these more personal stories. I dunno, have to see it!

[@TXlowlifeTX]

This movie was the chickens coming home to roost. Our military has spent decades fighting insurgencies in countries that have nothing to do with us, besides have valuable natural resources. We leave these countries with a void of power that leads different militias into only infghting, with no real answer to who will lead. Our country in this film is now facing an insurgency in our own backyard and the president decides to bomb the problems away by authorizing airstrikes on Americans. Leading to the same cycle we would give countries overseas. Just like the old journalist said in the film, "once they take DC, they'll fight eachother." This entire film is a warning to us, that if we fight in real life, the cycle of violence will continue. I'm geniunely scared of what this movie will do for people. My southern family was giddy about it coming out when I visited them. Only time will tell if we actually listen to this movie.

[@darkcoeficient]

Reality is that it is not the common man who has the decision making power but the powers that be.

[@als3022]

Probably look more like the Spanish Civil War than Bosnia to be honest. This is the Bosnia route of a Civil War in the US.

[@dannomusic47]

@@als3022could you elaborate some on that?

[@22mshep]

@@dannomusic47 Break up Yugoslavia is probably what theyre referring to. Basically a Federation of multi ethnic states that were held together under a strong man and once he died it the country died and civil war took over.

[@bradleyadams9430]

I know the type. I live in Oklahoma and the people who think they want a civil war (if there guy doesn't win an election) are the same guys that carry guns around in Walmart. Those people think of themselves as Jon wick or Rambo or something. The fact is they will never need the @u& but if a bad guy wants it they can just crack them over the head from behind and take it. I carried for a living as a security officer and I could take a g#& out of most holsters from behind before they even knew what happened. To openly carry in public you should be trained in weapon retention and you should have the alertness of an on duty officer. If you are living your every day life that way I feel sorry for you.

[@gdhuertas07]

I’d just like to add that this film is also about the final President of the United States. The WF, the New People’s Army, the Florida Alliance… they’re not getting back together once he’s dead. The final shot where the soldiers are smiling over his corpse is a reference to the death of America. With Civil War, the American democratic experiment has ended in failure.

[@delanorrosey4730]

That is inaccurate; not one President is the embodiment of the entire country; the founding fathers dare not lay such a burden upon the shoulders of an everday man to be a Hurculean leader. America is a Republic, first and foremost. If the Democratic experiment failed, it is because actions were taken that doesn't represent every American. In a Republic, an inactive or dwindled government that provides the bare minimal is an agreeable government rather than a tyrannical government, trying to force as much dystopian ideology as it can onto a populace that becomes further and further disenfranchised and femoralized by it as time goes on.

[@TobiasHeinemann-l6f]

maybe a new government with an actual democracy wouldnt be too bad tho

[@delanorrosey4730]

@@TobiasHeinemann-l6f Wouldn't work. Why? Democracies are 51% of the population telling the other 49% what to do. How long before one side, then the other pass laws in retaliation for things they don't agree with? Republics used to be all or nothing; it might not have been perfect, but it'd beat societal decay. I can only assume this is why the US was broken up into 5 territories, loosely based on economic trade rather than political affiliation. With political affiliation being primary and economic or law based second, it'd be divided into 50 states - which one would appeal to you the most?

[@TobiasHeinemann-l6f]

@@delanorrosey4730 a us style democracy maybe but european democratics for example are build on compromise. something thats way to rare in the us. still not perfect for sure but probably the best weve got to this day

[@delanorrosey4730]

@@TobiasHeinemann-l6f Perhaps. The problem with Europe is they're founded on socialism and requires a populace with higher education. They know all of their politicians and their stances on policies. Western European and Scandinavian countries fair much better than Eastern European countries, but that is due to the size of the country and geography.

[@djfathead12]

Fantastic take. Absolutely loved this movie and Garland's work in general. During the experience, my favorite quote kept popping into my head: "I am quite fond of pigs. Dogs look up to us. Cats look down on us. Pigs treat us as equals." -Winston Churchill

[@DogBeast221]

“Civilization is the thin, fragile veil loosely covering Man’s barbaric nature.” -Sir Winston Churchill

[@czr7j9]

And he bombed the hell out of germany haha

[@jameskrell4392]

@@czr7j9 I don’t think I would be here today if Winston had said to Hitler, “I say old chap, could you mind awfully it you didn’t invade Europe and kill millions.” Yes, he bombed Germany but he can’t stop its invasion and destruction now.

[@imaXkillXya]

Bengal famine

[@thecraziestofalldave]

We are three days without supplies from savagery.

[@letsgobrandon7297]

@jameskrell4392: This ought to be good. Why wouldn’t you be here today had that happened? You actually think Hitler wanted to eliminate all racial groups from the world? Please don’t tell me you’re that brainwashed cause it’s clear you have no idea who declared war on who first.

[@HiggsBosonification]

The war being context rather than content is such an important point imo, and the one that I always bring up whenever someone critiques the plausibility of TX and CA seceding together; it's a film about the phenomenology of war, not a documentary about political science.

[@michayahjwalker3349]

Imagine a president being so bad that it makes two states that would never fuck with each other politically go to bed with one another to take down a president

[@worsethanhitlerpt.2539]

The girls ass was very distracting I kept asking "Is movie about like, people shooting eachother or what?"

[@jamesfisher9730]

I get your points. But the powers that be will never let it happen. The powers that be have gotten incredibly good at propaganda. Controlling information and the flow of it… Placing their subordinates in key places of power… 💯🤷🏻‍♂️🤙🏼

[@troubleondemand7703]

I am surprised by how many people just didn't get this movie or what it was about. So many are distracted about the why and how of the war when the war is just the backdrop for the story being told. There are a lot of parallels to Apocalypse Now in how the journey to kill the big whale plays out.

[@Monnoponno34627]

Yea, its almost hilarious how the whole message of the movie flew past people. Which is even funnier considering the movie is also a warning about how horrible war is and how horrible a civil war would be.

[@it_all_r3v0lv3s7]

the thing that mostly disturbed me about this movie is how it tried to desynthesize the public to a lot of scenes that people would normally find mildly or very disturbing like the first gun fight where at the end of that sequence, they started playing really up beat and cheerful music saying like if thet were trying to tell us "oh well were done here... moving on"☠️

[@Verociity]

do you mean desensitize? I also found that really jarring.

[@rockhaze]

I think it's a B-movie and the acting is so bad, it's hilarious. Def should be a straight-to-dvd, but will end up a cult classic.

[@Monnoponno34627]

@@rockhaze Yea, it was a great movie. Especially compared to the garbage movies put out recently (on average). it also just has that unique energy, character, and essence to be cult classic and offer something other movies cant.

[@w_stew8912]

I thought Lee’s breakdown at the end was a little out of character and came out of nowhere-which made me wonder if that was a result of editing that left some things out? Or was it a narrative choice because PTSD can hit suddenly with no warning.

[@Iacon40k]

PTSD can be triggered anytime. There was nothing out of character with that

[@RangerMcFriendly]

Yeah her built-up PTSD was building to a crescendo that was released when she realized that Jessie is now her… or who she was.

[@disseminationnetwork]

I think you're right, the PTSD finally caught up with her in the moment.

[@snoocherific139]

She had multiple flashbacks leading up to it. It wasn't out of nowhere

[@TuffLuv1984]

Her downfall was beginning to care for the younger woman. Before that she could watch any number of horrors but now she faces someone else undergoing the transformation she did is what breaks her totally.

[@marrywhowanna]

The best take on this movie so far. Great job capturing the essence of it!

[@AtlasBliss]

"what kind of American are you?" = the entire nature of consciousness and love triumphing over war, boiled down to one brilliant movie scene

[@it_all_r3v0lv3s7]

this scene was a truly disturbing one because it really showed us how far a sick extreme nationalist can go with the proper mindset and equipment highlighting how he was spreading a white powder over non american dead bodies including kids and babies... and i also find it kinda annoying how Jesse Plemons always plays either a really deranged psychopath or a really hyperfocused dude with evil tendencies

[@TexasDevin]

This was easily the most disappointing scene in the entire movie for me. From the trailer, I was hoping it would be presented as an existential analysis of what it means to get involved versus stay detached from what is going on around you. "What kind of American are you? The kind who sits on the sidelines and watches while others fight and die for what they believe in?" This would have been a great negative counterpoint to the examples we got of people and communities who benefitted from choosing to stay out of the conflict as much as possible. Instead, the truth of the scene and the question was much more simple and lazy in my opinion.

[@osvaldogomez7008]

​@@TexasDevin you make an amazing point, but remember that these guys are journalists and the fact that THEY have to answer that in their own country, really blows your mind. This is the perspective of a neutral party involved in a war at home. Amazing film. Really scares you because this is all possible. Nothing was "too much". Perfect film.

[@joseyzadoria7815]

That was pretty much the highlight of the film and was interesting for all of 3 minutes! Lol!

[@shasha1873]

That one question signifies exactly what will happen to this great nation when it falls apart. It will fall apart into smaller nations of populations that are made up of similar people.

[@toxicmanbaby1069]

I didn't get how the President was still in the White House, unprotected, rather than in a bunker or escaped through tunnels that can probably take him halfway across the country... the ending kinda ruined the movie for me, I don't get how that situation could ever happen.

[@giveitathink6749]

Note that the dead President disbanded the FBI.

[@afterstars]

Yeah that would have been nearly an impossible ending. Too bad they wimped out on an unrealistic ending

[@bones3002]

This is the best insight on the film I’ve seen and few have been swinging heavy on both ends. It’s nice to see a detailed analysis.

[@jeronhunter4107]

This film was phenomenal. Doesn’t glorify death. Makes you feel like if and when this happens that it will be devastating. Not glorified. Very realistic.

[@icebergthegamer]

I noticed there were colors spread throughout. Like Jessie sits against a wall and there’s colors behind her. When the snipers are in the Christmas setting, they have colors on their hair and nails. Interested to know the exact meaning of this.

[@MoviesAtTheBar]

A liberal Biden supporting Californian sniper 😂

[@nickanderson7766]

@@MoviesAtTheBarI think you missed a big point of the movie if that’s your response lol

[@MoviesAtTheBar]

@@nickanderson7766 please enlighten me...Go...

[@falstoffe]

The Hawaiin shirts are a referwnce to the Boogaloo boys. The colored nails are a reference to Portland antifa or code pink. The Yellow flags are a hat tip to the 'Dont Tread on Me' gadsden flag. The tortured tire is a hat tip to Nelson Mandela Marxist torture methods. Those are the most overt hat tips

[@2507jasonpoon]

I wanna know too!

[@divisionbell143]

I feel like you could argue that Plemmon’s character is at home in the madness of the war. He’s literally walking around wearing rose tinted glasses as he buries the bodies of his “enemies”.

[@MadMax31577]

They weren't real Americans anyways.

[@firenze5555]

His acting was the best part of the film. He's so watchable.

[@AEtrane]

​@@firenze5555 he creates tension and discomfort so well with so little effort

[@firenze5555]

@@AEtrane Agreed. Also he portrays so well someone who has no moral compass.

[@rvkice23]

The sunglasses could also be seen as metaphor for him seeing red constantly

[@larrydirtybird]

I went to see this movie last night and thought it was excellent. However, I was surprised to discover as it unfolded that it wasn’t actually about a civil war. It was about the psychology of photo-journalists. The civil war was just the backdrop needed to explore their minds and their motivations. I actually didn’t give a shit about what started the civil war or who the combatants were. I was too fascinated by that makes wartime photographers tick. It’s something I had never contemplated before, much to my own surprise, me being a news junkie.

[@edwardlazich1140]

Thorogood has the same conclusion that it's all about these journalists. Too bad. The Crying Game was like that: all the civil war stuff was sub-plot.

[@letsgobrandon7297]

Maybe they shouldn’t have called it civil war than if the main point wasn’t about it.

[@edwardlazich1140]

@@letsgobrandon7297 got my attention, Bastards

[@larrydirtybird]

@@letsgobrandon7297 maybe they should have. Look at how the movie did at the box office because of it. $$$$$$$$$$

[@Budget-Soda]

To be clear, the scene where Lee pushed Jessie to safety, was actually Lee’s way of saving the next generation of young photojournalist, to continue the power of journalism (borrowing Sammy’s words in the film) because Joel said to Lee in the van scene outside the hotel- “we were once young and starting out (referring to Jessie), one day we have to stop (referring to their old age and eventual retirement)”- Jessie took photos of the moment when Lee was shot, but if you’re a journalist, its in your nature to snap photos for the sake of documenting the truth, and thats what was happening in Jessie’s mind, there was no time to think (she said it herself in the film after the gas station scene of the guy executing the two looters). Example- people took photos of a guy when he was pushed unto the new york subway tracks several years back, people gave criticism, but without those photo takers, the perpetrator would not have been identified or caught if she had gotten away, let alone serve as evidence in court. Some people froze in shock, some took photos, others called 911. There’s no one exact right or wrong reasons for what people might do when in tight situations like these. Lee’s and Sammy’s death highlights the dedication they have for their line of work. All the characters in the film had expressed their passion for photojournalism in one form or another. If you could choose your own fate, what better way to die than doing what you love?

[@worsethanhitlerpt.2539]

Pretty predictable Lee would sacrifice herself to save Jessie. You could tell about 20 mminutes into the movie

[@BullyMaguire4ever]

I thought two moments in this film were too cliche. One, when Lee deletes the photo of Sammy. The second the scene of Lee pushing Jessie out of the way.

[@jameso1447]

The red glasses are standard shooting glasses. They protect the user's eyes from the infrared muzzle-flash. The symbology you derive from it is poetic and probably much deeper than the writer ever considered. Superficially, red symbolizes energy, passion, strength, courage, and/or anger - several of which aptly suit the character. The movie seems to keep to this form of symbolism. Jesse is usually seen in blue (tranquility, trust, loyalty, reliability, / conservative) and gray (seriousness, knowledge, practicality, maturity, and/or sadness) but in near-white as White indicates purity, innocence, cleanliness, hope, / emptiness. But when Jesse describes that she 'never felt more alive' she wears black (power, mystery, elegance, prestige, / pessimism) while Dunce is wearing white, demonstrating a near reversal of roles.

[@maddogmaz1576]

The red glasses are standard shooting glasses. They protect the user's eyes from the infrared muzzle-flash.??? Where did you read that from/ Shooting glasses are yellow and there is no "infrared muzzle-flash." They probably used red to symbolize MAGA.

[@ThorogoodFilms]

@jameso1447 Thanks for your comment. And I appreciate your view that even if symbolism is unintentional, it can still be significant. My reading of it might not necessarily be correct, but there is something striking about that image of a man with bright red glasses (and that he's the only person in the film wearing those glasses). Good thoughts on the other uses of colours as well!

[@miloserv]

the red glasses are NOT standard shooting glasses….the use of them in the film is for symbolism purposes only. I think the point on only seeing blood through the lenses made in the video is spot on.

[@DC-sf5bi]

@@miloserv While not THE standard, red is a standard choice for some conditions and enhancing your field of view, also turning everything monochromatic so you really don't see red. I prefer yellow, which is more competition and target shading. It's hard to say if this was entirely symbolic or not - Jesse Plemmons' character cradles the rifle like he was trained but he also demonstrated poor handling of the rifle (no real soldier with half a brain holds it in a shoulder cocked high position like that with their finger on the trigger) so he could just be a common backwoods toughguy wanna-be-operator who is just dressing the part to look like a bad-a$$ and murder people because he got his chance. I'd chalk the red choice by the movie director up to symbolism, however, definitely a more striking look than if he were wearing yellow, bronze, mirrors or nothing. Red has always meant dangerous.

[@mitchross2852]

no one shoots with red glasses 😂😂😂😂

[@greyfox78569]

This movie is brilliant as someone living in the states with current events going on, I have to say it's prophetic feeling. The movie is itself a warning it even blatantly says it.

[@Skippp]

I live in Charlottesville lol

[@lionnn1233]

“As someone living in the states” sounds so not American lmaoo you’d be fucked

[@jlfitzg1]

What happened with Jessie and Lee at the ending has me so conflicted. Emotionally, I am furious, but on the other hand I am starting to see the thematic meaning behind it. I still question whether what transpired was befitting of their characters based on what they endured to that point.

[@ThorogoodFilms]

Yes I see what you mean. It's definitely bleak!

[@ShaneyBright]

The foreshadowing was, for me, when Lee was crouching in the flowers. I just had a sense then, that she wasn't going to make it.

[@deallfordii]

Even though Lee wasn’t moving at the end, you still don’t know if she was killed or not. She had on a bulletproof vest and you don’t know where she was hit. She could have just been knocked out.

[@brightsunshinyday]

I saw it as Lee "dying with her boots on" like Sammy did (and as she commented at the time of Sammy's death) and that it would have been the way she wanted to go. I think the theme that she couldn't give up - even at breaking point ran through the film - she could no longer recognise herself in a dress and didn't want to be photographed that way. I suspect that away from conflict she had no life: this literally WAS her life and she recognised the addiction ( to adrenaline and mirrored in the comment Jessie made about feeling close to death but more alive than ever). Also I think it saluted the ages old story of the "young lion" replacing the "old lion" with Jessie being the new generation. A fantastic film.

[@RangerMcFriendly]

@@deallfordiior she passed out. Those vests are pretty effective. Or she got a bullet in the back of her head.

[@danielbright2916]

No drones. Any real war film now needs drones. Helicopters in an urban setting? Absolutely no chance they'd survive one $10 drone.

[@RobMedellin]

$10 drone? Are you delusional? The helicopter blades would not notice a cheap Droid, much less the body. They can stand machine gun fire for some time.

[@danielbright2916]

@@RobMedellin $10 drone equipped with a grenade, naturally.

[@jdmack1]

Truth lol.

[@Monnoponno34627]

@@RobMedellin a 500 buck drone with a 500$ bomb would do the job. Which would knock out 20-100million in military equipment.

[@o0pinkdino0o]

No way. Lee was an experienced war journalist. Jessie was learning on the fly. Lee crosses over the hallway to take her photo as the machine gunner (M-60) is laying down suppressing fire because she knows that the enemy combatants will be behind cover and it is safe to cross. Jessie sees this action but does not understand fully. She goes for her shot as the machine gunner is reloading (which takes a while with an M-60). She is imitating Lee's behaviour but does not have the experience or knowledge to know that without suppressive fire the enemy combatants will be poised and firing in her direction. There was no malice to it. Her actions were one of inexperience. In that heightened state after Lee is shot, her mind went on to getting the job done and taking her soon to be award winning photograph. The film does not allow us to see them reflect on what Lee's death meant to them which I think would have devastated them both. Great movie. Alex Garland is a savant.

[@Tim_Dunkin]

Jesse absolutely aggravated me. She weaseled her way into something, becoming other ppls responsibility & carried on being reckless giving no thought to those around her. Nothing aggravates me more than a person whose negative actions affect everyone but them.

[@rickybobbysdriver555]

Just saw this film and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I think the ambiguous nature of the film is intentional and think that there are no sides really just whatever side you as the viewer chose to be on. There are no "speeches" or moments where the director asks you to chose sides but just shows you what's happening leaves it up to you to decide. Need another viewing of this film.

[@steve19811]

Dude, the entire thing is written from the left perspective about fighting fascism.... maybe the journalists don't have a side but the film clearly does....

[@rickybobbysdriver555]

@@steve19811 damn, you're right. Missed some obvious signs in the film.

[@whtwht]

Aas that a bad thing or not?

[@ktom5262]

Impressive analysis of the film.👍

[@ThorogoodFilms]

Ah thank you!

[@ElCatrinOlguin]

On the clothes portion of this video. The Militamen in the middle of the film were wearing Hawaiian shirts as their uniform. This depicts a group of individuals in present day

[@Parasclepius]

The Boog's been dead since it was co-opted by white nationalists and Feds. It was glorious memeing while it lasted, though.

[@oldguy9078]

Yep Boogaloo Boys,

[@MaxLoshem-bh9le]

When we come around

[@brianwhedon8442]

There is debate over who they are in this movie. Most assume its the boog boys but others say its the Florida Alliance.

[@raymonds8354]

Thomas, this is the most brilliant breakdown of this top-tier film so far! Congrats. I have seen this film several times now, and it gets richer every time-and you have enhanced that. I am subscribing and liking… This film reminds me of 1969 masterpiece “Medium Cool”, about a hardened TV news camera man during the violent protests of 1968…

[@ThorogoodFilms]

Thanks so much! Very kind.

[@disseminationnetwork]

I've heard Medium Cool inspired George Lucas and Coppola in early ideas of how the shoot Apocalypse Now. George wanted a more cinema verite style like Medium Cool, Coppola ultimately went for the all out Blockbuster maximalist approach which we got as the final movie.

[@raymonds8354]

@@disseminationnetwork Great info! Always something new to learn!!!

[@MoviesAtTheBar]

You may like my spoiler "things you missed' review.

[@livingbreath]

Thank you this was spot on and for me the best video currently on the film

[@ThorogoodFilms]

Wow, very kind!

[@jackkarns2484]

Another thought on the “red” (or orange) glasses worn by Jesse Plemons: Yellow and orange are the most common lens colors for hunting sunglasses because they help to increase depth perception and contrast by blocking out blue light and haze. Orange and yellow are on the opposite side of the color spectrum from blue, so they help to make your target stand out from its environment. Personally, as a veteran and hunter I feel this is a more practical explanation for the glass lens color. I have used both yellow and orange as a soldier and as a hunter/shooter on the range, and can say that my visual acuity and depth perception were improved.

[@nuglyph9139]

Bro you’re really good at what you do . Should have more followers, i subscribe. Cheers ✅✅🔥

[@ThorogoodFilms]

Ah thank you, that's very kind!

[@CommadoBro]

This movie was amazing

[@sterlingsimmons2212]

The ending, the attack on D.C. was hard to watch. It wasn't no happy ending

[@wolf2966]

@@sterlingsimmons2212agreed even that last picture that was chilling a lot of symbolism in this film loved but hated every minute of it if that makes sense its actually changed my perspective

[@blessingsandmotivation5498]

No it wasn’t. Don’t kill the USA president. It’s blasphemy

[@CommadoBro]

The whole theater I attended enjoyed it. It's a very controversial movie. Doesn't mean it's a bad one. If the Confederate Army got a hold of Lincoln this is probably what happened to. That's why it's called Civil War

[@DogWick]

​@@blessingsandmotivation5498 This movie is anti war if someone gets motivated to kill the president from this movie they are a dumbass and missed the point

[@sovietbear5084]

the only things I dislike about the movie was the lack of combat and not enough world building

[@Kehwanna]

From what I understand, they did that on purpose to keep the conflict ambiguous, that way no one is saying the movie is favoring this side of the political compass over the other or anything like that. That's why the whole thing is vague, basically saying it shouldn't matter because no matter what side started it, it shouldn't happen anyhow. As for combat, probably budget and them not wanting to put too much focus on combat over the human element of character development.

[@sovietbear5084]

@@Kehwanna I just need some clarification because by the sounds of the movie. It sounded like the Civil unrest and amendment breaking was starting before the president that got shot in the end was elected into office then he started breaking more laws to keep civil order, that turned into a full civil war once he was self elected for a third term. it’s just the lack of dates and locations that kind of bugged me. maybe I’m overthinking this probably 😂

[@Dinosaur_Ice]

This has been the best take of all of the videos I've seen about this film

[@ThorogoodFilms]

Ah too kind, thank you!

[@czr7j9]

War journalist Michael Herr who spent a year in Vietnam said that the line between being a journalist and what is happening around you is just a concept, you experience everything that the killers and the killed feel.

[@EvAvVideos]

Haha. Not a chance.

[@Agent.Wadsworth]

As someone who took photography classes, a decade apart. I shot/processed old fashioned b&w photos, & edited digital photography. Your comparison was a great point.

[@ThorogoodFilms]

Ah thank you!

[@bjjt-nu9dx]

No big power military has ever prevailed in asymmetric warfare.

[@Leif-yv5ql]

There are all kinds of meanings in this movie. That is why I love it so very much. There is the scene where Sammy is dieing. He is looking out at the trees that are on fire. He holds up his hand in front of the floating embers. That was and is the most beautiful scene for me. The story is so profound. We are witnesses to the professional witnesses to a story that transcends all of us. I have seen it twice, and I want to see it again.

[@johnmemoli31]

That what happens in every war. In the revolutionary war only 5% of the population was involved , the rest just went about their lives.

[@jimboniusmaximus6018]

If you honestly think that the majority of people just go about their lives during wars, then history education has certainly failed you. Civilians are often affected the worst of all during conflicts.

[@labased2539]

I believed they meant to actually participate in combat. No offense but a majority of people would be too scared to participate in combat.

[@PeruvianPotato]

​@@jimboniusmaximus6018 Fr. It's like these guys haven't studied what happened in Rwanda

[@MrDude826]

A hell of a way to go about your day... with bullets flying over head...

[@letsgobrandon7297]

@MrDude826: Nothing like the smell of burnt gunpowder in the morning.

[@markcodysr]

Excellent take on a complex, graphic yet extremely subtle film. Great analysis and interpretation of what the director was seeking to communicate.

[@Collectingcards4fun]

Thanks for the video. I enjoyed your review.

[@thecraziestofalldave]

I certainly wouldn't join the army, but I'd happily join the local defence force.

[@DFullerLisa]

So for conservative commentary people are annoyed by the diversity of the troops at the final scene. When the workd ends it happens fast. My dad was Vietnam. During war time status you get promoted fast. Guy ahead of you dies you get put in. So granted having a woman there in the greatest mission of all time may have seemed like a diversity push. However, the military was highly frsctured and divided. The meeting point at Valley Forge to me that represented the last of the armed forces which is barely anything. So the teams raiding the kill shot for the president wasn't about diversity. It was this is what the military is gonna look like in a civil war.

[@MattBuild4]

Let me get straight the president has control over 28 states in the nation, yet cannot muster more than 1000 people to fight on their side? And you think thats realistic for the US military? Do you think that union and confederate troops wanted to go to war? That 16 year old kids wanted to be on a battlefield? The president is such a tyrant that he doesnt even bother to use conscription of powers in a civil war which LIncoln literally used 160 years ago..... I dont think the director knows what a tyranical dictator actually looks like in real society today.

[@Monnoponno34627]

It was pretty obvious and in your face. Especially considering the nature of that squad and the final scene lmao

[@Dawn-e9k]

This is by far the best review of this film

[@davehanhela5997]

Thanks Thomas. The screaming scene in the car, really blew me away.

[@RangerMcFriendly]

How does this video not have more views??? Great analysis!

[@ThorogoodFilms]

Ah thanks so much!

[@4litrespoolyboi206]

The most egregious crime of this movie was painting journalists in a positive light.

[@TXlowlifeTX]

There’s legitimate war journalists who do good out here, but journalism as a whole is misrepresented by mega-corporations and has people wanting to actively target any and all news people. Perfect for fascists.

[@Pensive_Scarlet]

I haven't been able to see the full film yet, but more and more the book shop girl feels like she's there to provide a sort of ironic contrast to the stated goals of the main journalist. She wants people to be saved and protected from war, she wants them to stop fighting senselessly, and now she's confronted by a place where that's what has happened. The girl in the shop is protected, and she is protected by people who can fight who have chosen to abstain from the senseless conflict and use their skills to protect others. Despite all this, it brings up a slew of new questions that had yet to be considered. Idealism and ideology *must* be challenged, after all.

[@jimharp8655]

Great analysis. While I agree with Alex Garland's decision to use the war as context and not content the one thing that doesn't ring true to me in this film is the complete lack of foreign involvement in the conflict. Any civil war in the USA would ultimately become a proxy war between all the world's great powers, just as most civil wars throughout the world do. In any such conflict soldiers and equipment from NATO, Russia, China, the UN and so on would be everywhere.

[@35rockeagle]

The best review I've found so far! "The war is the context, not the content..." Thank you!

[@ThorogoodFilms]

Ah thank you! So kind.

[@michaelward6970]

I actually walked out of this dumpster fire after about an hour, nothing in the movie makes sense.

[@madrapperdave]

Umm..... how would you know if you walked out after an hour?

[@josephmccarthy7905]

A superb clip with an explanation of the film. This commentator lays it out in a somewhat philosophical way. Quite enjoyable and educational. I saw the movie when it hit the theatres. This commentator helped me see the film in a whole new light.

[@ThorogoodFilms]

Ah very kind, thank you!

[@TrevyTrev-andTheFunkyPets]

It disguised itself in a movie about American civil war but never really touched on it. If it’s about journalism in war territories just have them be in Ukraine or Gaza and spare us the confusion or the let down . Either go all in or don’t. My opinion. Nothing really appealing about the move other than the two veteran journalists. Good acting.

[@arijitdakshi820]

The scenes of devastation at Washington DC are reminiscent of Berlin in Oliver Hirschbiegel's epic film 🎬 Der Untergang (Downfall).

[@Scoob505]

The adam and eve thing was such a leap... lmao

[@pacer2165]

Saw this and it hit's on many levels. Good films tend to be those that stick with you days after leaving the theatre.

[@michelehamilton961]

You put more thought into this film than the director did it seems. After seeing this I may reevaluate the film.

[@RailRoad188]

Most intriguing analysis I've seen, because its actually based on what the film is, not what people wanted the film to be.

[@kb-the-goat22]

The worst movie I ever watched. Made me sick how the girl watched snaggle tooth die and just took pictures of her. Didn’t care at all

[@KRobinson-ko1ne]

To be fair that was the point essentially She’s supposed to be gradually losing her humanity

[@mahoganysins614]

It’s the reality.

[@acid0philus]

That's the Press for you, unfortunately.

[@WARGAMES-r7n]

only people who have not experienced war say its beautiful or glorious! war is HELL nothing more nothing less

[@Hammershaimb]

The technical and tactical aspects of this movie were horrendous. If they had someone with any kind of experience consulting they clearly didn’t listen.

[@RodneyKimbangu]

Best video on the subject I have seen. Kudos, bro!

[@evertonb105]

This movie had shades of Apocalypse Now. (AN)..as Colonel Kurtz was to the final mission in AN, the white house was the final stop at the end of the river. The press SUV was equivalent to the boat piloted by the chief petty officer in AN,. everytime the cast in Civil War got out of the press van, bad things would happen, much like AN famous quote "never get out of the boat"....and we the audience were like Charlie Sheen's character. In AN..as the film progressed, it became darker and more dangerous like Civil War, going from joyous reporters in a hotel, to a dark and cannibalistic environment where the final zealots of the president or shall I say the natives faithful to Colonel Kurtz were in AN awaited.. I have a different therory about the red glasses...I thought it was more akin to "rose colored glasses" where Jessie saw everything in his mind as positive and necessary by identifying what he believed to be "America"... excellent review...Civil War was brilliant.

[@ThorogoodFilms]

Ah thank you for those insights, really interesting take on the glasses!

[@53D1]

thank you for the detailed analysis of the symbolism. I liked your analogy with clothes as protection in the case of Adam and Eve. I think this is a pretty insightful observation.

[@dougburton1999]

The red ‘sunglasses’ are shooting glasses not sunglasses.

[@worsethanhitlerpt.2539]

The red-glasses guy also played the only humane character in the Flower Moon movie that guy has range

[@robertjackson2663]

Every pair of shooting glasses were yellow.

[@melig7543]

I thought they were rose colored glasses . That has a meaning right?

[@nancyneyedly4587]

I haven't seen the movie but coudn't the red glasses also symbolise the red right, seeing things only through that "ultranationalist" lens, not so much the blood he can't see, or is he the WF? For what it's worth: I have a pair of similar red lens & red frame glasses, I thought they were the same ones I have, fashiony.😎

[@samuelluria4744]

Shooting glasses are yellow, Doug. "Improvised shooting glasses", i.e., red sunglasses, are red.

[@FlorentinoRebuildingCo.5644]

You sir, have a gift. Incredible explanation. Powerful stuff.

[@ThorogoodFilms]

Ah very kind, thank you!

[@xcx23cwea65]

They want you to believe that the President is the only one pulling all the strings in these predictive programming flicks.

[@projektoragami]

once you realize this movie isn't supposed to be political or polarizing, this movie is fucking incredible. the cinematography, the writing, the character development, the sound the design, and I repeat the CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT. The way jesse continues to become more and more desensatized while lee begins to break down and jesse basically steps up to replace the girl she looked up to all her life. The way the movie shows how important sammy was to lee and how his death symbolizing the breaking point for both lee and jesse. and don't even get me started on that damn sound design. the explosions, the sheer volume of the gunshots in the theatre had me and my friends on our toes the entire movie anticipating each gunshot like a jumspare in a tense horror movie scene. I will never truly understand the hate this movie got this was fucking incredible.

[@jacobwilliams5271]

The girl is supposed to be 23? She looked 16.

[@TXlowlifeTX]

Skin care routines go crazy

[@KenanMerciusAMPM]

That’s what happens when you don’t vape 😂

[@adamb3326]

The actress is 27

[@jacobwilliams5271]

@@adamb3326 Shes 25.

[@resonant.interval]

looks can be deceiving...

[@shanjayaweera3036]

Finally - a review/explainer that gets it perfectly right

[@ThorogoodFilms]

Wow. That's very kind! Thank you!

[@airborneranger-ret]

"Civil War" should have been named "Road Trip". Movie was click bait

[@WalkrFilms]

I’m sorry were you expecting a pro maga michael bay CGI explosions flick?

[@airborneranger-ret]

@@WalkrFilms Buzzzz .... and thank you for playing. ;)

[@somedud1140]

@@WalkrFilms TBH, I was expecting anti-maga CGI explosions flick with over the top moralizations.

[@letsgobrandon7297]

@Aviator_Walker: Is a pro constitutional pro American group too offending to you?

[@RegnaSaturna]

Thank you for not having to thank Conflict of Nations as a sponsor.

[@johnmccloskey3660]

Great analysis on Jesse Plemon’s character.

[@christopherlockwood1857]

You explained that really well Thomas

[@robweissman5952]

The whole still photo thing to me was just---- antiquated. Video is what is consumed today.. Where might they publish their photos, didn't they say something like the New York Times? lol. If America had a modern civil war, streamers and/or video creators would be recording and sharing it. Not still photographs like it was The Vietnam War.

[@gwapdude66]

Agree. You would think they would use DSLR cameras at most.

[@RangerMcFriendly]

Wasn’t the internet down? No way to share it I assume.

[@robweissman5952]

@@RangerMcFriendly No.. the power went out at the hotel, they used a generator ... But they were uploading content on their, Windows branded laptops

[@sofakingjewish]

No. It’s muddled. Nothing is clear here. That’s the point. The Human condition is messy. The civil war part doesn’t really matter. Although it does render a potential chill down the spine. The practical effects were outstanding. This is because good technicals usually reflect a good horror story. One which draws the audience. This movie was exactly like World War Z the book. In the sense of how the story unfolds and the world building. It doesn’t mind dropping you from a 1000 feet to provoke jumps in the audiences heartbeat

[@kedeglow2743]

Still shots capture a moment in time and hold it forever (or at least until the paper they print them on degrades or the memory is wiped). That's the importance of them.

[@humildemarcelo]

I think that the movie is mostly about journalism. As a journalism and photographer myself, I understand the characters very well. You can be in the middle of the most horrific event in history but you have one job and that job requires you to be almost souless, cold, analytic. You can't crumble or cry in the moment, you have to tell the world what's happening FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF THE WORLD, because we know that history is made by the winners, and our job is to be in the middle of the conflict, not a partidiary of any of the sides (although theres lots of journalists that take sides, the good ones try to maintain their neutrality). It's not a war movie, it's a war journalism movie.

[@HybridGlobalCitizen]

Hmmmm nobody was using drones?

[@kingkongrecaps]

This movie is designed to teach us a lesson and that is “nobody wins in war” in the end the president is assassinated the western forces have won the troops are seen in good spirits with happy music in the background they’ve taken over DC but did they really win? The war left the entirety of America torn in pieces, many are left without home struggling to survive. Alot of death is yet to come as Western forces tries to get the rest of America to surrender. The whole country is like a lawless wasteland with no regard for human life. In the end nobody wins all that’s left is a still divided country and a dead president. The lack of information also contributes to the lesson as it’s not mentioned by anybody why they’re fighting it must not be a good reason showing that the war is pointless and nobody wins.

[@g.w.7893]

The film could have added several character and plot details to put it over the top imho, however, I think what it does best is leave out certain things to let the viewer decide.

[@5k.n1ght]

The film just really made me want to get my old airsoft equiptment out from my attic haha

[@Corvetjoe1]

Excellent review!

[@mishima666]

Best review I’ve seen.

[@pepleatherlab3872]

The intellectual insincerity of image objectivism. Photos don't tell a story, they simply capture light particles reflecting off matter. They might reveal who, what and where,..but not why. Why is 90% of any story. This is why modern photo journalism struggles. Photographers can capture an image and insert whatever story they like. Politicians certainly enjoy this aspect of story conjuration. Isn't this why Hollywood struggles currently? A talented ability to secure imagery, but inability to tell stories that matter to 80% of the population? Glad I passed on this movie. There will be more.

[@Mondoness]

bingo.

[@josephduran1029]

It’s a pretty clear telling of a story. The reds are trying to stay in power. The blues aren’t allowing it.

[@Miclantechupi]

The detail that annoyed me the most is that when Lee Smith gets killed in the passage outside the Oval Office isn't the lack of visible injury to account for instant death when wearing a plate carrier. What really annoyed me was the fact that it was filmed in ultra high resolution slow motion and all the 5.56mm brass on the floor were obviously blank cases....

[@jstall20]

Put a posh British accent to the commentary and that will wash over the vapid lack of context this movie represents. It reads more like an act of exploitation on the psyche of the current zeitgeist than a genuine engagement of the actual reality of what may lead to this. The snobbish defenses of this movie don’t really hold up though.

[@michaelobeng1821]

Best analysis of the movie i've seen so far.

[@ThorogoodFilms]

Ah that's too kind, thank you!