Friday, October 26, 2007

We're not through the Valley of Ennui yet. For an industry that studiously avoided the war for five years, if you'll pardon the pun, Hollywood has given us a glut in 2007. Coming up will be Lions for Lambs, a film that trailers suggest features Tom Cruise and Robert Redford making speeches at each other. Redacted comes out in December, although its Cannes screening has already created controversy over Brian DePalma's heavy-handed treatment. John Cusack will indulge his well-known political views in Grace is Gone next month.

With all of these agenda films, one might think Hollywood could produce some balance. Why not make a movie about Sgt. Paul Smith, who gave his life for his comrades in Baghdad? A film about the heroism of Lt. Michael Murphy might make for a stirring motion picture. Americans might want to see the stories of Medal of Honor recipients. They obviously don't have much interest in sitting through lectures by Hollywood celebrities.

"This War Is So Fucking Illegal"