Director Clint Eastwood
Staring Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller, Kyle Gallner
Rated MA
Score 4/6
Like all movies that are worth a look American Sniper has been met with a certain level controversy and criticism. The most recent of which was from Seth Rogen who within the last week said on twitter “American Sniper kind of reminds me of the movie that’s showing in the third act of Inglorious Basterds.” Rogen’s comment of course with a certain amount of backlash after the controversy surrounding his recent movie release The Interview. Mr Rogen went on to clarify his “I just said something “kinda reminded” me of something else. I actually liked American Sniper. It just reminded me of the Tarantino scene.”
For those of you who haven’t realised it American Sniper was based on Chris Kyle’s autobiography American Sniper: The Autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in U.S. Military History. No I haven’t read the book, I’ve only just got a hold of the book and yes I do intend to read it. Eventually.
I’m not entirely sure if Chris Kyle is a hero, sure he was a Navy Seal and only the best of the best ever become Navy Seals, I get that. But I have never met the man personally so I’ll never be able say if he was or wasn’t with any degree of certainty. But if Bradley Cooper’s portrayal of him is anything to go by he was a reluctant one, who was probably more comfortable being described as a man who wanted to do his job.
Okay, maybe this could be considered as a piece of propaganda it’s definitely “pro-war on terror” Eastwood certainly didn’t dodge the bullet when it came to the reason behind Chris wanting to become a Navy Seal. But if we are going to go down this propaganda track then every single war movie that has ever been released and every single war movie that will ever be released should be considered a piece of propaganda. For the purpose of American Sniper being a better-rounded movie I would have liked to have seen more of Chris’ efforts to adjusting to his life outside the military. But considering that American Sniper clocks in at over two hours that probably was not possible.
