Should you watch this at weekend movie ticket prices? Yes.
Should you watch this at weekday movie ticket prices? Yes.
Secret ending? No.
Running time: 133 minutes (~2.25 hours)
“American Sniper” is a war film that also provides a biographical look at Chris Kyle, the deadliest marksman in U.S. history. It is based on the autobiography of the same name. The movie follows his enlistment into the American military and his subsequent four tours of duty in Iraq. It stars Bradley Cooper (Chris Kyle), Sienna Miller (Taya Renae Kyle), and Sammy Sheik (Mustafa).
“American Sniper” is told almost entirely from Chris Kyle’s point of view, but focuses more on his rise in the military and his subsequent difficulty in adjusting to civilian life. Perhaps the most interesting thing is that it doesn’t glorify the protagonist as a marksman of mythical proportions (as the title might indicate), but as a human being caught up in a war beyond his control.
Highlights
Gritty, realistic tone
From the onset of the film, you know it’s going to be as faithful a depiction as possible of Chris Kyle’s experiences, from the camaraderie and pride of his fellow soldiers to the impossible decisions he has to make as a sniper. There are no holds barred when it comes to the extent of the injuries his fellow men suffer, and this lends greater weight and credence to the authenticity of his experiences.
The horror of war
The grit and realism also serve to portray the inevitable atrocities that come with war, both morally and physically. This is, of course, the theme of the movie – the devastating impact that war has on everyone. Chris Kyle’s struggles with the young children he’s had to kill, the shell shock he’s had to deal with afterwards, and the fact that he’s remained whole while so many around him have had crippling disabilities underscore the horrifying impact of armed conflict.
The SEAL experience
“American Sniper” also provides an interesting insight into the life of a Navy SEAL. There have been other depictions, doubtlessly, but what makes this movie different is that it refrains from putting their training and abilities on a pedestal, but humanising them as relatable people with hopes, dreams, and fears like everyone else.
Letdowns
No sense of story
The film feels like it adapts the autobiography wholesale, without making enough changes necessary for proper dramatic structure. True, there are some tense moments and Mustafa (the enemy sniper) is foreshadowed and set up as the main antagonist, but otherwise there’s no catharsis or proper dramatic tension.
Erratic pacing
The lack of proper storytelling also results in this mishmash of tense sniping scenes and snooze worthy civilian scenes. Perhaps this is meant to give us a more genuine experience of the main character’s life, but it results in a very strange story being told.
Odd special effects
While the weather and environment effects look good, the actual fiery explosions all look strangely artificial. There’s also a very, very queer slow motion bullet scene that comes out of nowhere, which looks awful given that it’s not done well and occurs nowhere else in the film.
“American Sniper” provides a fresh, truthful retelling of the Iraq war and the effect it has had on one man. While it goes on for a little too long, there’s no doubting that it’s one of the most faithful depictions of war ever to grace the silver screen.
“American Sniper” opens in cinemas 22 January, 2015 (Thursday).
This review was also published on Yahoo Singapore.
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