American Sniper Review

3.5 Stars

 

Bradley Cooper stars as Chris Kyle in the biographical movie American Sniper directed by Clint Eastwood based on the autobiography written by Kyle who has the title of deadliest sniper in American history.  This is the 5th movie directed by Eastwood that has been nominated for an Oscar for Best Picture of the year.  He has won for Unforgiven and Million Dollar Baby.  But this isn't like those movies.  This movie is based on Kyle's autobiographical account of his experiences in the war in Iraq following the 9/11 attacks against the United States.  Like Lone Survivor, Zero Dark Thirty, The Hurt Locker, and The Green Zone, this movie has to do with the United States' ongoing war in the Middle East.  Unlike those other movies, American Sniper is steeped with hot controversy over whether Kyle should be regarded as a hero or a monster.

Although Eastwood has said the film "wasn't political in nature", that hasn't stopped major politicians, the media and Hollywood from speaking out about American Sniper.  Political Comedian Bill Maher criticized the movie on his talk show saying "The Hurt Locker made $17 million because it's a little ambiguous and thoughtful."  He criticizes American Sniper as "lacking nuance."  Author Bret Stephens questioned whether Maher had actually seen the film and was surprised that was his impression.  Stephens felt the movie "treats what veterans and soldiers go through in a way that was subtle." On the same episode, Howard Dean commented that American Tea Partiers are angry and that's who is going to see this movie.  His comments grew criticism as well, most notably from actor Gary Sinise who felt the former governor was making "stupid blanket statements."

 

After watching the movie, I would have to agree with Stephens and wonder if Maher actually watched the movie before making his snarky, condescending comments about American Sniper.  It seemed he was confusing the man Chris Kyle with the movie which was based on Kyle's autobiography.  I agree with Stephens as well that this movie had more to do with the effects of the war on Kyle and his family and friends than it was a war movie.  There was nothing about this film that glorified war or made Kyle a hero.  It was sad to see Kyle become more and more obsessed with fulfilling his patriotic duty by returning to Iraq.  It was gut-wrenching to see him change and what his wife and children had to endure both without him home, and especially when he was home.

This is Bradley Cooper's third year in a row being nominated for an Oscar for his acting performance.  Though he did not win for American Hustle or Silver Linings Playbook, it's pretty clear why he was nominated this year.  Cooper gave another wonderful performance, but for me personally, one of the things I love about the best actors out there is their ability to make me forget that there's an actor playing a role.  They are so good at their portrayal of the character, I don't see the actor at all, but rather the character in the story.  And that's why I don't believe Cooper will win this year.  As much as I enjoyed the movie and his performance, I saw Cooper's portrayal of Kyle throughout the movie and not just Kyle.  I predicted 4 stars for American Sniper, but I'm going to lower it to 3.5.  I thought it was good, very good in the theatre. I might watch it again when it comes to DVD, but it probably won't be in my home collection. So, what movie is going to be on my mind next?  I'll give you a hint: it's an Oscar nomination.