Viet Thanh Nguyen, in his 2016 work “Nothing Ever Dies: Vietnam and the Memory of War,” astutely critiques the tendency of American art. Moreover, cultural representations of the Civil War center on American experiences, even when engaging in critiques of American actions. This observation resonates deeply with Hollywood’s portrayal of war, where even amidst anti-war sentiment. Moreover, the focus often remains on portraying war as a uniquely American ordeal.
Alex Garland, Civil War Reflection
Alex Garland’s “Civil War” has primarily been analyzed as a reflection of America’s political polarization. While this interpretation holds merit, it’s reductive to view the film solely through the lens of current US politics. Instead, “Civil War” participates in and subverts the tradition of Americanizing overseas conflicts. Moreover, it cleverly transposes the roles of foreign war correspondents and atrocities into a fictionalized America.
Set in a near-future America torn by internal strife, the film follows veteran journalists Lee and Joel as they embark on a dangerous journey to interview the president, a backdrop of warring factions. Garland deliberately maintains ambiguity regarding the political landscape. Moreover, he draws parallels to current authoritarian regimes while avoiding direct parallels to real-world events.
Civil War Historical Conflicts
Unlike historical conflicts, the divisions depicted in “Civil War” lack clear racial or ethnic undertones. However, the presence of a ruthless war criminal with a bias against non-Americans adds a layer of complexity to the narrative. Garland’s refusal to provide concrete details may be perceived as a narrative cop-out. Moreover, it is reminiscent of iconic Vietnam war films like “Apocalypse Now” and “Full Metal Jacket,” which prioritize personal trauma over political analysis.
Similar to Hollywood’s portrayal of the Vietnam War, “Civil War” revolves around the experiences of American protagonists. Moreover, it frames them as the primary victims of American foreign policy. The film’s focus on war journalists, particularly the young photographer Jessie, highlights the allure of violence and the power dynamics inherent in documenting conflict.
Garland Film 'Civil War'
Jessie’s fascination with capturing the horrors of war reflects the viewer’s voyeuristic engagement with cinematic violence. However, Garland’s film raises questions about the ethics of such voyeurism and the limitations of American-centric narratives in addressing the broader impacts of violence.
While “Civil War” may be interpreted as a critique of contemporary America, its narrow focus on internal strife overlooks the broader context of American military intervention abroad. By centering solely on American experiences, Hollywood war films like “Civil War” risk trivializing the suffering of those affected by American violence. Moreover, it perpetuates a solipsistic narrative that fails to address the root causes of conflict.
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