Fog of War (The)

Also known as: The Fog of War: Eleven Lessons from the Life of Robert S. McNamara

Genre: political documentary

With: Robert McNamara, Errol Morris (the Interviewer); archival footage of Fidel Castro, Barry Goldwater, Lyndon Johnson, John F. Kennedy, Nikita Khrushchev, Richard Nixon and others

Director: Errol Morris

Release: 2003

Studio: Sony Pictures Classics, RadicalMedia, SenArt Films, The Globe Department Store

Rating: PG-13

MBiS score: 8.4/10

 

 

‟Never answer the question asked. Answer the question you wish that had been asked.”

 

QuickView

Story-line: in this chilling documentary, Robert S. McNamara, who acted as Secretary of Defense under Presidents Kennedy and Johnson, talks about his personal and professional life and the lessons he has learned about war and global diplomacy while working with hawks, doves and other species of political birds.  

Pluses: McNamara’s direct and interesting take on our world past and present, strong and studious direction by Errol Morris, a thorough and well-constructed screenplay that uses impactful historical footage, telephone recordings and filler scenes to complement its talking-head format, very astute editing, modest but convenient production values and a superb musical accompaniment by Philip Glass.

Minuses: some viewers may be disturbed by the seriousness of the issues discussed and a couple of odd revelations (skull-breaking experiments?).

Comments: although it follows the usual recipe for documentaries, the Oscar-winning FOG OF WAR never feels static because of its relevance and Robert McNamara’s status as a consummate political insider. Aided by hindsight, he comes out of the exercise as a skilled and forthcoming fellow even when the questions raised are delicate and mistakes need to be acknowledged. At a time when some observers argue that we have entered a new Cold War, his take on the dynamics of diplomacy gives us a clear picture of what our world has become… intimidating, volatile and even scary.

 

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