Clint Eastwood, Bradley Cooper and a war drama — a recipe for success in Eastwood’s latest film about the war in Iraq, “American Sniper.” The movie earned an estimated 105.3 million over this past weekend and surpassed January box-office records previously held by “Avatar.”
Upon its release, “American Sniper” received the expected backlash which accompanies most war films. People argue glorifying war and the killing of any human life is nothing to be proud of, especially with regards to claiming it as a strictly American act. What makes this movie so different from other American war movies, from “Saving Private Ryan” to “Fury,” is this movie is more about one man’s journey through war. The film follows Chris Kyle, portrayed by Bradley Cooper, through his four tours of duty overseas and his difficulties of adjusting to life stateside.
“It’s a human story, not a political one,” Brandon Griggs of CNN said.
The movie does not make a statement either way on America’s decision to enter Iraq or to stay there for an extended period of time. “American Sniper” hardly even approaches the subject; instead, it focuses on one man’s mission to protect his friends, family and country.
“We’re finally ready for a movie about the Iraq War,” Stephen Marche said in “Esquire Magazine.” “It’s been three years since the U.S. involvement in Iraq formally ended, and we have some distance on it. With the vast majority of U.S. troops out of harm’s way, audiences may finally be receptive to a movie that no longer hits too close to home.”
Cooper delivers a fantastic performance that allows audiences to connect to the main character of a war movie that has not truly been felt since Tom Hanks played Captain Miller in “Saving Private Ryan.” Cooper portrays Kyle not as a bloodthirsty meathead, but instead, as a down-to-earth Texan who wants to help people out.
Audiences have been flocking into theatres to see the movie. According to ABC.com, “American Sniper” brought in more than $90 million during its national open. The critics have been mostly positive about the movie. Rotten Tomatoes gave it a 74 percent, and the film claimed six Oscar nominations, including a best picture nomination.
The movie is much more than just explosions and killings. It is a fascinating journey of one man through the hells of war and back. “American Sniper” is a must see for audiences.
