American Sniper

I've been a fan of war stories told on screen for years now. From the historical fiction of the 70's, 80's, and 90's to the more recent trend of non-fiction. Zero Dark Thirty, Lone Survivor, Captain Phillips (to some extent), and now American Sniper have elevated the prestigious Navy SEALs to a level of exposure before unprecedented. If the Navy SEALs are gods among the military, then Chris Kyle is certainly Perseus. Kyle's autobiography hit shelves a few years back and I happened upon it, and was blown away. Known as "The Devil" to the Iraqi insurgents, and "The Legend" in the American military community, he is the undisputed combat confirmed kill leader in American military history with over 160. However, his modest personal account puts that number closer to 300. No matter how you feel about killing in wartime, this staggering feat is an epic number worthy of a biopic.

Chris Kyle came from humble beginnings in Texas, and joined the military in 1998 at the age of 24 and served four tours in Iraq before calling it quits in 2009 and settling in Texas with his wife and kids. He was somewhat ironically killed in 2013 at a shooting range near his home where he routinely took soldiers suffering from PTSD to get some therapy.

Directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Bradley Cooper in the titular role, I anticipated this film perhaps more than any other holiday release, yet I was somehow disappointed by the product. The initial adaptation was slated to be helmed by Steven Spielberg, who dropped out due to what could only be a scheduling conflict with his upcoming Tom Hanks Cold War thriller and I think the more serious tone may have been what was missing. Some of the dialogue and story seemed a bit rushed, and although tastefully done, there could have been even more attention on the man and less on the action, which might have added another half hour to the film. Of course, the action is the whole point but it seemed a bit like we didn't fully become invested in Kyle by the time he became a legend. That and the suspense and tension of war wasn't as gripping as films past. All I can say is it could have been better.

Eastwood has a place in Hollywood as one of the finest directors in history. Unforgiven, Mystic River, and Million Dollar Baby all make my top 100 list so there is no questioning his artistry and ability. American Sniper seemed a bit sloppy though, and maybe even rushed. I got the sense that the intent was well, but many of the scenes were set up in a hurry and just pounded out. Cooper on the other hand, did a fantastic job in the role. A complex character with an increasingly heavy emotional toll that gains weight with each kill he makes and numbs him to the gravity of mortality. I only wish that the two scenes where he has cause to reflect on what he's done were given a bit more screen time. Unfortunately, both of them are displayed in the trailers, but they show the true range of Cooper. His Texas drawl (Cooper was born in Pennsylvania) is authentic and convincing, and he delivers his lines in the macho, military fashion expected. Interestingly, Cooper is one of only a handful of actors in history to be nominated for Best Actor three straight years (Silver Linings Playbook, American Hustle). None of the others left without some hardware, although this year's contenders will likely shut him out. He's next up re-teaming with Jennifer Lawrence and David O. Russell in Joy.

Sienna Miller plays Kyle's wife adequately, but the rest of the cast are unknowns, which is for the best. The relationship between Navy SEAL and wife is cliche and tenuous, but I suppose the dynamic is typical given the appropriate credit due. The sharp contrast of the American Dream and the cost of American Freedom are never more starkly shown than in military biopics, and as inspiring as the stories are, they are equally disheartening. I suppose that is why the story is told in the first place.

American Sniper is definitely the best military themed film of the year, but it is not as well done, or exciting as Lone Survivor. Different stories, both unique in their tones and messages with the one similarity of heroism in the face of mortal adversity. And the unseen cost of war.

I will continue to support the genre, and as stories that once were lore now become highly visible, ubiquitous, and almost instantly accessible through the Internet, I only hope that the importance and reverence given to the brave soldiers won't be taken for granted. A good film, but should have been better. 7/10.