Director: David Michod
By Alex Watson
Scoring Brad Pitt's new movie was a major indicator that Netflix is now a main player in the feature film market. While War Machine works well in some areas, Australian director David Michod is seemingly confused whether this is a comedy-drama or a hard hitting satire piece? Despite some great comedic touches, this picture is unable to rise itself about Pitt's excellent performance.
General Glen McMahon (Brad Pitt) has recently been appointed as the command of the US Army in Afghanistan. Keen to make a big impression and admired greatly by those who serve under him, McMahon is disappointed to learn that President Obama plans to withdraw. The General has big confidence in the US coming out on the winning side, but his actions soon find him fighting his own personal war.
After the success of his nail-biting Oscar-nominated crime flick 'Animal Kingdom', Michod feels out of his depth in War Machine. An amusing opening sequence highlights just why McMahon (based on real US General Stanley McChrystal) is the man for the job. Having loyal subordinates including the hot-headed Glen Pulver (Anthony Michael Hall) and slimy civvy PR man Matt Little (Topher Grace). McMahon is an all business leader but early on the communication problems between him and Obama are highlighted. When is unable to get the face time he desires with his own commander, McMahon rashly criticises him on TV. As a result, 40,000 more troops included jaded Sergeant Ricky Ortega (Will Poulter) arrive in Helmand province. McMahon has total faith in his nation's victory, the administration he serves simply wants to end it. While the movie's first half promises a sharp and witty piece- Michod seems confused where to take it from here.
While there are moments of pretty blunt commentary on the US efforts to drag the war out. In one scene McMahon is called out for his actions by a German politician (Tilda Swinton). Michod does well in bringing to light the problems being created instead of a solution, such as the ineffectiveness of counterinsurgency. Problem is that McMahon and his men just come off as total idiots rather than lovable ones. There is also numerous side plots that feel poorly written such as Ben Kingsley impersonation of Afghan leader Hamid Karzai. Unfortunately, this adds little to proceeding other than Kingsley lying around sneezing. There is also a lack of explanation as to just why McMahon has spent so much time away from wife Jean (Meg Tilly)? Michod feels like he is trying to add more material to cover the lack of substance throughout.
Perhaps the most frustrating aspect of War Machine is that we are constantly reminded throughout how impossible the task is yet they proceed anyway. Throughout the picture seems occupied trying to find a reason to explain why this is even worth viewing? The inclusion of Rolling Stone journalist Sean Cullen (Scoot McNairy) who is cynical of McMahon's intentions is where the trouble really begins. Unaware of the consequences the crew starts running their mouths and getting drunk in public. You sense a storm brewing and the already strained relations between the White House and McMahon look ready to collapse. The General comes across as a warrior who doesn't know how to step off the battlefield and in life is always fighting fires.
Brad Pitt does well as the increasingly frustrated McMahon and manages to find the movies funny side. This role is not the deepest or even strongest performance of his career, but it is one that reminds us what presence he can bring. His character sadly doesn't live up his efforts and due to a lack of depth we never really get a full insight into the reasons behind his intentions?
While War Machine offers up some good laughs at the personnel involved and the ludicrousness of the situation, unfortunately, this isn't Netflix's strongest offering.
