Essay On American Sniper
I long ago learned not to discuss war movies with southerners. They tend to be detail-oriented and obsessed with authenticity. They frequently dismiss well-made, thought-provoking films because of some minor detail — the scope on a rifle is wrong, or the markings on a vehicle incorrect.
I recently saw the film “American Sniper” directed by Clint Eastwood. This U.S. Navy SEAL, Chris Kyle (Bradley Cooper) takes his sole mission -- protect his comrades -- to heart and becomes one of the most lethal snipers in American history. Viewers raved and rejoiced at the “accurate” and “beautiful” depiction of the life of a true American willing to risk everything for his country. Ask almost anyone in the south, they will tell you that “American Sniper” was inspirational.
Yet, the “War on Terror” continues to be a hot debate topic. One of the points on tensions is how the majority of the country views the armed forces who fight and continue to fight in the name of American Interests. What the U.S. still has the ability to constructively consider is how to reconcile this war and the men and women who are fighting it with an American society that is sharply divided in its opinions. This is largely caused by the simple fact that because the armed forces are so far removed and such a small part of the American population, it is
…show more content…
Eastwood had an obvious incentive to create a mainstream film that serves its primary purpose as entertainment rather than social commentary. However, I think its popularity and award nominations are an opportunity to consider the paradox inherent in modern American society— where the men and women who risk the most to protect the U.S. are divorced from mainstream life. With "American Sniper", there is a catalyst for debate and reflection on this issue that will hopefully lead to tangible improvements in the divide between soldier and
Sands Of Iwo Jima Film Analysis
512 Words | 3 PagesThe influence of Hollywood can be seen increasing or decreasing the public’s perception of a person, group, or cause in the matter of moments. John Wayne is one that can be argued to have had am extremely large impact on the creation/influence of war films through personal views. In Allan Dwan’s film Sands of Iwo Jima, the most expensive film to date, he we give John Wayne the nod for the lead role of Sergeant Srkyer, whose job was to lead a group of inexperienced Marines into Iwo Jima. This would be Wayne’s first Academy Award nomination, thus solidifying his emerging influence in Hollywood. Though John Wayne had no military experience whatsoever, his political beliefs, and his portrayal of an American within his films helped him gain support from high national figures.
Visual Analysis Of Pat Tillman
942 Words | 4 PagesTillman, in Army fatigues, sits in a tree with an assault rifle in hand, waiting for someone to test his shooting skills. The landscape behind him is brown and looks dead and lifeless, just like his fallen comrades.one feels Tillman’s demeanor in the photograph, but whether he is focused on the seriousness of war or the fear of imminent death we will never know (SI “Remember” n. pag.). To appeal to their audience, this cover uses specific tactics. The fatigues induce a sense of patriotism that hits home with the American audience.
American Sniper And Slaughterhouse Five Comparison
742 Words | 3 PagesIn the film American Sniper directed by Clint Eastwood and the novel Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut, both works exhibit depiction of war through the protagonist. However, each work is portrayed differently as they each show a representation with opposite depiction of war. While one decides to promote war, the other diminish it. In Eastwood’s adaptation of American Sniper, his insight appears as a promotion for pro-war propaganda, in contrast, Slaughterhouse Five depicts ideas that portray the war in a poor light. American Sniper retells the story of Chris Kyle, a Navy Seal who was reported to have 160 confirmed kills.
Diversity During Ww2
507 Words | 3 Pages“Hollywood, too, did its part, portraying fighting units whose members, representing various regional, ethnic, and religious backgrounds, put aside group loyalties and prejudices for the
Military Draft Benefits
982 Words | 4 PagesThroughout history, countries are inevitably pulled into conflicts that result in war. These conflicts usually occur because of interests in: economic gain, territorial gain, religion, and nationalism. America, like every country, needs a military to defend itself, especially when tensions arise in other parts of the world and when militia numbers start to decrease. This then allows the government to draft its population to serve in the military. People argue that young men and women’s bright lives are often cut short, and not allowed their Constitutional right to “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness”, but there are many benefits for the nation and the individual by serving one’s country.
The Sniper Character Analysis
1344 Words | 6 PagesWhat complications and new characters have been introduced in Section 2? (5-10 complete sentences) “The Sniper” has gotten much more interesting; many more characters have been introduced and the plot has progressed. Tania has been recruited as a sniper by the general, and begins training with Lieutenant Zaitsev. Important supporting characters Tania trains and bonds with are: Tolya (a bushy eyebrowed boy with kind blue eyes) and Lena (a Jewish girl separated from her family).
How Do You Respond To The Sniper Essay
970 Words | 4 PagesThe Sniper” –by Liam O’Flaherty 1) The year is 1922; you are sitting on the top of a building with rifle in your hand. You haven’t eaten in days, and probably will not for another few. You look around nervously, knowing you could be killed at any moment. One wrong move, one plan not correctly thought out, and you are done for. This is exactly what the sniper is going through over the course of the narrative.
A Rhetorical Analysis Of Leonard Pitts Article
459 Words | 2 PagesPitts uses emotion and logic to persuade the Americans that the terrorists can do what they want to us, but America is tough enough to handle it. In life everyone comforts each other in times of grieving. Pitts explains that this one small obstacle can 't stop
Saving Private Ryan Contradicts Hollywood's Perspective Of War
1635 Words | 7 PagesThe movie Saving Private Ryan contradicts Hollywood’s perspective of war being something that is viewed as valiant, heroic, and admirable for the audiences. Instead it draws elements of grueling severity, vigorous realism, and demoralizing codification, making Saving Private Ryan a film that resonates with audiences not only in an impactful way, but also meant to bring about awareness during World War II’s depressing events and tragedies. Steven Speilberg created the movie in 1998 and set it during the events of WWII, where Speilberg is known for similar works such as Schindler’s List and The Last Days. The plot focuses on Captain Miller, a simple English teacher born in Pennsylvania, and his unit of average war soldiers. The writer of the
John Anderton Comparison
497 Words | 2 PagesIn the movie, Leo Crow isn’t even the villain, I’d give those compliments to the old guy. Kaplan is the real enemy here, who wants to overthrow the entire system. The Army were the real bad guys here, which immediately explains why the story changed so much. In the US, the Army is highly looked upon and making them seem like bad guys would’ve cost them a dozen of bad reviews. If you even think about the success of American Sniper last year, then consider what would’ve happened if the Army were not heroes but villains.
Theme Of War In Liam O 'Faherty's The Sniper'
1116 Words | 5 PagesWithout craft moves made by the author, the story wouldn’t even be a legitimate story, just some thoughts put together. Two out of the many very important craft moves in The Sniper are the setting/time period and the point of view. The setting and time period is very crucial to The Sniper. The book takes place in Dublin, the capital of Ireland, during the Irish Civil War. In the beginning of the story, the author paints a very clear picture of the setting, allowing you to vividly imagine the conditions that they are in during the short story.
Saving Private Ryan Cultural Analysis
870 Words | 4 PagesThe freedom and the safety of the homeland is the key figure in patriotism and in order to provide a concrete security, a nation should have a strong army. This is the main reason of why Americans feel attached to their army. As a movie, “Saving Private Ryan” touches upon the patriotic culture of the United States, Steven Spielberg as the director of the movie narrates a mission about saving an American mother’s last child. Private Ryan’s other brother are all died in the war, so it is important for the government to ensure Ryan’s return safely to his mother. In the movie
Action Without Thought In 'The Sniper'
624 Words | 3 PagesLiam O’Flaherty’s realistic fiction story, “The Sniper” takes place in Dublin, Ireland. The main character is a sniper fighting a civil war. He is on the Republican side who is fighting against the Free Staters. He does not put a lot of thought into his actions and it ends up costing him something big in the end. By using irony and description O’Flaherty shows that action without thought can lead to serious repercussions.
Steven Spielberg's Use Of Happy Endings In Hollywood
2066 Words | 9 PagesIt is undeniable that the enemy never win over the protagonist, and this construction is not only happens in Hollywood war cinema but in most of popular culture product. In Hollywood war cinema itself the "happy ending" closure is used to offer redemption to the loss in the actual war (Kellner, p. 6). Sometimes the “happy ending” is also to promote the ideology that “us” the good guys always win over “evil”. Many movies are intended to glorify the WWII with happy endings for example in Steven Spielberg’s Saving Private Ryan (1998), Terrence Malik’s The Thin Red Line (1998) and Michael Bay’s Pearl Harbor (2001) (Kabiling, 2010). These war movies serves as a mean to light up the Americans spirit in seeing the war.
How Did Apocalypse Now Influence The Representation Of War In Vietnam
3005 Words | 13 PagesAmerican films regarding the Vietnam War have a strong connection to their attitudes, views and overall emotions that were present during the time that they were produced. War films serve as a reflection of historical memories that shape public perception and views of the war through their various depictions of events, characters and themes. Movies about the Vietnam war such as Platoon, Apocalypse Now, Full Metal Jacket and Jarhead explore the notions of moral ambiguity, disillusionment and a feeling of betrayal by the government. These films have gone against traditional movies that romanticize soldiers and provide the feeling of nationalism. These films in different ways continue to challenge the actions of the American government and.
More about Essay On American Sniper
Sands Of Iwo Jima Film Analysis
512 Words | 3 PagesVisual Analysis Of Pat Tillman
942 Words | 4 PagesAmerican Sniper And Slaughterhouse Five Comparison
742 Words | 3 PagesDiversity During Ww2
507 Words | 3 PagesMilitary Draft Benefits
982 Words | 4 PagesThe Sniper Character Analysis
1344 Words | 6 PagesHow Do You Respond To The Sniper Essay
970 Words | 4 PagesA Rhetorical Analysis Of Leonard Pitts Article
459 Words | 2 PagesSaving Private Ryan Contradicts Hollywood's Perspective Of War
1635 Words | 7 PagesJohn Anderton Comparison
497 Words | 2 PagesTheme Of War In Liam O 'Faherty's The Sniper'
1116 Words | 5 PagesSaving Private Ryan Cultural Analysis
870 Words | 4 PagesAction Without Thought In 'The Sniper'
624 Words | 3 PagesSteven Spielberg's Use Of Happy Endings In Hollywood
2066 Words | 9 PagesHow Did Apocalypse Now Influence The Representation Of War In Vietnam
3005 Words | 13 Pages