Alex Garland's "Civil War" is a thought-provoking film that explores the impact of conflict and the ethics of journalism on individuals.
The film is trying to portray a potential civil war that could occur due to the far right politics of the Trump era. So we have the Left fighting the Right and vice versa and Garland seems to be warning Americans that this polarization of society and politics makes the country vulnerable for an internal conflict possibly leading to a civil war.
In the movie, the despotic federal government, led by a re-elected president, is fighting to maintain its control over the nation. They use force to quell any opposition or secessionist movements, viewing them as threats to their authority.
As for the secessionist movements, these groups are fighting for the right to break away from the federal government and establish their own independent states or regions. They harbor deep resentment towards the federal government for perceived injustices, overreach, and disregard for their needs and concerns.
It's important to note that the film doesn't present a clear-cut morality tale. Instead, it delves into the gray areas of the conflict, highlighting the blurred lines between right and wrong, victim and perpetrator.
As for the human cost of conflict, the movie vividly portrays the brutality and suffering caused by war, highlighting the impact on both civilians and soldiers.
Garland also explores the individual in a chaotic world; the film focuses on the experiences of individual characters caught up in the conflict, exploring their struggles for survival and meaning in a world gone mad.
He challenges the viewer to question the nature of reality and the truth. He suggests that the truth is often elusive and subject to interpretation.
The team of war journalists, the protagonists of the film, are driven by a desire to uncover the truth and hold those in power accountable for their actions. They aim to humanize the conflict by showing the suffering of ordinary people caught in the crossfire and the moral complexities of the situation.
Taking into consideration the factor of journalistic ethics, the film delves into the complexities of objective reporting in a chaotic environment. It raises questions about the extent to which journalists should be involved in the stories they cover.
The film examines the role and power of the media to shape public opinion and influence the course of events. It questions the responsibility of journalists to report on conflict in a way that is both accurate and ethical.
This is a powerful and disturbing film that offers a unique perspective on the human cost of conflict and the role of journalism in a divided world. It is a film that stayed with me long after the credits rolled.
