#140RVW
Very original heist film, set in Gulf War, provides unique look at hard to pin down time in history. DP Sigel creates visual masterpiece…
What’s more:
The polarizing subject matter likely keeps people away from this one, which is entirely their own loss. Regardless of your feelings about the Gulf War, it remains a unique and interesting time, and this film may be the most original viewpoint on it. I personally don’t consider this to be a political or message-based war movie. I think there is something of great merit whether you supported the war or not; the movie may have a message, but it’s not a message movie.
The premise is great; good enough that when writer/director/prima donna David O. Russell heard the idea for a story by John Ridley called “Spoils of War” about a Gulf War heist, he immediately sat down and wrote the story of Three Kings. Allegedly that’s all this movie has in common with Ridley’s story, but he still was given credit for coming up with the story. We’ll probably never know the full story.
But what a great setting. It can’t really be called a backdrop for the heist story; more of a character or even the story itself.
The acting is excellent. Clooney had truly become a leading man with Out of Sight the year before, but he ups his game and turns in a great acting performance here. Marky Mark & Ice Cube are both surprisingly effective; probably the last time anyone looked at Wahlberg as an “aspiring” actor. But Spike Jonze is a revelation…
The look of the film is its most unique feature. Cinematographer Newton Thomas Sigel deserved an Oscar nod at least for a truly original picture. Shot on different stocks, including transparent, to replicate the look of the newspaper reporting of the war, he uses filters and color timing and a variety of techniques to keep up with the constantly changing moods and settings.
Great audio work here, as well, bringing a realism and grittiness while avoiding the usual war movie effects.
Poster:
Trailer:
Bechdel Test:
FAIL