It is well known that war films make up for poor reporting.
Brian De Palma's Redacted, arguably the most shocking feature yet about events in Iraq (about to hit theatres) is using a documentary style to tell the true story of the gang rape and murder of an Iraqi girl by U.S. troops in 2006. Paul Haggis also based In The Valley Of Elah on true events linked to the war, although, unlike De Palma's cast of unknown actors, he employed major stars Tommy Lee Jones, Charlize Theron and Susan Sarandon.
Both film makers have attacked mainstream media for their coverage of the Iraq war and events leading to it. During the Vietnam war there were terrific journalists doing their job, reporting on things that no one wanted to hear.
Many in the U.S. media admit that reporting of the war, and particularly the failure to question the reasons given for it, left much to be desired. Many recent films dealing with wars in Iraq, Afghanistan and the repercussions of the September 11 attacks have failed to find an audience, including those who feature top talent. In The Valley Of Elah earned just $9 million at the box office worldwide. Rendition, a film about detaining terrorism suspects and starring Reese Witherspoon, earned $15 million globally, while audiences for Lions For Lambs, with Tom Cruise in an Afghan war-themed plot, have been disappointing, according to reports.
Both film makers have attacked mainstream media for their coverage of the Iraq war and events leading to it. During the Vietnam war there were terrific journalists doing their job, reporting on things that no one wanted to hear.
Many in the U.S. media admit that reporting of the war, and particularly the failure to question the reasons given for it, left much to be desired. Many recent films dealing with wars in Iraq, Afghanistan and the repercussions of the September 11 attacks have failed to find an audience, including those who feature top talent. In The Valley Of Elah earned just $9 million at the box office worldwide. Rendition, a film about detaining terrorism suspects and starring Reese Witherspoon, earned $15 million globally, while audiences for Lions For Lambs, with Tom Cruise in an Afghan war-themed plot, have been disappointing, according to reports.
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