I just saw Charlie Wilson's war this afternoon and I am at a complete total loss as to how the movie promotes "left wing propaganda." In fact, the movie slickly moves the audience to cheer heartily for a hawkish prosecution of the cold war and the defeat of the Soviets.
The movie rightly suggests that the US should have remained engaged in Afghanistan after the Cold War--that is conventional wisdom not some sort of lefty trope. Charlie Wilson's War is a good movie...might I suggest that folks go see something prior to posting a critique.
I have to agree with Jeff. I think the officials just saw Aaron Sorkin's name and their "West Wing" alarms went off.
I just got back from seeing it myself. There's very little political in it at all. The only time Reagan's name comes up is when Wilson, at the end, mentions how he got a Democratic Congress to line up behind a Republican President. As for the idea that the CIA armed al Qaeda, the movie clearly shows the CIA planners deciding to target the funding to the Northern Alliance of Shah Massoud, who of course was the most effective fighter of not only the Soviets, but the Taliban. And finally, the movie doesn't blame the CIA for setting up September 11, but rather blames Congress (D,R, other) for not giving a shit once the Soviets left.
Jeff's also right that it's a good movie that I recommend all should go see, if for no other reason than to enjoy the actors, story, and yes, the script.
Sorry Jeff, I haven't had the time to go see the movie yet. I thought the critique of the film might create a little debate over the topic...didn't mean to imply that I was passing judgement on the film yet. Just thought it was an interesting review.
Actually, I meant to criticize the review--not the post. It was poor writing on my part--I have just been a bit stunned by the right's vitriol against a movie.
Great movie. I saw it as a great argument for our staying in Iraq over the last few years.
I ask this question strictly for informational purposes, not from a partisan standpoint: How do Charlie Wilson's actions differ from what went down in the Iran-Contra Affair?
7 comments:
I just saw Charlie Wilson's war this afternoon and I am at a complete total loss as to how the movie promotes "left wing propaganda." In fact, the movie slickly moves the audience to cheer heartily for a hawkish prosecution of the cold war and the defeat of the Soviets.
The movie rightly suggests that the US should have remained engaged in Afghanistan after the Cold War--that is conventional wisdom not some sort of lefty trope. Charlie Wilson's War is a good movie...might I suggest that folks go see something prior to posting a critique.
I have to agree with Jeff. I think the officials just saw Aaron Sorkin's name and their "West Wing" alarms went off.
I just got back from seeing it myself. There's very little political in it at all. The only time Reagan's name comes up is when Wilson, at the end, mentions how he got a Democratic Congress to line up behind a Republican President. As for the idea that the CIA armed al Qaeda, the movie clearly shows the CIA planners deciding to target the funding to the Northern Alliance of Shah Massoud, who of course was the most effective fighter of not only the Soviets, but the Taliban. And finally, the movie doesn't blame the CIA for setting up September 11, but rather blames Congress (D,R, other) for not giving a shit once the Soviets left.
Jeff's also right that it's a good movie that I recommend all should go see, if for no other reason than to enjoy the actors, story, and yes, the script.
Sorry Jeff, I haven't had the time to go see the movie yet. I thought the critique of the film might create a little debate over the topic...didn't mean to imply that I was passing judgement on the film yet. Just thought it was an interesting review.
G-Rob:
Actually, I meant to criticize the review--not the post. It was poor writing on my part--I have just been a bit stunned by the right's vitriol against a movie.
No offense taken. I'm definitely going to go see the movie on yours and Mark's recommendations. Happy Holidays!
Great movie. I saw it as a great argument for our staying in Iraq over the last few years.
I ask this question strictly for informational purposes, not from a partisan standpoint: How do Charlie Wilson's actions differ from what went down in the Iran-Contra Affair?
anyone?
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