'American Sniper' Review

Anti-war or pro-war?

Many critics and filmgoers have been asking the same question ever since buzz began generating over Clint Eastwood's new film, 'American Sniper', this past fall. It's a question I, myself was wondering before going to the theater. Given Eastwood's right-winged ideals coming into the limelight over the past couple years, one could think this film advocates the act of war, rather than criticizing it. However, Eastwood has adapted Chris Kyle's autobiographical novel in a brutal, yet safe manner, allowing all sides of the spectrum to have a more shared experience. 'American Sniper' is basically a character study, not allowing politics to get in the way of its narrative. And to my surprise, it works very well.

'American Sniper' is based on the true life story of Navy SEAL Chris Kyle (played by Bradley Cooper) who has been given the title of the deadliest sniper in history. Racking up 160 confirmed kills between his four tours in Iraq, Kyle rightfully earned the nickname "Legend". However, 'American Sniper' (both Kyle's novel, and the film) tends to go back and forth from the violent battles to the soldier's turmoil at home. We see him as a boy, hunting with his father in Texas. Later as a young man, having troubles with girlfriends. Then eventually his training to become a SEAL, meeting his wife, having a child, and losing friends on the battlefield. 

Bradley Cooper carries this movie. There's barely a shot without him. His performance as Chris Kyle is completely transformative, and continues to prove that he's one of the best mainstream actors working today. Chris is a tough, intense, yet subdued human being who loves his country so much, that he won't admit when something has left him mentally scarred, and Cooper plays each of these attributes with the utmost sincerity. Sienna Miller as Kyle's wife also turns in a fine performance, allowing many of the sequences between she and her husband to be raw and some of the film's finest moments. 

At eighty-four years old, Eastwood still has an eye for directing action sequences with the same amount of intensity and grit as he did when he made 'The Outlaw Josey Wales' in 1976. 'American Sniper' possesses some of the most intense firefights I've seen since last year's 'Blue Ruin'. Bullets endlessly whizz by the head's of our protagonists, and due to the expert sound design (best experienced in IMAX cinemas) you feel as if you are on the ground with these troops. One sequence involving a giant sandstorm compromising one of Kyle's last missions is terrifically paced, and insanely nerve wracking. I also admire that Eastwood didn't feel the need to tell this battle heavy story with the use of intense shaky cam. The camera is close-quarters and most definitely handheld, however it does not feel as if the camera man is having a seizure, and the action is easy to see. 

The movie is not without its flaws. The low humming music is overused at times. Not all the dialogue hits. Some short sequences seem to make the military the traditional "good guys" even when they're participating in questionable actions. Some of the PTSD elements are glossed over, and it could've been about five minutes tighter. Yet, none of these problems are glaring enough to change my opinion on the flick.

'American Sniper' is one of Eastwood's far more intriguing films of the past decade. It's not flawless, but when it works, it REALLY works. Don't go into the film looking for the director to make a statement and take a side on the issue. You'll be disappointed. Instead, realize that it's a character study of one brave man who would stop at nothing to succeed in helping the greater good.

A violent, intense, yet respectful look at the men who put their lives on the line for their country.

Grade: B+

Review by: Josh McCormack