Post 1, Reviewing the Arts

Charlie Wilson's War


This film is based on a true story about a Congressman's initiative during the Cold War. It was written by Aaron Sorkin, the writer behind most of the West Wing series. Like the West Wing TV show, this film is all about the dialogue. The dialoge is intelligent, fast, witty and sharp. If you zone out (which would be difficult to do in this film) you will miss a lot very quickly. The performance's of Tom Hanks and Phillip Seymore Hoffman are top notch, they both really immerse themselves in thier characters. In response to the trailers and previews for Charlie Wilson's war, many questioned the filmmakers for producing a movie that essentially glorifyies the middle east at this time, with our country in its current state. However, actually watching the movie clears up those questions. This film isn't about the Cold war, or the Congressman. It is about what happened after all of that. And even though there are only about 5 mins worth of "post war" time on screen, it is apparent that this is the whole point of the film. It is a very powerful message, and we should all hope that history fails to repeat itself.