Greenzone

I found this movie disturbing. Not in the “scary movie that really creeped me out” way, but in the “this happened, and the U.S. did it” way. The story may be fiction, but the circumstances are not. I found myself completely disgusted with the bombings and destruction shown in this film. The jarring scene in the prison where Iraqis were kept and tortured was almost too terrible to watch. And the constant reminder that there were no weapons of mass destruction, and that there was no legal reason for the U.S. to intervene and suddenly decide which people they should “punish” reinforced all the negative feelings about the U.S.’s choice. No matter which political party you are a part of here, I don’t think you can watch this movie without seriously questioning not only our government’s actions, but also our lack of response to these actions. The public was largely aware of what was going on in Iraq, perhaps not to the full extent, but the rest we could have pretty easily surmised. I think that this effect was the biggest accomplishment of the movie. Certainly the plot was entertaining to watch and the acting was quality, but the gruesome reality of what the situation in Iraq was and is stays with you after you leave the theater.

Although the intent of making the movie look more like a documentary with the handheld camera work was good, the actual effect was overwhelming. Often it actually hurt my eyes to look at the screen. Even though this technique was irritating, it accomplished its overall goal of simulating reality. It gives the feeling that you are running behind the soldiers on their missions and puts you in their shoes. Matt Damon played an excellent good guy, but the movie’s ability to leave you questioning what is good and bad added some dimension to the character. I think I respected Damon more for being a part of a movie with such an intense message than for his acting necessarily. If you go, expect more than the average Damon action flick.