The Fog of War depicts the controversial figure of Robert McNamara as an introspective, sympathetic, and complex individual whose aim is to pass on the knowledge of his military and life experiences. Director Morris assists in McNamara's purpose, exposing the inevitable mistakes of war and nuclear weapons with disturbing footage, intense music, and a focus on pathos. These grant McNamara's points with more validity as the audience can attempt to see things from the perspective of a man trying to do what's right in the midst of war.
In the film, war is described as a form of human nature that is so complex that we cannot comprehend it, resulting in inaccurate and unnecessary deaths. Morris develops this theme with evil "warmonger" portrayals of military officials such as LeMay, perhaps aloof depictions of government officials, and a generally inactive public during the destructive decades of the various wars. Though McNamara explains the devastation of war and the actions of the Pentagon, of which he was apart of and responsible for, he is not arguing against war or apologizing for his career. Because he believes that war cannot be eliminated, McNamara advocates minimizing war and the killing of people, including abandoning the practice of nuclear warfare. However, in no part of the film does McNamara directly state that he is solely held responsible for some of the mistakes of the Vietnam War, and instead explains such passively as lessons to be learned for all of us.
With extended metaphors, dramatic music, and profound use of powerful visuals, Morris does an exquisite job of exhibiting McNamara and his ideas, whilst exposing his audience to the bitter reality of war. No matter your view of Robert McNamara, I recommend watching this film if not for any reason but to understand his point of view in such a controversial time in history. Awareness of the mistakes of war will help us either avoid them in the future or fight for what's right, and the Fog of War makes that clear to audiences around the world. Though some atrocities cannot be eliminated, how we conduct ourselves and our powers can be changed for the better, for the future.
In the film, war is described as a form of human nature that is so complex that we cannot comprehend it, resulting in inaccurate and unnecessary deaths. Morris develops this theme with evil "warmonger" portrayals of military officials such as LeMay, perhaps aloof depictions of government officials, and a generally inactive public during the destructive decades of the various wars. Though McNamara explains the devastation of war and the actions of the Pentagon, of which he was apart of and responsible for, he is not arguing against war or apologizing for his career. Because he believes that war cannot be eliminated, McNamara advocates minimizing war and the killing of people, including abandoning the practice of nuclear warfare. However, in no part of the film does McNamara directly state that he is solely held responsible for some of the mistakes of the Vietnam War, and instead explains such passively as lessons to be learned for all of us.
With extended metaphors, dramatic music, and profound use of powerful visuals, Morris does an exquisite job of exhibiting McNamara and his ideas, whilst exposing his audience to the bitter reality of war. No matter your view of Robert McNamara, I recommend watching this film if not for any reason but to understand his point of view in such a controversial time in history. Awareness of the mistakes of war will help us either avoid them in the future or fight for what's right, and the Fog of War makes that clear to audiences around the world. Though some atrocities cannot be eliminated, how we conduct ourselves and our powers can be changed for the better, for the future.