Cast
View AllSpiro Agnew
as Self (archive footage)
Dwight D. Eisenhower
as Self (archive footage)
Hubert H. Humphrey
as Self (archive footage)
Lyndon B. Johnson
as Self (archive footage)
Gerald Ford
as Self (archive footage)
John F. Kennedy
as Self (archive footage)
Ted Kennedy
as Self (archive footage)
Martin Luther King Jr.
as Self (archive footage)
Henry Kissinger
as Self (archive footage)
Robert McNamara
as Self (archive footage)
Richard Nixon
as Self (archive footage)
Crew
Director
- Barry Alexander Brown
- Glenn Silber
Producer
- Glenn Silber
- Barry Alexander Brown
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
The War at Home represents a fascinating example of Documentary/War cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Barry Alexander Brown brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1979, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The War at Home took approximately 17 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 100 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 141 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 79 unique compositions.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 1979, when this film was released:
- Disco music dominated popular culture.
- The Watergate scandal changed public perception of political institutions.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The War at Home shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Lost World of the Seventies, which focuses more on action than character development, The War at Home offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The Great Dictator and Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb explore similar territory, The War at Home stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: December 1, 1979
- Runtime: 1h 40m
Where to Watch

