Cast
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Brad Pitt
as Gen. Glen McMahon
Anthony Michael Hall
as Greg Pulver
Emory Cohen
as Willy Dunne
John Magaro
as Cory Staggart
Topher Grace
as Matt Little
Daniel Betts
as Simon Ball
Aymen Hamdouchi
as Badi Basim
Alan Ruck
as Pat McKinnon
Anthony Hayes
as Pete Duckman
RJ Cyler
as Andy Moon
Nicholas Jones
as Dick Waddle
Will Poulter
as Ricky Ortega
LaKeith Stanfield
as Cpl. Billy Cole
Ben Kingsley
as President Karzai
Meg Tilly
as Jeannie McMahon
Crew
Director
- David Michôd
Producer
- Michael P. Flannigan
- Ted Sarandos
- Ian Bryce
- Jeremy Kleiner
- Brad Pitt
- Dede Gardner
Reviews
Horseface
It feels like there's a really good movie hidden somewhere in here, but perhaps not a comedy.
As far as the comedy goes, its biggest obstacle is Brad Pitt. I remember seeing another comedy with him in it, and I remember him being not particularly good. This time around it's even worse, and it's clear to me that the man doesn't have a funny bone at all.
There's plenty of comedic material in the script, as delivered by the supporting cast, but to be frank, Brad Pitt is simply terrible. I don't remember having seen him this poor, ever, and I'm really quite a fan of him. Why he fails so terribly to be funny, I'm not sure. Perhaps he lacks the ability to do self-ridicule, perhaps he tries too hard, perhaps he doesn't really get humour in the first place, you be the judge — I just know he's not funny. At all. They really should have done better casting here. Lots of obvious candidates that would be better, and probably cheaper, too.
Then there's the whole deal about it being a comedy in the first place. I don't consider myself a prune, but there are scenes in this film where the attempt at comedy just seems in awfully poor taste. Which is why I air the question of whether the "hidden good movie" in here should indeed be a comedy. The best scenes in War Machine most definitely aren't the funny ones, that's for sure.
Nov 2, 2020
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, War Machine examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director David Michôd 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 character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2017, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of War Machine took approximately 32 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $60.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 122 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 149 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 3 months to complete.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The musical score contains over 57 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 2017, when this film is released:
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While War Machine 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 Little Witch, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, War Machine subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like A Pinwheel Without Wind and The Bridge explore similar territory, War Machine 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: May 26, 2017
- Runtime: 2h 2m
- Budget: $60,000,000
Where to Watch
