Clint Eastwood’s latest blockbuster hit, American Sniper, follows the life of Chris Kyle (played by Bradley Cooper) based on a true story, with much of its content pulled directly from Kyle’s memoirs.
Eastwood determinedly sidesteps much of the political and moral debate surrounding the Iraq war and instead presents us with the more personal and engaging view of events as seen through the sights of an man, born and raised in Texas with strong ideals of God, country and family. A man who many people consider a true hero and patriot, and who went on to become known as the deadliest marksmen in US military history.
A gifted hunter from a young age, Kyle is taught by his farther to be a ‘sheepdog’ that protects the ‘sheep’ from the ‘wolves’. This is at the root of his character in his adult life and sets the underlying tone for the whole film. As events in the Middle East escalate, Kyle feels compelled to enlist in the SEALs as a sniper and do his part to protect his country.
Bradley Charles Cooper – Hollywood’s Golden Boy
Quickly named as a Legend by his fellow troops, his reputation grows on both sides. The American troops feel almost invulnerable knowing he is watching over them adding to his image as a protector and fuelling his urge to return on future tours. Conversely he becomes a top priority target for the Iraqi insurgents raking up an $80,000 reward on his head. Seemingly unperturbed by his ever growing bounty he returns to duty multiple times without flinching. He sees it as his duty to protect American lives, this is the job he’s decided to uptake and he continues to for fill it unwaveringly to the best of his ability, which, as it turns out, happens to be pretty good.
The more engaging side of the film attempts to give us some insight into his mind and the thoughts behind his actions, allowing us to see him not as a mindless killing machine, but as someone who understands the consequences of his actions and is prepared to carry the weight of what he believes he has to do.
This weight inevitably grows to become a burden. Kyle goes on an ever increasing number of tours to Iraq, drawn back by his sense of duty to his fellow soldiers whose lives he protects. As time progresses Bradley Cooper does a fantastic job of slowly but surely showing us the growing cost Kyle has to pay for his service, not only for himself but for his wife and child he leaves behind each time.
I would certainly rate this a successful documentation of his journey. At times moving, always insightful, it’s a return to full power for the directing abilities of Eastwood. Recommended.
Author – Alex, Sheffield store
