Mike Nichols' Charlie Wilson's War
Starring Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, Philip Seymour Hoffman
Written by Aaron Sorkin, this 2007 film revolves around events in Afghanistan and the Soviet Union in the late 80s. Great performances, humor, mixed with serious events.
Charlie Wilson's War stars Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts and Philip Seymour Hoffman and despite its premise (politics! war!), there is nothing dry or dull about this film. Its moneymakers fear it may mirror other star-studded political thrillers from this year (e.g., Rendition, Lions For Lambs) and fall by the wayside. Charlie, however, has a perfect mix of humor and engaging drama. Having opened at #4 nationwide this week, an early demise may be unlikely (though as Julia Roberts' first film in four years and therefore a huge draw for fans, it will be worth watching for staying power).
Portraying Americans and the Real Charlie Wilson
The real Charlie Wilson took charge of a covert operation throughout most of the 80s to aid Afghanistan's freedom fighters with weapons to defeat the Soviet Union. His journey and passion to fight for what he believed in are the focus of this Aaron-Sorkin-penned film. The writing and flow are as expertly paced as the best episodes of The West Wing ever were. Charlie Wilson himself was hugely impressed with the film and many close to him found it emotionally moving. More can be read in an extensive interview he gave The Dallas Morning News.
The portrayal of America is quite refreshing in this film. As a country largely shown in the glowing rosy light of heroics and valiancy, it was a nice departure to be seen differently, more realistically. Wilson's initial trips overseas cast a vaguely bumbling light: there is no firsthand knowledge of what's at stake and no one has witnessed (though he soon does) the state of the refugees. America's wealth is direly needed, but no one has taken the trouble to learn more of the situation with--as Wilson's character states in the film, "a country fighting our enemies for us."
Small Flaws
Most of the performances, Hoffman especially, are nuanced and a pleasure to watch. Each is captivating--though in very different ways. Julia Roberts' character, a Houston socialite by the name of Joanne Herring, is an interesting screen presence, moreso even than the actress herself. Roberts does a fine portrayal, with the exception of her accent. Terribly inconsistent, the first on-screen meeting between Roberts and Hanks is completely lost, so distracting is her wavering accent. Before long, the character is more than enough to overcome such shortcomings. The New York Times said it best:
"Julia Roberts as golden as an Oscar statue, incarnates Ms. Herring as if paying tribute at once to Barbara Stanwyck and to the legions of anonymous Julia Roberts impersonators toiling in drag clubs across the land. I mean this entirely as praise: Not many movie stars have the wit or the moxie to embrace the camp elements of their own personas, and the character is clearly something of a performer in her own right."
A Must-See and an Oscar Nominee
Already nominated for 5 Golden Globes (as best pictures it's strangely in the comedy/musical category, though this may help secure it a win), it's a sure Oscar nominee for some of the major awards, including Best Screenplay Adaptation (it's based on a book), Best Actor (Hanks), Best Supporting Actor (Hoffman) and hopefully Best Picture. It may be too early to call Oscar nominations with some great films still coming out in wider release, but this one seems like an easy prediction to at least be a big contender in the race.
