"Eleven Lessons from the Life of Robert S. McNamara"

The Fog of War (2003): 7/10

Poster (c) Sony Pictures Classics

Documentaries are one of the most underused genres of film used today. There's an unlimited amount of material to show the public, and much to unearth. There are many styles of presenting it too, making it one of the most open genres, yet precious few movies are made like that. The Fog of War is certainly an interesting topic. Filmed by famed documentarian Errol Morris (The Thin Blue Line), it chronicles the life of former Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara, who served under the Kennedy and Johnson administrations.

I had not even heard of McNamara until I had heard of this movie, but since I had heard good things about it, I decided to go. What I got was more than just a documentary, I was actually learning stuff. I don't know much about that time in history, so it was an eye-opener. Although the film seemed a little long, it was never boring because McNamara seemed like a genuinely nice guy. Although he sent thousands and more to their deaths, he seemed like a normal man. He wasn't the type of person who would bore you to death, and I commend Morris for picking an interesting guy to make a documentary on. And I have to admit he didn't look half bad for an 85 year old.

The Fog of War is subtitled "Eleven Lessons from the Life of Robert S. McNamara". That's the film's major flaw. Although having titlecards flash up with each lesson, what McNamara said after each one often didn't make sense in the context of the "lessons". The entire "lesson" concept could have been done away with. Also, the general idea of McNamara speaking his mind on what he felt and why he did what he did is a great idea. He also backs up what others do. It seems almost like propaganda, sticking up for himself like this, but I digress.

Unlike other recent documentaries, The Fog of War isn't hard to watch. It's interesting and informative, and is helped by the aged charisma of the subject of the documentary. A strong movie all around.

Rated PG-13 for images and thematic issues of war and destruction.

Review Date: February 27, 2004