As a seasoned film buff who has seen more movies than I can count and survived the tumultuous 2024 cinematic landscape, I must say that A24’s masterpiece, Civil War, ranks among my top favorites this year. However, I initially found myself puzzled by a particular scene during its climactic ending, which left some critics scratching their heads – including the esteemed YouTuber Chris Stuckmann.
ATTENTION: The forthcoming content reveals significant plot points of the movie “Civil War,” directed by Alex Garland. Proceed with caution if you haven’t watched it yet.
Following my long-awaited viewing of Civil War through my Max subscription, I must admit it has easily secured a spot among my favorite films of 2024 thus far. However, there was an instant where I felt slightly bewildered, and it turned out that some fellow critics shared my sentiments.
In the climactic sequence of the movie set during the Civil War, the usually objective and distant war photographer, Lee Smith, played by Kirsten Dunst, experiences a profound emotional collapse as she documents the Western Forces’ invasion of the White House. Upon reconsideration, this previously puzzling incident aligns perfectly with my understanding and I believe it is one of the most impactful moments in the film that received a five-star review from Mike Reyes in his “Civil War” critique. Let me clarify why…
I Think Lee’s Breakdown Is A Natural Character Development
In the film “Civil War”, as we’re introduced to Lee Smith, a photojournalist, she appears devoid of emotion. Despite the grim situations she and colleagues Joel (Wagner Moura) and Sammy (Stephen McKinley Henderson), along with aspiring photographer Jessie (Cailee Spaeny), encounter during their journey to Charlottesville, Lee shows little emotional response. After witnessing a man brutally kill an innocent prisoner, she tells her apprentice that detachment is an inherent aspect of the profession.
In other words, some critics find Lee’s sudden emotional breakdown during the Washington D.C. violence unexpected, much like YouTube user Chris Stuckmann. However, when you take into account her history marked by numerous tragedies – for instance, the loss of Sammy and a harrowing nighttime drive sequence – it appears as a logical evolution in Lee’s character development.
During the journey, she takes on a nurturing role towards Jessie, making her reconnect with her feelings more deeply. Consequently, for the first time in a while, she experiences genuine fear – not just for herself but for those she now views as her family amidst the tumultuous circumstances.
Lee’s Death Does Not Make Sense Without Her Breakdown
Initially, I shared your doubt about the impact of the scene where Lee sacrifices herself by standing in the path of danger to shield Jessie. But upon reflection, I believe it’s essential to consider her earlier emotional collapse to fully grasp the importance of that impactful scene.
It seems to me that Lee’s collapse might be a response to Jesse becoming numb to the violent environment she’s in. The sight of yet another young individual being influenced by this devastating conflict, someone Lee is acquainted with, becomes an unbearable burden for her at that moment.
It seems that her selfless act of sacrificing herself was likely done so that Jessie could take over her role as a war photographer. Lee must have recognized in Jessie the potential to excel, while she herself had lost her edge due to rekindling her emotional sensitivity.
Jessie’s Final Photo Is The Outcome Of Lee’s Mentorship
A point of contention often raised about the movie “Civil War” is its sudden ending, which immediately transitions to credits following the President’s (Nick Offerman) assassination by the Western Forces. Additionally, I find the photograph Jesse takes afterward, showing troops posing around the fallen fascist leader and grinning triumphantly, somewhat grim.
To clarify, I’m not expressing dissatisfaction with that situation. In fact, Jesse’s photograph capturing that awe-inspiring instant could be seen as an appropriate homage to her mentor.
Through everything Lee had previously instructed her, she was readied for an occasion where taking a decisive shot would undoubtedly cement her as a legend. This journey, it seems, demanded a certain sacrifice of her human empathy, which only serves to strengthen the point Alex Garland aims to convey in this film.
I concur with Mike Reyes from TopMob that one of the most powerful elements of the movie “Civil War” lies in its unpolitical portrayal of the subject matter. This not only broadens the story’s appeal by accommodating various viewpoints, but it also underscores the main theme of the film: war is a horrific experience, and we fervently hope that America never experiences such divisiveness to the extent that it leads to a dystopian catastrophe.
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2024-11-17 19:07