The Drone Thriller ‘Good Kill’ Perfectly Reflects Modern Warfare

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As a military veteran who has served multiple tours of duty, I can wholeheartedly say that “Good Kill” is a film that resonates deeply with me. The movie delves into the ethical complexities and psychological toll that modern warfare takes on those who are tasked with carrying out its orders – a reality that is often overlooked in our society’s glorification of military service.

Ethan Hawke’s portrayal of Tommy Egan, a drone pilot struggling to reconcile his duty and conscience, is nothing short of masterful. His performance captures the anguish and frustration felt by many who are forced to make life-altering decisions from the comfort of their air-conditioned trailers while those on the ground bear the brunt of their actions.

What sets “Good Kill” apart from other war films is its minimalist setting, which mirrors the detachment that modern warfare can foster in those who fight it. The film forces us to confront the reality of combat in the digital age, where communication turns to mush and the language and acronyms we hear every day are designed to make the ritual of killing a bunch of strangers feel as mundane as deciding to buy an office chair online with a mouse-click.

While I may not agree with Egan’s actions in the film, “Good Kill” accomplishes what it sets out to do: make us think. The issues explored in this movie are real, but there is no easy answer – just more questions. As someone who has served, I can attest that these questions linger long after the credits roll.

So, next time you’re sitting comfortably on your couch, scrolling through your favorite streaming service, remember the men and women like Tommy Egan who are making life-altering decisions from thousands of miles away. And as they say in the military, watch your six! (Just make sure it’s not the sky you’re watching…)

In the realm of contemporary combat, many Americans don’t envision a climate-controlled structure smack in the heart of the Nevada desert, where a soldier maneuvers a drone while being 7,400 miles apart. This is due to the rapid progression in military technology that allows for effortlessly identifying and neutralizing targets as if it were just another level on a video game. The 2014 war drama Good Kill, penned and directed by Andrew Niccol, immerses viewers into this world of drones and anxiety, unraveling a complex tangle of moral quandaries that, alarmingly, resonate with stark reality.

In a marked shift from his recent portrayal of sinister characters, Ethan Hawke takes center stage as Air Force Major Tommy Egan. Unlike his usual roles, Major Egan is a pilot who’s been reallocated to operate unmanned drones during the War on Terror. By day (night in Afghanistan), he commutes from his suburban home with a spouse and two children, to a secluded location where he pilots the armed MQ-9 Reaper drones, particularly during the nighttime hours.

‘Good Kill’ Brings Drone Issues to the Forefront

In the storyline, a moral dilemma arises as the CIA assumes control of Egan’s tasks. The instructions become less concrete, leading to a concerning diminishment or even disregard for the possibility of civilian harm. Instead of focusing on known adversaries, Egan is instructed to aim his drone at hospitals, funerals, and innocent civilians – all under the guidance of the U.S. administration.

It’s understandable that continuously bombing innocent people from afar, while watching it all on a screen, can have a profound impact on a person’s mental health, as depicted in the movie “Good Kill”. This heavy burden of responsibility takes a toll on Egan, leading him to develop an alcohol addiction that threatens his marriage and family life. The movie effectively portrays this growing sense of existential despair within Hawke’s character, causing a sinking feeling in viewers’ stomachs that is far more impactful than the typical explosions, camaraderie, and patriotic themes often seen in Hollywood war movies.

During an interview with Cinephiled, filmmaker Niccol stated that every event depicted in the movie truly occurred in reality. He explained, “The film shows no strikes that haven’t been recorded. We have filmed funerals of those who were struck, we have filmed weddings interrupted by strikes, and we have filmed first responders affected by strikes.” It was crucial to him that the film accurately portray the genuine ethical quandaries arising from technology-based warfare, particularly in today’s 21st century. Good Kill is one of numerous films exploring the War on Terror, but its focus on drone strikes sets it apart as unique, relevant, and intellectually stimulating.

Is Drone Operation Much Different From Gaming?

Over the past few decades, debates have periodically arisen concerning whether playing violent video games might be causing people to become less sensitive towards real-world violence. These discussions influenced aspects of Niccol’s portrayal in Good Kill. In his interview, he stated that when he spoke with younger drone operators, they admitted to engaging in remote combat and then returning home to play their violent video games in Las Vegas apartments.

As someone who has served in the military and experienced real-life combat, I can attest to the stark contrast between operating a drone and playing a video game like Call of Duty. While it may seem like just another level or mission when you’re launching a drone towards an Afghan village, the reality is far from a game.

The consequences of our actions are immediate, irreversible, and often heart-wrenchingly real. The people we target aren’t just pixels on a screen but actual lives with families and loved ones. This is something that can never be fully grasped by those who haven’t been there.

In Good Kill, Lieutenant Colonel Jack Johns (Bruce Greenwood) captures this sentiment perfectly when he says, “The brass don’t want to admit it, but half of you were recruited in malls precisely because you’re a bunch of gamers.” However, the line between gaming and reality quickly fades as the weight of responsibility settles on your shoulders.

In my opinion, the experience of being a drone operator is a unique blend of technology and human emotion that can never be fully understood without stepping into the boots of those who serve in this capacity. It’s a constant struggle to reconcile the need for national security with the knowledge that our actions have real-world consequences.

There Are Still Psychological Repercussions

Though it might seem less intense to commit acts of violence while playing video games compared to witnessing them directly, the film underscores the profound impact such actions can have on those involved. Tom Hardy’s portrayal of Egan in the movie demonstrates that one doesn’t necessarily need to pull a trigger or be exposed to graphic violence to develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder from war experiences.

As a veteran who has seen my fair share of war and its aftermath, I can attest to the chilling truth that “Good Kill” explores: the erosion of morals among those in power, distancing themselves so far from the realities of war that they reduce government-sanctioned mass murder to a mundane task on their daily to-do list. This disconnect between the decision-makers and us soldiers on the ground, and our targets, feels insurmountable at times. It leaves no single individual accountable for the outcomes, allowing everyone to conveniently point fingers at some greater entity instead. Government agencies may not be burdened with human conscience, but they certainly reap the consequences of their actions, even if it’s just in the form of statistics and reports that never truly capture the full extent of human suffering.

Tommy Egan’s Ethical Shift Is Unrealistic

Eventually, Egan’s growing anger reaches its peak, prompting him to take decisive action. He dispenses justice according to his personal beliefs, fed up with witnessing evil individuals committing heinous acts without consequences while being compelled to target largely innocent groups. Instead of unquestioningly obeying the orders given by the institution that educated him, he decides to act on his own sense of right and wrong. However, the movie strays from reality in this aspect, as it’s extremely uncommon for Air Force personnel to defy direct orders based on personal moral convictions, and such actions would indeed be considered treasonous.

Andrew Niccol & Ethan Hawke Create a Powerful Story

Regardless of personal opinions on Egan’s actions, the movie “Good Kill” successfully achieves its goal: it stimulates viewers to ponder. The themes presented in the film are authentic and complex, offering no straightforward solution. Instead, it raises more questions. Niccol has a knack for delving into ethical quandaries in mainstream films like “Gattaca,” starring Ethan Hawke, and “The Truman Show.” This production is another intellectually engaging piece in his repertoire. He skillfully condenses a vast subject into manageable segments, narrating the tale of many through one individual.

As a long-time admirer of Ethan Hawke’s acting skills, I must say that his portrayal in this film truly brings the story to life. The way he shares the screen with Zoë Kravitz, who delivers one of her best performances as Vera Suarez, is a testament to their on-screen chemistry. However, it’s Hawke who carries the weight of the movie almost single-handedly due to its minimalist setting.

This isn’t an easy task, but Hawke manages to build tension without relying on action. His performance is so powerful that it leaves a lasting impression. In his review for RogerEbert.com, Matt Zoller Seitz aptly summed up the impact of Hawke’s acting: “Hawke’s ability to convey emotion and create tension with minimal dialogue and action is nothing short of masterful.” As someone who has followed Hawke’s career closely, I couldn’t agree more. His performances continue to amaze me, and this one is no exception.

As a cinema enthusiast, I find Egan’s predicament eerily reminiscent of both Orwell and Kafka. The words and jargon that once flowed freely in my ears now seem to disintegrate into meaningless mush. The daily rituals of sanctioning the deaths of strangers from afar, a distance measured not in miles but in clicks and keystrokes, have been stripped of their gravity, reduced to the mundane choice of ordering an office chair online.

Experience the gripping reality of contemporary warfare as portrayed by Niccol’s vision and Hawke’s talent in “Good Kill.” The film makes you grapple with the raw emotions and trauma, making it seem almost tangible, even on a screen. Don’t miss out; catch “Good Kill” for free on Pluto TV through the link provided below: [Link]

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2024-12-30 04:32