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Can HBO get the war right? Given the multitude of recent non-home box office failures on Iraq, the question is valid, and probably the first on the minds of those familiar with the real war and it's Hollywood history. Here at Mudville we'll do our own mini-series on the topic. This is episode four.
Previously: Take no prisoners, Potty mouths, and One for the corpse.
More from the book Generation Kill
These young men represent what is more or less America's first generation of disposable children. More than half of the guys in the platoon come from broken homes and were raised by absentee, single, working parents. Many are on more intimate terms with with video games, reality TV shows and internet porn than they are with their own parents. Before the "War on Terrorism" began, not a whole lot was expected of this generation other than the hope that those in it would squeak through high school without pulling too many more mass shootings in the manner of Columbine.I'd eliminate Haiti, and place the start perhaps at the actual beginning of the war in Iraq in 1990, but otherwise that sounds about right to me.But since the 9/11 attacks, the weight of America's "War on Terrorism" has fallen on their shoulders. For many in the platoon, their war started within hours of the Twin Towers falling, when they were loaded onto ships to begin preparing for missions in Afghanistan. They see the invasion of Iraq as simply another campaign in a war without end, which is pretty much what their commanders and their president have already told them. (Some in the military see the "War on Terrorism" merely as an acceleration of of the trend that started in the 1990s with Somalia, Haiti, Kosovo: America cementing it's role as global enforcer, the world's Dirty Harry.)
There are credible critiques of Wright's book from members of the unit, raising issues on his characterization of some senior ranking members of the team (of course, not those he had the most personal contact with - they were exceptional) as incompetent, cowardly, or worse. Not having been there I can't comment on those topics. Out of professional courtesy I'll point out you can find them here and here, (and another worthwhile discussion here) and add that I believe as with many other aspects of the book it's likely that a bit of dramatic license was applied. The "led by the incompetent" theme has has been a cliche of war stories for years - some authors will deliver what they believe the customer expects. But while Evan Wright will never be mistaken for Mike Yon (for instance, he doesn't provide action photos) I can recommend the book Generation Kill
Will the miniseries be worth anyone's time? I really hope it is. Two Marines from the unit served as advisers, and one - Rudy Reyez - actually plays himself in the series. No surprise - as a fellow (known smartass) Marine explains in the book: "It doesn't mean you're gay if you think Rudy's hot. He's just so beautiful... we all think he's hot."
But this interview with the series co-creator should certainly serve as a subtle hint to those looking for preservation of the book's unbiased account:
How did working on this series affect your perspective on the war?He should read the book Generation Kill (or just the excerpt in part one of our series) in which we learn that Saddam lied. Meh - some might argue that making money from war movies is also a crime, but others will point out that that's what makes America a great country.It didn't. I still hate it. It just makes it more of a tragedy to know that we sent these guys into combat in the wrong war, on a make-up war. We wasted such talent on a lie. I know from Vietnam, when these guys are injured -- guys who are really injured, the guy who steps on a mine or gets hit with an IED [improvised explosive device] -- you know, he wants to believe that he gave it for the right cause. And you know, as time wears on, it'll become more evident, just like it was in Vietnam, that it wasn't the right cause. Yet that doesn't bring his foot back or his arms back.
From my point of view, we should try those people responsible for putting us to war. Put them in a courtroom, because what they did was a crime.
Speaking of freedoms guaranteed by American rough men, in publicizing the series, HBO has launched an extensive ad campaign on hard-core left wing blog sites. This might indicate their concept of an appreciative "target" audience, or perhaps simple understanding of the greater impact advertising has on the gullible.
Meanwhile, for the milbloggers there's this (via email):
HBO AND CORPORATE PARTNERS TEAM UP TO SEND DONATIONS ANDWhich, even if a cynic might claim is only a ploy for free publicity, I think is a fine idea. I sent some batteries and Maxim magazines - at no cost to myself other than clicks of a mouse, for which I'm sure the Hollywood Marines would no doubt say "thanks, fucker."SUPPORT U.S. TROOPS STATIONED IN AFGANISTAN AND IRAQ
In honor of the Marines of Generation Kill, and all of our troops stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan, HBO and its partners are sending care packages overseas containing the items troops most frequently request. The troops have determined the items—YOU determine how many are sent.
Donations can be placed at no cost to you by going to www.genkilltroopdrive.com and following three quick steps.
The donation drive starts NOW and will continue through the finale of the Generation Kill miniseries on August 24th. All donations will be shipped overseas this fall.
Spread the word—every click counts!
Please feel free to contact me with any questions.
Best,
Joanna
Joanna Firneno| PR Coordinator
DEEP FOCUS
345 Hudson Street, 5th Floor
New York, NY 10014
As for the film, we'll soon know. After all, it's nearly showtime.
Related: The Boo Radleys
