CMFH Film Reviews

2007, USA
Drama, History, War
Review by Deborah Dearth

READ THE REVIEW AT The Desert Sun.
Extended version:

When you give someone a gun, be sure to attach a gift tag. Then there is no confusion if the bullets need to be returned to the sender.

Based on truths revealed from "60 Minutes" producer George Crile’s book, Charlie Wilson's War neatly lays out the series of events that helped Texas Congressman Charles Wilson secure an end to the Cold War with the help of CIA agent Gust Avrakotos and influential socialite Joanne Herring.

When the covert Soviet-Afghan War is filtered through the eyes of "West Wing" creator Aaron Sorkin, the facts into an easily digestible, tidy story. Sure, America supplied weapons of mild destruction to Afghanistan in order to push the Soviets out of their country. But the Russians were killing innocent natives, so Wilson was forced into action out of sympathy. In Sorkin's script, war is just that simple.

For entertainment’s sake, let us pretend that it is. Wilson is exceedingly charming in the skin of why-doesn’t-he-just-run-for-office-already Tom Hanks. A smooth drawl and intelligent mind allow viewers to look past the fact that he is introduced at a Vegas coke party and casually refers to his foxy assistants as "jailbait." His sex and drugs shenanigans provide the perfect distraction for sneaking millions into his disguised armament budget.

Julia Roberts is tough but stylish as Herring, who raises plenty of money and too much attention for Afghanistan's woes. All done in God's name, the film lightly touches on the idea of religious wars fought both at home and abroad. Wilson's man on the inside, Avrakotos, is portrayed by Philip Seymour Hoffman, who creates a scruffy foil for Herring’s flash. These are quality performances, but they do not stray outside of their usual comfort zone. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

The problem with ending a Cold War is that a hot one may follow. The film implies that without telling the Afghans who filled their bunkers chock full of weapons we left the door open to be attacked later by our own presents (or presence?). This idea and much of the film’s timeline feels oversimplified for such a tricky thing as war. An awards ceremony bookends the film and displays all involved bleary-eyed at the thought that Wilson saved a country out of the goodness of his heart, with only the cynical CIA man questioning what will happen the next day.

Director Mike Nichols (Closer) leads a clean crew, but sometimes it pays to get a little dirt under the nails. As Hanks’ character points out, “I don’t think making a movie about it is going to do a thing.” The film grabs attention but needs to ask more questions. Maybe they have been reserved for the sequel.