May 28, 2017 · Watch the official trailer
Brad Pitt’s new movie “War Machine” finds the veteran actor starring in a satirical fictionalization of real U.S. military operations in Afghanistan.
The only problem is that despite having one of the biggest names in Hollywood headlining writer/director David Michôd’s film, moviegoers will likely never see the $60 million project on the big screen.
Released this weekend alongside a new “Pirates of the Caribbean” film and the R-rated reimagining of the 90s television “Baywatch,” “War Machine” is perhaps the biggest original movie project from online streaming service Netflix, who produced the film alongside Pitt’s Plan B.
The Netflix original is unquestionably the best new movie released over the Memorial Day weekend, though it will likely have the least number of viewers in spite of being accessible in the privacy of your own home.
A fictionalized account of the last months of duty for General Stanley McChrystal, “War Machine” follows four star general Glen McMahon and his staff as they are assigned to lead a team of international forces in Afghanistan. Frustrated by what he perceives to be a lack of support from civilian politicians, McMahon heads across Europe to muster additional troops when President Obama approves 10,000 fewer soldiers than he requested.
The entire affair is “Dr. Strangelove” more than it is “Patton;” an absurdist comedy with moments of true emotional weight subtlety mixed throughout the narrative. “War Machine” may turn off as many viewers as it creates ardent fans with its broad, dry humor.
Aside from his side-splitting turn in the Coen Brothers’ “Burn After Reading,” Pitt has never been as over-the-top as he is here as McMahon. The character is admittedly little more than a caricature of McChrystal, the former head of operations in Afghanistan fired by President Obama.
However, Pitt is able to evoke a strong reaction from his fellow performers and audiences at every turn with a squinty right eye, indecipherably thick accent and absurd jogging strides. It’s a performance so broad and elevated that it’s often hard to appreciate just how subtle some of the knowing nods to the audience Pitt sneaks in to scenes. McMahon is a Pitt performance that will go underappreciated by most, but is among his strongest comedic efforts.
“War Machine” also features a number of terrific actors in smaller parts including Oscar winner Ben Kingsley as Afghani President Karzai, Tilda Swinton as a German politician and Anthony Michael Hall as McMahon’s second in command. “Brooklyn” star Emory Cohen is a highlight of the film in a tight-lipped role as McMahon’s nearly-silent personal aide though Cohen plays the part as more of a militaristic, yet dutiful butler.
Where the satirical dramedy might throw viewers for a loop is in the film’s confusing structure, told largely through the use of an outside narrator writing about McMahon. At times, Scoot McNairy’s narration as Rolling Stone writer Sean Cullen adds to the humor, giving scenes the final punchline needed to hammer home Michôd’s point. At other times, the all-knowing voice distracts from the scene in action.
“War Machine” likely won’t be eligible to win any major awards this fall as there are no plans to screen the film theatrically. Netflix is also facing similar issues right now at the Cannes Film Festival, where organizers are reluctant to make the Netflix film “Okja” eligible for the prestigious Palme d’Or award as the film will not screen in French cinemas.
Still, Michôd’s film remains the best piece of new cinema you’ll find following Memorial Day and represents another career highlight for Pitt. Spend a night in and take a chance on “War Machine.” You may be pleasantly surprised.
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