Attack!

Attack! is a gripping war drama film, released in 1956. The stellar casting includes iconic actors of that era like Jack Palance, Eddie Albert, and Lee Marvin in the leading roles. The movie was directed by Robert Aldrich, a notable director adept at crafting stories with subtle themes of contempt and dread. It beautifully presents the harsh realities of warfare and the human element that overlaps it.

Attack! is set against the grim backdrop of World War II, in the midst of the Battle of the Bulge. The plot fundamentally revolves around the complex dynamics within an American infantry unit stationed in Belgium. The drama intensifies with the conflict between the unit's leader, Captain Cooney (Eddie Albert), a man promoted beyond his competence due to his connections back home, and the more erudite and war-wise Lieutenant Costa (Jack Palance). Costa is a hard-bitten officer with a strong sense of justice, war ethics, and an uncompromising approach to his duty, no matter how severe the situation.

Captain Cooney, on the contrary, is a coward and an inept leader, often relying on his subordinates to make critical decisions. He’s not cut out for the harsh realities of war and is often paralyzed by fear when immediate action is necessary. This feeds the major theme of war versus personal motivations, raising questions about inept command, unchecked ambition, and the essence of leadership under extreme conditions, which drives the narrative nerve of this movie.

Lee Marvin, on the other hand, plays the role of Colonel Bartlett, the pragmatic senior officer who, despite his awareness of Cooney's incompetence and cravenness, chooses to keep him in his position because of his influential father's political clout. Bartlett dreams of a future political career, using Cooney as a pawn in his ambitious long-term plan. This interplay of personal ambitions, politics, and the war scenario tests the loyalties and morals of the characters, creating a riveting tension that sustains throughout.

The waxing and waning power dynamics between Cooney, Costa, and Bartlett form the heart of the drama in Attack!. These clashes are heightened by the subsequent introduction of several other characters, each struggling in their way to survive the cruel war while grappling with Cooney's poor command. The dilemmas of duty to one's country, obedience to command, and self-preservation are explored in depth in the movie.

Jack Palance's performance as Lieutenant Costa stands out with his captivating portrayal of a soldier torn between his sense of duty, intense frustration over his superior’s inadequacy, and a burning desire for justice. Eddie Albert successfully evokes a strong antipathy for Captain Cooney, while Lee Marvin effortlessly flits between the shades of grey in his character.

The grim and stark realism in the handling of war scenes is another striking feature of Attack!. Not shying from showing the brutality and pandemonium of war, the movie depicts the offensive as it likely would have been, considerably raw and horrifying. Vivid scenes of men battling harsh weather and heavy gunfire make the film emotionally riveting and visually memorable.

The selection of the black and white format contributes largely to the grim atmosphere of the film. Cinematography and set designs are effectively used to establish the chaotic and sordid feelings of a war-ravaged space. The explicit sounds of warfare in the background further enhance the ambience making the audience feel the intensity of the situation.

Robert Aldrich, with his masterful direction and a captivating script, makes Attack! a hard-hitting commentary on the gritty realism of war and its multifaceted implications. The film delves into the psychology of the soldiers on the line, the bureaucratic flaws in military management, and the detrimental effects of cowardice, incompetence, and human frailty in the dire circumstances of war.

In conclusion, Attack! can be described as a stylized, ethical, and visceral war drama that stands the test of time. The edgy performances by the seasoned cast, an incredible script, and thought-provoking themes render the movie exceptional and impactful. It is a classic film that is likely to strike a chord with war movie enthusiasts and others who appreciate exploring the complex expressions of human nature in severe situations.