Bulletproof Salesman

Bulletproof Salesman is a riveting and critically acclaimed documentary that was released back in 2008. Offering an unexpected and thought-provoking perspective into the grim world of war and conflict, the movie investigates the intriguing yet clandestine world of an unlikely figure, Fidelis Cloer. It flawless weaves a tale of an unusual man’s business journey through the backdrop of modern warfare.

The movie casts a glaring spotlight on Fidelis Cloer, an intriguingly unconventional protagonist. A German national, Cloer is a successful businessman, but his trade is far from ordinary. He offers a unique, spectacular product—bulletproof and bombproof vehicles, tailored for use in war zones. As someone who thrives on the brink of conflict and war, Cloer audaciously proclaims himself as a 'war profiteer', operating in a high-stakes market where global conflict and danger translate directly into profits.

Cloer's world is complex and morally ambiguous, revealing a shadowy side of war that is seldom explored in cinema— the segment of global conflict that nestles comfortably in the palm of commerce. The film takes us across his travels in conflict-ridden regions such as Iraq and Afghanistan where he sells his luxury armored vehicles to clients who can afford to buy security in the midst of war’s harsh chaos.

The movie delivers a captivating exploration of the hidden layers of war, far removed from the battlefield's front lines and more concerned with the inherent businessmen who profit from these horrifying events. The audience is provided with a unique perspective on this aspect of armed conflict, causing reasoning individuals to question the ethical implications of businesses that thrive within the peripheral of warfare.

A product of the filmmakers Michael Tucker and Petra Epperlein, Bulletproof Salesman innovatively fuses relevant footage from war zones, intense sales demonstrations, interviews, and glimpses of Cloer's personal life to develop a multi-faceted portrait of the salesman. Both stylized and gritty, the movie employs a decisive narrative format to create a compelling momentum that keeps viewers gripped.

The representation of war in the movie is grim and unromanticized - an essential panorama of destruction, fear, and pragmatism. Within this troubling environment, Cloer's character is deftly explored. He emerges not as a stereotypical villain capitalized on other's suffering but as a complex, deeply human individual who happens to have found his niche in the world's dark corners. Through intimate interviews, the filmmakers probe into his psyche, ethics, and motivations, providing a nuanced glimpse of his life and work.

Cloer questions the traditional notions of ethics and morality, defending his profit by asserting that he offers a pivotal service—saving lives, albeit of those who can afford his expensive vehicles. The filmmakers do an excellent job of maintaining a neutral stance, neither vilifying nor glorifying Cloer, instead leaving audiences to grapple with their perceptions and judgments.

The cinematography is compelling, adding a stylistic flair that complements the film's thematic complexity. From the serene landscapes of Germany to the devastated streets of Baghdad, each frame is thoughtfully composed. Furthermore, the filmmakers use sound design and editing to masterfully contribute to the story's tension.

Bulletproof Salesman is a thought-provoking documentary—one that offers an original take on the war film genre. The movie's importance lies in its critical insights into the current geopolitical landscape and its unwavering examination of the human motivations that propel individuals into the most unexpected professions.

Through its engaging narrative, visually compelling aesthetics, and its humanistic focus on an individual whose work exists in a morally grey area, Bulletproof Salesman creates an unforgettable cinematic experience. Ultimately, the movie leaves audiences with lasting impressions of a world that exists parallel to war, directing them to reflect upon the complexities of life, survival, morality, and capitalism. By all counts, it's an essential watch for those interested in thought-provoking, unorthodox cinema.