Erase and Forget

Erase and Forget is a documentary film released in 2017 and directed by the acclaimed filmmaker Andrea Luka Zimmerman. The primary focus of the movie is the life of Lt. Colonel James Gordon 'Bo' Gritz, one of the highest decorated combat soldiers in the Vietnam War. The film offers a profound exploration of an individual who has, in some ways, become emblematic of a transformative era in the American historical and political landscape.

The innovative, and boundary-breaking director, Zimmerman, has been hailed for her distinct style of filmmaking. In Erase and Forget, she uses her lens to delve not only into Gritz's personal experiences, but also the political and cultural landscapes that developed him. The result is a fresh take on the archetypal 'American hero' narrative and a thorough examination of the machinations of power, the politics of war, media manipulation, race and class injustices, and the human costs of conflict.

Bo Gritz, the film’s central figure, was the real-life inspiration for Hollywood's iconic action movie series "Rambo". His exploits as a Green Beret during the Vietnam war were the stuff of legend, setting him apart as one of America's most decorated war veterans. The film, however, goes beyond his military career to explore his later pursuits and complexities, which include running for President, negotiating hostage situations, leading survivalist activities, and becoming a critic of the government he once served.

Erase and Forget is enriched with a diverse range of styles, including found footage, propaganda films, and first-person narration. Zimmerman masterfully arches Gritz’s own camcorder material with new footage that illuminates his life in the Nevada desert, creating a picture of an anachronism grappling with the consequences of his past.

The film brings forward the story of Gritz but also challenges the viewer to question and reflect on broader themes that are woven into his narrative. It explores how media both portrays and shapes cultural heroes and villains, and it prompts viewers to ponder the impact and aftermath of American foreign policy and the far-reaching consequences of nationalism and patriotism.

Zimmerman’s directorial style, the crafting of her narrative, and the use of the cinematic elements in Erase and Forget are all geared toward prompting the audience to see and judge things for themselves. The film has a rare honesty at its center – a stark showcase of raw, human truths that cut deeply and resonate with universal human experiences. At the same time, the film paints a vivid picture of the American landscape, both physical and political.

The film also includes contributions from Ted Kotcheff, the director of First Blood, the first film in the Rambo series, which used Bo Gritz as its inspiration. This gives an interesting insider’s perspective on the links between Hollywood and the creation of American cultural icons.

Also, featuring Gagik, who contributes to the understanding of Gritz's controversial and troubling views on race and identity, the documentary offers an important critique of the persistent influence of racial and class inequality in America.

Zimmerman's experimental and thought-provoking movie presents a bold, immersive, and undeniably challenging vision of one man's life – a life that, in many ways, encapsulates a crucial part of America's collective psyche. The movie resonates on many levels as it tackles the dynamics of conflict, power, fame, and the human condition. This is all presented through an unfiltered look at a complex man who has been both a hero and a conundrum.

In summary, Erase and Forget is a compelling, provocative exploration of the real man behind the Rambo legend. Aided by Zimmerman's distinctive filmmaking style, the movie presents an astute critique of the backdrops that breed such figures and the cultural impact they leave in their wake. Delivering far more than a biographical account of Gritz's life, the film offers a penetrating examination of a complex multitude of sociopolitical issues. It's a thought-provoking, sobering, eye-opening experience that leaves a lasting impression.