How to Fake a War

How to Fake a War is a black comedy film directed by Rudolph Herzog, released in 2019. The movie features an unlikely and unforgettable trio: Katherine Parkinson, famous for her eccentric role in "The IT Crowd", performing as the determined and quick-witted PR consultant Kate; Hannah Jewell as her intelligent, but naive intern Peggy; and Volker Zack in a hilarious enactment of the rock star, Jay.

The plot unwinds around Kate, a public relations professional, who is assigned the task to manage the image of Jay, a hedonistic yet philanthropic rock star. Known for his outrageous stunts as much as for his music, Jay is scheduled to perform in a globally anticipated charity concert. His image is intertwined with his commitment to peace, and the concert is timed to be held coincidentally with a peace deal being signed in Eastern Europe.

However, things take a comedic twist when it is suddenly reported that the peace deal between the conflicting parties in Georgia is, in fact, successful. This leaves Jay's upcoming concert in jeopardy as war and tragic miseries serve as the crux of his public persona. In an ironically paradoxical situation, Jay wants war to propagate his peace concert, and Kate must deliver for the sake of her career.

Kate, in a somewhat twisted attempt at crisis management, hatches an audacious plan. She decides to "fake a war". She ropes in her intern, Peggy, and together the pair embarks on an improbable mission to pull the wool over the world's eyes, navigating international politics, media manipulation, and ethical ambiguities.

Their adventures take them from the bustling city of London to war-torn Georgia. With cunning coordination and a dash of audacity, they weave an intricate web of deception using their PR skills. Encountering stubborn warlords, gullible journalists, paranoid spies, and overly enthusiastic fans, the duo treads a chaotic path.

Throughout the film, the director intertwines the plotline with a satirical commentary on the exploitative role of media in conflict zones, the ethically blurred lines of public relations, and the uncanny confluence of celebrity culture with global politics. Furthermore, the narrative also throws light on the lengths to which individuals are willing to go to preserve their image and status.

Katherine Parkinson portrays the pragmatic and cunning Kate splendidly. She convincingly enacts the character who is caught between her professional obligations and personal ethics. Hannah Jewell, as the somewhat naive Peggy, pulls off the character with natural innocence and occasional flashes of brilliance. Volker Zack plays the ego-driven, hedonism-loving rock star with full gusto, bringing comedic relief to otherwise challenging scenes.

Adding to these captivating performances, the biting wit pervading the script and the whimsical situations that the film’s characters find themselves in lend the narrative its dark humor. The outlandish premise of the film is balanced by its underlying critique of celebrity involvement in global politics and the manipulation of media narratives.

Although How to Fake a War is a comedy, the director, Rudolph Herzog, has been successful in subtly showcasing the deeper side of the plot, highlighting the extent to which people are willing to go for personal gain, manipulating situations irrespective of its moral implications.

Overall, the movie presents a wild ride blending comedy and satirical commentary on our contemporary society, where the lines demarcating truth and falsehood often blur in favor of convenience and personal benefit. The sharp dialogue, deftly developed characters, and outlandish plot all combine to make "How to Fake a War" a film worth watching. Despite its heavy themes, it offers a good laugh, stimulating viewers to think about the ethics of modern-day PR, media manipulation, and celebrity culture.