Target for Today

Target for Today is a feature-length World War II-era documentary film that was produced by the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) during the height of the war in 1944. Director William Wyler, along with a talented team of distinguished film editors and cinematographers, artfully captures the intricacies of air warfare and the strategic bombing campaigns from the inside out.

The movie reiterates the strengths of the Allies against their formidable enemies. Bolstered by Lt. Col. William Keighley's strong direction, it provides an unflinching depiction of the American Eighth Air Force's bombing missions over Europe during World War II. The line between fiction and reality blurs as it presents the accounts from hundreds of real-life service personnel, including aircrews, ground crews, and commanding officers, making it a powerful and authentic portrayal of the war era.

As the movie embarks on its narrative journey, the viewers are introduced to the USAAF’s meticulous, sophisticated, and state-of-the-art procedures to plan, prepare and execute bombing missions. Given complete access to the military's resources, the filmmakers showcase the war technology with an extraordinary level of detail. The film portrays elaborate strategies of flight tactic training, bomb aiming, firepower, crew allocation, plane maintenance, and weather forecasting.

Target for Today lays bare the gargantuan task of deriving such ambitious operations while maintaining the dignity of human life. It powerfully enunciates the reality of the front-line service personnel who engage in the deadly struggles against the grim adversary of war. The movie is less of a standard war story and more of a tactical exploration of the aerial warfare that occurred during WWII - the heroism and braveness are created not by fictional superheroes, but by real men and women committed to their cause.

Throughout the movie, viewers are put in the pilot seats of the B-17 Flying Fortresses and B-24 Liberators, forging an intimate connection with their brave crews. It captures the moments of anxiety, tension, and relief as the mission progresses. From the monotonous hum of the propellers to the panic and turmoil in the midst of an air raid, exhibition of such sonic ambiance combined with wide-angle shots evokes the true emotions of war.

The film’s narrative follows no central character but instead depicts a collective exhibition of duty, honor, and sacrifice. Each scene is thoughtfully and respectfully portrayed, giving the audience an insightful depiction of the air war over Europe. It's an ode to the everyday bravery of the airmen and their unwavering dedication to the duty that lay before them in the face of an overwhelming adversary, and a testament to the behind-the-scenes efforts that enabled these missions.

Target for Today also provides a profound understanding of the complex machinery of war. It showcases how meticulous planning, coordination, and precision were required for the successful execution of these bombing raids. Every aspect of the war effort - from the intelligence gatherers and strategists to the mechanics and aircrew - is given equal importance, emphasizing that their collective cooperation was imperative for success.

Target for Today encapsulates the grit, valor, and spirit of camaraderie that were displayed by those in service during WWII. It is a tribute to the war effort made by the brave servicemen of the United States, full of heroics, courage, and heart. Its remarkable direction, genuine representation of the war, effective storytelling, and technical accuracy make it a must-watch for history enthusiasts and war movie buffs alike. The movie compellingly takes the viewer behind the lines of combat, offering a deeper understanding and enhanced appreciation of the sacrifices made by those who served in the war.