Why We Fight

The 2005 film "Why We Fight" is an intellectual and thought-provoking documentary directed by Eugene Jarecki. Prominent figures like Gore Vidal, John McCain and Ken Adelman lend their voices, perspectives and unique insights throughout the narrative. The work explores America's complex relationship with military conflict in an uncompromising, piercing manner.

"Why We Fight" takes its name from the series of World War II propaganda films produced by the U.S. government to justify their involvement in the conflict. However, Jarecki's documentary is far from a propaganda piece. Instead, it examines the militaristic ideologies that have influenced American domestic and foreign policy since the mid-20th century.

The film opens with the seminal farewell address of President Eisenhower in 1961, in which he famously warned the nation about the rising influence of the 'military-industrial complex'. From this historical anchor point, "Why We Fight" proceeds to delve into the concept and its implications, becoming a contemporary analysis of American military power.

Various viewpoints are represented in "Why We Fight" through interviews with a range of figures from different backgrounds. This includes politicians, scholars, former military personnel and regular citizens who have felt the impact of war on a personal level. The director creates a rounded conversation by skillfully intertwining these narratives and expert insights, delivering a comprehensive look into a topic that has often been swept under the rug.

Historian and social critic Gore Vidal provides a running commentary throughout the documentary, challenging the audience to question the prevailing narrative on warfare and America's 'policeman of the world' persona. John McCain, known for his military service and political career, brings another perspective, presenting a more traditional view on the role America has adopted over the years. The contributions of Ken Adelman, a former arms control director under Reagan’s administration, offers viewpoints that only deepen and enrich the conversation.

Through their eyes, the documentary manages to capture a markedly wide spectrum of perspectives on whether American military intervention and, more broadly, war, are justified. It's an in-depth exploration of ethical questions, economic implications and the influence of political motivations and the defense industry on the country's decision-making machinery.

Jarecki juxtaposes the lofty, philosophical debates with smaller, more personal stories; through this, he puts human faces to the consequences of war. The documentary spotlights individuals such as Wilton Sekzer, a retired New York City cop whose son died in the 9/11 attacks and who subsequently sought to have his name inscribed on a bomb to be dropped in Iraq. This intimate vignette, with all its emotional intensity, serves as a sobering reminder of the personal cost of war and the overarching theme of the film.

The strength of "Why We Fight" is found in its refusal to offer simple answers to the issues it raises. Instead, the film serves as a catalyst for necessary and difficult conversations. Jarecki has crafted a powerful mosaic of the American experience of war, a study of the nexus of politics, society, and global conflict.

Editing in "Why We Fight" moves between talking heads, historical footage, and personal stories to offer a wide-ranging exploration of the machinations of war. The film employs a balanced hand in presenting its arguments, avoiding an overtly political slant, which allows viewers to engage and form opinions independently.

The film successfully presents its narrative with compelling visuals, effective storytelling, and a seamless blend of personal anecdotes and expert commentary. The viewer's journey through "Why We Fight" is aided by a haunting original score by Robert Miller that works brilliantly to underscore the gravitas of the explored themes.

All in all, "Why We Fight" is an intellectual journey - a sometimes sobering, sometimes shocking, exploration of America's relationship with warfare and how this dynamic has shaped, and continues to shape, the nation. This compelling fusion of historical analysis and personal narratives offers a cinema experience that is as educational as it is thought-provoking. The film asks the viewer to question the reasons 'why we fight', leaving the audience with many questions and food for thought long after the end credits roll. It's a must-see documentary for anyone interested in political or military history, or more broadly, the influences shaping world events.