The Optimist's Oscar Run 2015: American Sniper

By Anonymous
   I'll start off by saying that if you haven't seen "American Sniper" yet, repent and go. The film illustrates quite masterfully the affects of war on those who serve. This story hits home in many ways, the most poignant being that its fairly recent. This Clint Eastwood directed docudrama follows Navy SEAL sniper Chris Kyle and his spot-on accuracy during the events of his four tours. On the battlefield he's known as a legend; his unmatched accuracy has given him the title of America's most deadly sniper. The legend however is contrasted by the flip side of miltary service, that being the homelife the soldiers leave behind. Dealing with the affects of his many tours of service, Chris copes with keeping his family together. It's a powerful story, and visually stunning.

   Bradley Cooper donns the beard and rifle of Chris Kyle and brings a level of believabilty to the film that really pulls you into the story. With films like these that strike so close to home, it's hard to remember that on the crude surface, this is merely a piece of entertainment. However, "American Sniper" is much more than that. The film itself is as violent and bloody as one might think war to be. It's also admirable in its approach to pay respects to the late Chris Kyle; showing him more as the man he was, struggling with his sence of duty and honor, rather than the invincible legend he become known as. Cooper gives the performance of a lifetime in bringing Chris Kyle to the screen. Actors do many things in order to prepare for a role. Though he bulked up tremenously in order to portray the large, physical stature of Chris Kyle, Cooper became him in ever form of the word.
 
Clint Eastwood once again shows that he can make a film that is powerful, mesmerizing, horrowing, heart-felt, and true. I mean, the guy is like 80-somethin' and his films just get better and better. Like a fine wine...
 
Unlike most war films, the focus isn't on the war aspects entirely but rather the experience and its effect on the characters. The greatest moments of gut-wrenching drama are all throughout, as Kyle's homelife is parralleled to his military efforts. The overall storytelling was fantastic, the cinematography was engaging and the whole scope of the film felt large and intimate all at the same time. Definately one of the best films I've seen and truly deserving of it's various nominations.


Oscar Nominations:
Best Picture
Best Actor in a Leading Role, Bradley Cooper
Best Film Editing
Best Sound Editing
Best Sound Mixing
Best Adapted Screenplay

For more Oscars 2015 info go to oscar.go.com/nominees



[image via www.davestrailerpage.co.uk]
[image via screeninsight.blogspot.com]

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