Great video! It was that line 'What kind of American are you?' that sold me on seeing the movie. I was hoping that was going to be a tone-setter. The reason I had reservations about seeing it was because of my expectations(!) which were that it was going to turn into some kind of OTT 'blockbuster' halfway through (an assumption I took from the trailer, showing the part with the combat helicopter opening up on the street). After it got going I pretty quickly realized I had no idea what the movie was actually going to be, so I just took it in and came out of it happy. Not the deepest analysis, admittedly, but still! Really nicely edited video too by the way!
@JasonFuhrman
3 ай бұрын
Thanks man! I had the same experience. Being familiar with every movie Garland has directed and written, I wasn't sure what to expect. The trailer had me thinking it would lean into blockbuster territory, but I know both A24 and Garland aren't interested in those kinds of films. I think they managed to pull in that crowd though, and there is a lot of spectacle. It's never hollow though. His work is always great to learn from.
@jamesabernethy7896
3 ай бұрын
I'm from the UK and strangely enough, that was the line that put me off the movies. Admittedly I was on the fence anyway rather than planning to see it and have a strong reaction to the line. It was similar to a scene in the trailer for The Creator. In a world with highly advanced technology, a hyper-advanced android is sitting watching a CRT TV. That juxtaposition of futuristic tech and a technology that is defunct in our time was just boring.
@someokiedude9549
3 ай бұрын
Good analysis Jason. This was an interesting film for me to watch, considering that I myself am a journalist. I would disagree slightly about the trauma part, I would say that our main characters are grappling with trauma. Lee is a shell of a person after all she's seen, Joel's an adrenaline junkie to cover up his own trauma, Jessie basically becomes like Lee towards the end of the movie. It's just that Garland doesn't really make a big deal of it. This film reminded me a lot of Apocalypse Now, particularly in its 'War is madness' theme. Much like that film, Civil War shows how war ends up denigrating your soul to such a level where you become a shell, focusing on getting in and getting the job done without really giving a shit about anyone else. Except in this case, we see it from the journalist's perspective, not the soldier's. "Just because our expectations aren't met doesn't mean something is poorly written, it just means we need to wipe the smudges off our lens and look again." A good point, and one I wish you would practice more often. Great video man!
@JasonFuhrman
3 ай бұрын
Thanks! I'd still stick to my guns that the "underdevelopment" of the characters was purposeful on Garland's part because he said he wanted to capture the story objectively. He told us time and time again he wasn't using traditional characterization which is always rooted in trauma. I challenge you to name Jessie's trauma, Joel's, and Sammy's. Lee's is a little more implied by her past work but not developed.
@someokiedude9549
3 ай бұрын
@@balsosnell2064 I am. What can I say? Lol.
@someokiedude9549
3 ай бұрын
@@balsosnell2064 In my short career as a journalist, I have covered other things than just pop culture. Pop culture is generally where I'm most comfortable, but I've covered political events, local venues, and corruption. I imagine you're just being a troll though, but that's an ignorant take.
@crystalsbookishlife
3 ай бұрын
This review is incredibly thoughtful and well articulated, really great work Jason.
@JasonFuhrman
3 ай бұрын
Thank you!
@Rauvvrae
3 ай бұрын
5:48 I am Brazilian, and I see that this scene has a very different connotation for those from the Americas compared to those from the United States. For South Americans, it denotes an imperialist lexicon, as Domenico Losurdo noted in "The Language of Empire," where the term "American" is related to "anti-American" to refer to the United States as America.
@Rauvvrae
3 ай бұрын
This appropriates the region as a unique identity, ignoring other American identities, not to mention the indigenous peoples. Here in Brazil, we call citizens of the United States "Americans," but we also have another word, "Estadounidense," which is decolonial. It is not pejorative; rather, it acknowledges the reality that those born in the United States have a unique identity and do not represent all Americans (those born in the Americas).
@Rauvvrae
3 ай бұрын
I brought up this context to try to explain how this resonates differently with us Latin Americans. We lost our identities as citizens of the Americas to the North Americans. When asked what kind of American we are, we think, "What do you mean? The same kind as you, born in the Ameri...". Yes, I was born in the Americas, but the name "America" was taken by another country.
@Rauvvrae
3 ай бұрын
Want to see something intriguing? If we were in Germany and I were talking to you, and then you asked me, "Where are you from?" and I responded, "From America!" You would see my passport says Brazil. What would be the first thought that comes to your mind?
@Rauvvrae
2 ай бұрын
Hi, I'm back because a friend reminded me of something important! In Kleber Mendonça's film Bacurau, there is a fateful scene that well summarizes the feeling I described: the scene where two white Brazilians say to the American hunters, "We are like you," and the Americans respond, "They are not like us, they are not white."
@JasonFuhrman
2 ай бұрын
@Rauvvrae Bacarau is a great film. Thanks for the reminder
@greblaksnew
3 ай бұрын
I really wanted the red v. blue civil war movie, so the film really subverted my expectations. But yeah, I think this movie was incredible and indeed a masterpiece. I was not disappointing.
@JasonFuhrman
3 ай бұрын
I'm glad even though you went into it with certain expectations, you didn't let them blind your understanding of what the movie was trying to do.
@helenasf1782
3 ай бұрын
Awesome review, Jason and really well articulated! I hadn’t considered the point about the characters representing aspects within ourselves. That’s really insightful and I think you’re bang on. Also really cool to challenge the effect of expectation. Watching your review made me appreciate the film even more. I’m sure others will find it really helpful too. Also the Alex garland clips and film clips were great too!
@JasonFuhrman
3 ай бұрын
Cool thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
@CausaliDox
3 ай бұрын
Interesting analysis, I've had a similar interpretation. I agree this movie is completely misunderstood, mainly due to expectations. Since it was Garland, I expected Garland, not a big screen action flick. For some reason this film reminded me of Requiem For A Dream. Thank you for your comment on my latest track, it really, really means a lot to me.
@JasonFuhrman
3 ай бұрын
Thanks! I felt the same. While this looked like a blockbuster, I knew it couldn't be with Garland and A24. Also, thanks for creating such great music. I really enjoy your work. Any plans on releasing on Bandcamp?
@CausaliDox
3 ай бұрын
@@JasonFuhrman I agree, I really enjoyed this movie on its own terms. I thought it was very bleak and surreal in a way. Hence, the thoughts of Aronofsky's film, perhaps. Thank you very much, I am really glad you like my music. Yes, I have a lot of music on Bandcamp. I'll share the link as a reply to your comment on my video, so as not to pollute your comments. = )
@codycastillo4131
3 ай бұрын
Thank you for making this video! I feel the same way. Seeing some of these reviews from fans and critics alike have been a little mind-blowing. I get not liking a movie, but to say this film has nothing to say... that feels a little lazy to me.
@JasonFuhrman
3 ай бұрын
Thanks Cody! Glad you enjoyed it. I agree. It's totally fine to not like something, but when your criticism is framed by ignorance, it's a problem.
@Billsbob
3 ай бұрын
Like your example, it’s okay to have a non-characterized character if the rumination’s on idea and plot are interesting enough. This film had the potential for thoughtfulness, but sacrificed it by playing coy; either trying hard to be apolitical or subversive. By trying to be wholly of either it became wholly nothing.
@JasonFuhrman
3 ай бұрын
I disagree. I think it said a lot. Much more than the scene selections I discussed in the video. It was extremely clever how it walked the line without taking sides and illuminated our obsession with war and division.
@PhattMilipp
3 ай бұрын
Thank you for such a thoughtful video, Jason! Reminds me a bit of Chomsky's perspective regarding how humans process the reflections we perceive of ourselves: "There are very few people who are going to look into the mirror and say, 'That person I see is a savage monster;' instead, they make up some construction that justifies what they do."
@JasonFuhrman
3 ай бұрын
Ohhh I like that! Thanks for checking out the video and the insight.
@HONEmusicINT
3 ай бұрын
I think what cause all the flak was purely the marketing for the film.
@JasonFuhrman
3 ай бұрын
Yes, marketing exists to sell tickets, not to be an accurate representation of a film.
@sinanuygur5273
3 ай бұрын
I liked the movie, it only felt abit missing on some crucial elements, which maybe existed in the world, but never portrayed. The ruling elite, who would seclude themselves from the violence their political games caused. And, not knowing me, you would call "conspiracy theorist", I actually not only withnessed these type of meetings, but was actually groomed to be invited and included in the youth programs of such establishments. Call me an idealist, a dreamer, Im on neither side of any political spectrum, which these groups are neither, btw, nor see myself as a makeshift god to decide the fate of other living beings. Religion and political views are mostly despised to be a topic in such groups anyway, its about power and profit. I can assure you almost... no infact, all political parties need to answer to an overlord of the power covenant who you will never get a whiff off. Infact I see all of this as playing house on a tiny blue planet, which I addressed... they didnt like me saying mommy will take away your barbie house!
@JasonFuhrman
3 ай бұрын
Well said.
@ajay.gillig
3 ай бұрын
This movie definitely did not meet expectations
@JasonFuhrman
3 ай бұрын
Sorry to hear that. Now is the opportunity to look at things from a different angle.
@ajay.gillig
3 ай бұрын
@@JasonFuhrman Me: "This pasta doesn't taste really good" You: "From a certain point of view 🤔"
@JasonFuhrman
3 ай бұрын
@ajay.gillig haha that made me laugh, but I'm not saying people have to like it. My entire thesis is that people were criticizing unfairly because it wasn't the movie they expected. Using your pasta analogy, it's like saying the pasta was bad because you expected red sauce but got white sauce. You don't have to like white sauce but need to understand that the intention was to have white sauce and not red.
@dannibble
3 ай бұрын
@@JasonFuhrmanit absolutely exceeded mine. Amazing acting. Eye candy visuals. Moral ambiguity portrayed cyclically through the film. A beautiful representation of photo journalism in war. I think people just didn't like the setting. This would be a critically acclaimed film if it was set in any other conflict zone but the fact it's the US is what makes it so good. Guarantee 5-10 years from, opinions will be night and day. This is a 10/10 film.
@NuggetsXx
3 ай бұрын
Did you even watch the video…?
@WhytheBookWins
3 ай бұрын
Great video! I thought the movie was fantastic and love what you share here. (And ugh I try to avoid critical drinker videos lol)
@JasonFuhrman
3 ай бұрын
Thank you! I love your content too. Re: critical drinker, me too haha
@BBFAN1676
3 ай бұрын
Holy goodness Jason… this changed my perspective on the movie entirely. Ur channel is so underrated. Would love more video essays like this!!!
@JasonFuhrman
3 ай бұрын
Thank you! I like doing them but have to feel inspired haha. They take quite a bit of work. I'm sure there will be more to come.
@83j049733rfe4
2 ай бұрын
You did it, you actually did it, you actually got it, didn't disappoint, it's not 1:1 with my own pessimism but holy hell, you god damn figured the movie out. (What the hell is this world coming to where I have to congratulate something so basic?)
@JasonFuhrman
2 ай бұрын
Haha thanks
@dannibble
3 ай бұрын
I didn't even consider that when he says 'wait' to the soldiers in the end, it could be taken as him trying to stop the execution. Very interesting interpretation. I personally judged this book by its cover. I went from thinking it was going to be political garbage to it being one of my favorite films of all time. The story is simple, not bogged down with exposition. Every scene is cinemagraphic eye candy. The acting was insanely good. It felt like following real journalist in a modern civil war.
@JasonFuhrman
3 ай бұрын
To me, Joel telling the soldiers to wait was Garland teasing our expectations again: "is he going to stop the killing? Finally someone has some sense." Then he asks for a quote, to which the president responds with a plea to save him, and he says "that'll do." That fully cements us into the reality (in my opinion) that these characters aren't true characters in the traditional sense, but more of a window into us. In fact, and I regret not mentioning it in the video, in the black and white footage right after they kill the president, they all look into the lens, right at us, as if to say "is this what you wanted?" Beautiful writing.
@kilmcm45
3 ай бұрын
I get it. Having the piv of the film be unbiased ect, ect. However, i think the reason a modern civil war would be an existential threat to the country and everyone in it is that the 2 sides aren't divided by a neat n tidy line running perfectly East to West. The red and blue parts of the US are marbeled to some degree in every state. I modern civil war would mean the complete collapse of our current economic system....last time individual families still had farms to produce their own food with. This time, extremests will shoot any food trucks entering their state. The cops would be there doing it so they wouldn't be arresting anyone. We just dont have a way to feed everyone if our basic trade system were to be suddenly halted. Thos is what o would have liked to see. We could experience the collapse from the piv of a family, a group of journalists, and a politician hiding in a bunker. Right now no one is willing to wirk with anyone that had opposing veiw point. Most of my liberal friends actually believe every conservative can be talked into switching sides if we are just patient and persistent....long enough. I disagree with this fundamentally. Politics should be about compromising as best as you can with the other side.....not hoping to overpower and completely eradicate their point of veiw....or just pretend it doesn't exist....or that noone that has value would share that perspective.
@JasonFuhrman
3 ай бұрын
Yes, a true Civil War would be devastating. We live in a very different world than the last. Certain states, like California, are more or less self sustaining. We have agriculture and industry. Politics is wild and getting worse. I hate the idea of polar opposites and taking sides. A broad set of perspectives is healthy otherwise we'll find ourselves in a dystopian echo chamber.
@anonanon4146
3 ай бұрын
pro tip, try to sound less arrogant. Just because someone didn’t like the movie doesn’t mean they are too stupid to get what the director was going for. I find this commentary incredibly obvious and I thought the movie sucked because it failed to do these things. Pretty objectively stupid movie tbh
@JasonFuhrman
3 ай бұрын
Pro tip: It's not about disliking something, it's about making an uninformed critique. Which is exactly what half the video is about. The arrogance you speak of is coming directly from these uninformed critics, and, well, you too, based on this comment.
@anonanon4146
3 ай бұрын
@@JasonFuhrman you should assume someone is uninformed just because they disagree with you.
@JasonFuhrman
3 ай бұрын
So after me explaining the way Civil War means something as seeing those two reviews I referenced, you still think it means nothing and I'm grasping at straws?
@mtennantmusic
3 ай бұрын
There was nothing arrogant about this critique. Calm down.
@anonanon4146
3 ай бұрын
@@JasonFuhrman very confusing sentence. No idea what you are trying to say
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