The Fog of War is a 20th century fable, a story of an American dreamer who rose from humble origins to the heights of political power. Robert S. McNamara was both witness to and participant in many of the crucial events of the 20th century: the crippling Depression of the 1930s; the industrialization of the war years; the development of a different kind of warfare based on air power and the creation of a new American meritocracy. He was also an idealist who saw his dreams and ideals challenged by the role he played in history.
Using archival footage, cabinet conversation recordings, and an interview of the 85-year-old Robert McNamara, The Fog of War depicts his life, from working as a WWII whiz-kid military officer, to being the Ford Motor Company's president, to managing the Vietnam War as defense secretary for presidents Kennedy and Johnson.
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A masterpieceA truly masterful tale on an extraordinary man. Errol Morris' ability to present a story in documentary form is unparalleled. And Robert McNamara's point of view on some of the most important events of the 20th century, which he had a crucial part in mind you, is informative, thoughtful, and captivating. On one of these, he points out how close the u.s. and the u.s.s.r. were to complete destruction over the Cuban missile crisis, and how cooler heads prevailed, and egos, and personal feelings were tossed out. This in turn saved the world. Mr. McNamara's insight on this alone is worth viewing this great movie. But he present more amazing information on his truly extraordinary life. All the time Errol Morris' brilliant direction lets this great story present itself. The score of this film is also truly brilliant. I couldn't recommend this movie enough. It's truly one of the greatest film's I've ever seen. 5stars across the board. If I could rate it higher I would..Score: 5/5
Absolutely hypnoticEndlessly fascinating, Intelligent and stunningly crafted. My favorite documentary film of all time..Score: 5/5
Great depthShakespeare didn’t show us a human being deeper, or more aware of the pain of trying to live a civilized life. I learned much about compassion. I appreciated the unique inside view of events I didn’t understand at the time they were happening. This will be worth studying again and again..Score: 5/5
GreatnessWhether you like the man or hate him or simply hate what he represents, it's impossible not to admire the intellect and introspective nature of this incredible human being. And by that, I mean he's an individual who has lived a long life right in the middle of the action that has shaped our world. The fact that he is able to communicate his perspective in such a way is a valuable gift to humanity. Plus crotchety old guys are just plain funny anyway!.Score: 5/5
Amazing and enlighteningThis was very interesting. I learned a ton and will watch it several times. One of the best documentaries I've ever seen..Score: 5/5
Should be required viewing in high schoolsThis is one of the most important documentaries regarding the Viet Nam war and it should be required viewing in high schools. In this interview-based film, supported by rich imagery, McNamara comes off as being honest, forthright, and showing a great deal of integrity in baring the facts for posterity, letting the chips fall where they may even when they condemn him. He doesn't live up to the totally evil reputation that many have assigned to him, but he is certainly not a saint. Rather, he comes off as a decent man who made serious mistakes. He is shown to be a highly intelligent fellow who was a product of his generation and who has finally come to terms with his actions. Ultimately, he found himself working for a President who took far too long to set aside his illusions and who dismissed him for making the case that the war was unwinnable. McNamara didn't change much after the war, continuing his thorough and objective approach in the field of international finance. Meanwhile, LBJ came to see his own grave mistakes, retreating to his ranch and literally letting his hair grow down to his shoulders. The main takeaway of this documentary is that men in positions of great power can have an impact that is highly beneficial or extremely harmful and with MacNamara both were true. This should be required viewing by subsequent Administrations. If it had been, perhaps those who disregarded reliable intelligence and insisted on invading in search of non-existent WMDs, perhaps 350,000 innocent Iraqis would not have died, Iran would not have seen the destruction of its #1 enemy, and the terrorists would not have been allowed to run wild. People need to learn from Robert McNamara. He consented to this documentary for a reason, but people in power tend to be too full of themselves to learn. As for the film itself, the idea of using two cameras and two teleprompters display live reciprocal feeds of the interviewer and the subject was truly brilliant. McNamara looks right into the camera, seeing his interviewer while we see McNamara. It is definitely the right way to conduct this kind of an interview..Score: 5/5
Best Movie I've Ever SeenI watch a lot of movies and never write reviews--but this exceptional movie deserves praise. I credit the filmmakers for effective juxtaposition of imagery and monologue, but the soul of the film belongs to McNamara. His contemplative narrative enjoins us to share in ambivalence toward his accomplishments. No truer illustration exists of the adage.....nothing is black and white..Score: 5/5
AmazingThis documentary was simply amazing if you have interest in WWII, Vietnam, Politics, the Kennedy-LBJ era, etc. I cannot recommend enough. McNamara shows his age, wisdom, regret, and his genius. This man truly swung for the fence his entire life..Score: 5/5
True DocumentaryExtremely educational and an unbelieveable insight into a vital piece of history that makes it a MUST watch for anybody that is seeking a "real" documentary... Irrevalante to what political camp you belong to this is geniune insight...Score: 5/5
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