The story of Navy SEAL, Chris Kyle, in American Sniper, cinematically rings true the soldier’s and his family’s struggle with life, death, and the space between.
The portrayal of the most lethal sniper in American history is so seamless, it’s difficult to see where Bradley Cooper ends and Chris Kyle begins. American Sniper, adapted from Kyle’s autobiography of the same name, has earned several Academy Award nominations including best actor in a leading role and best picture.
The film begins with Kyle atop a building in Iraq, glassing the streets below for enemy combatants when he flashes back to his childhood. The flashbacks work to familiarize Chris Kyle’s background, family values, Christian roots, and rodeo days in Texas.
A particularly poignant scene at the dinner table with his father does well to better define who he is. The father says there are three kinds of people in the world: sheep, sheepdogs, and wolves, and that it’s his job to protect those who need protection. This really defines Cooper’s performance. Several times throughout the film he says in a well honed Texas accent that he’s fighting to protect those he loves; in particular the United States.
He sees attacks on an American embassy and is compelled to join the military. He is dispossessed by Americans under attack. Cooper’s reaction to the news is so genuine, the shock on his face and the urgency in his voice actualize the moment he knows he has to act to protect America. His conviction to serve so matter-of-factly is heartening.
While getting to know and marrying Taya (played in a convincing supporting role by Sienna Miller), New York is attacked and he is eventually deployed to Iraq.
His pinpoint accuracy saves countless soldiers’ lives and makes for a reputation of being a legend. Several harrowing battle scenes in the streets of Iraq unfold in a sometimes Western style that may be expected from director Clint Eastwood. The action sequences are compelling, without a false note, and never with a sense of tediousness. The day-to-day life of a soldier in Iraq is displayed believably and realistically. So much so that it provides for the real conflict of the film: Kyle’s inner conflict.
Taya is proud of Chris’s service but after a couple tours of duty she says, “I’m making memories by myself. Even when you’re here you’re not here.” To which Chris replies, “They can’t wait (soldiers in Iraq), we can.” He watches footage of the war in his living room and is noticeably distracted and distant while at home and doing mundane day-to-day activities in America. It’s as if he feels more alive on the battlefield than at home.
But Taya argues for the normalcy that they once had, that his sense of duty is choking his family life.
A key scene where Kyle is forced to decide what to do about a small boy aiming a rocket launcher at American soldiers is particularly gut wrenching. Cooper’s embodiment of Kyle’s struggle is emotionally tangible. His skill for hunting in the beauty of the Texas backcountry being used in this moment calls into question the absurdity of war and it is evident in his reaction.
In a time of cultural irony and self glorification being so pervasive in television and film, it’s inspiring and endearing to see a portrait of such principle and earnest devotion to community. And Kyle’s noble intentions make it that much more difficult to see him struggle on the battlefield, and that much more invaluable as a cinematic memorialization.
Movie Review by Nicholas Murillo, eParisExtra.com Contributing Writer