Article Summary –
British writer and director Alex Garland’s new film, “Civil War,” explores the hypothetical scenario of a second civil war in the United States. Set in the future, the story follows four war correspondents traveling from New York City to Washington, D.C., amidst a failing United States and its president, who are battling a coalition of secessionist forces. Through the violent and relentless narrative, Garland aims to highlight the insanity of civil war, creating a film that is intentionally ambiguous and politically confusing.
“It can’t happen here” – the Phrase Symbolizing US Political Stability
“It can’t happen here” has been a rhetoric employed by Sinclair Lewis as a caution against European-style fascism invading U.S. politics in the 1930s, by Frank Zappa to ridicule panic about counterculture freaks in the 1960s, and by many Americans to dispel concerns about their country’s solidity following the U.S. Capitol assault on Jan. 6, 2021. The rising animosity between political parties in the US seems fiercer than ever, yet the idea of a second civil war is still deemed unrealistic.
British Director Alex Garland’s Take on a Civil War Scenario
The 53-year-old British writer and director Alex Garland’s latest film, Civil War, explores a potential civil war scenario in the US. Against expectations, Garland obscures the complex US political landscape, shedding light on the insanity of civil war. The film was scripted in late 2020 and is set “some years from now” with a US president, played by Nick Offerman, grappling with a coalition of secessionist forces. The film’s narrative is ambiguous, prompting audiences to speculate about the political theory behind the war.
Journalistic Adventure Amidst National Chaos in Civil War
The movie focuses on four war correspondents journeying from New York City to Washington D.C. Their quest is to obtain a quote from the president before the White House’s fall. Despite the political chaos enveloping the nation, the team is united in their goal. The film draws parallels to Apocalypse Now as the characters stumble upon horrific scenes of war during their journey.
Political Speculations in Garland’s Civil War
The movie’s political backdrop is intentionally vague, with a president in his third term who has dissolved the FBI and approved airstrikes on US citizens. The leading secessionist group, Western Forces, is an unlikely alliance between California and Texas. The film also references a violent incident called “The Antifa Massacre,” leaving audiences to infer whether antifa was the perpetrator or victim.
Challenging Journey and Gripping Narrative in Civil War
The movie depicts the team’s perilous journey to Washington, passing through war-torn cities and witnessing unimaginable atrocities. They manage to reach a seemingly peaceful small town, only to discover armed snipers lurking on Main Street. Another tense scene features Jesse Plemons, a xenophobic character fighting for the “real America,” abducting the group.
Intense Combat and Box Office Potential of Civil War
The film features high-intensity combat scenes that could make it a box office success. The journalists’ pursuit to reach their goal is matched by the militants’ drive to overthrow the government. Despite the political ambiguity, Garland’s Civil War is undeniably a masterful piece of filmmaking.
Public Reception and Debate over Garland’s Civil War
Despite assurances that the film is not about Trump, many audiences believe otherwise. It has sparked debates about the impact of the movie on America’s volatile political discourse. Garland’s Civil War underscores the reality of civil wars in a way that hits close to home, making it both controversial and thought-provoking.
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