The Fog of War
Tonight I watched the mesmerizing and haunting new Errol Morris film, "The Fog of War." His ability to piece together theme, story and pathos from interviews and historical footage has pioneered nothing less than a new genre of documentary film. This work is among his best.

Robert McMamera's description of the decisions surrounding the firebombing of Japan during WWII, and the scope of its devastation, will stay with me a long time; as will his steely declaration that when a power like the United States finds none of her allies of similar values to be in agreement with decisions to use military might, we ought to rethink our reasoning....Had we followed that simple rule, he maintains, we never would have been in Vietnam.

Part of the genius of this film is that the former Secretary does not come across either as terribly sympathetic, or especially unlikable, yet does seem genuine, and true to his memories and beliefs. He is also shockingly straightforward in his admission of the calculations of loss of life, and indeed engagement in "evil," to maintain freedom, as the President sees fit.

With the growing debate over our involvement in Iraq, and the spectre of Vietnam hanging over the 2004 Presidential race, this film is paritcularly emotional and riveting. I confess, I was a bit detached from the notion that the 30-year-old war and the feelings it raises could play a role in electing the next President, but now, a couple hours removed from The Fog of War, I'm trembling a bit at the prospect of re-opening such a deep national wound. This film is a reminder--at a time when we shouldn't need it, but seem to--of the hazards of war, and the humanity of the people making the decisions. Go see it!

{UPDATE: Before you hit the theater, take with you this brilliant reminder from Billmon about yet another connection of misdirection between Vietnam/LBJ and Iraq/Bush: the cost to taxpayers.}