Charlie Wilsons War.

Directed by Mike Nichols
Produced by Tom Hanks
Written by George Crile (novel)
Aaron Sorkin (screenplay)
Starring Tom Hanks
Julia Roberts
Philip Seymour Hoffman
Amy Adams
Ned Beatty
Music by James Newton Howard
Cinematography Stephen Goldblatt
Editing by John Bloom
Distributed by Universal Pictures
Playtone
Release date(s) December 21, 2007
Running time 100 min.
Country United States
Language English
Dari
Urdu
Budget $75 million

Tonight I went to watch the newly released Charlie Wilson's war, based on a true story of a congressman whom supplies money to the Afghans to fight the Solviet Union in the time of the Cold war.

The film was interesting, as it combined real footage, with the actual film, to give the audience more of a feel for the truth behind the narrative.

Mike Nichols is the director, someone who before this movie, I had not been aware of his work. I remember faintly a film called Closer, released in 2004, which I will be watching sometime later this week to see if I can see a style portrayed in his work. From the film I watched tonight, he is a talented director, who adds something to what could be a grey area in film. For example if there was little humour in this film it would come across too dry for viewing in my opinion.

Narrative: The narrative was well structured throughout the film, however contained alot of political confusion which made it difficult for easy viewing. For example the main narrative in the story seems to be the raising of funds to help the Afghans at war, with help from a rich female anti-communist played by Julia Roberts. The main actor is Tom Hanks, who as always, makes the film brilliant to watch. Without the humour the film would be dull and rather worthless as a piece.

Visual Style: Throughout the film, full vivid colour is used to show this highly succesful man in the light that others percieve him as in the film. Thi works very well in introducing us as an audience to the main character. The style used towards the end of the film is different, and it becomes very clear that this man is actually lonely or perhaps full of pride. At the end the start is played again, and we see why he is standing in front of so many people, being awardfed a prize for his achievement. However, when we see him in tears, we see a darker style being used. The film is mainly scened in the offices of the congressman, as well as hotels, and middle eastern countries. There is a good part of the film where he is standing on a large hill, unsure whether to aid the people of Afghnistan, with the refugee camps filled with thousands of people in the distance. The use of focus on him and those in the background, as well as the use of space shows that seeing the people has a huge effect on his decision.

I feel it important to mention the character played by Phillip seymour Hoffman, as the character is used well to break out the seriousness of the film, to create a sense of humour within it. A clever technique. However, I dont know how the start is relevant where he shouts at his superiour, a rather bizaare introduction to a character I'm sure would be agreed.