America's darkest chapter has never been far from Hollywood's vivid imagination. From "Gone With the Wind" to "Glory" to "Lincoln," movies have brought us the barbarity and the politics of the Civil War. But what if the bloody 19th century conflict were merely our first civil war?
That's the premise of a new film, "Civil War," opening this week. It's an unflinching and relentless look at a nation divided and violent, not in the 1860s, but today.
"This could be us in, pick a year: 2025, 2026, 2024? Is that fair?" asked Turner Classic Movies host Ben Mankiewicz.
"Hopefully not," said actress Kirsten Dunst. "But I do think it's a warning. I do."
Dunst leads the cast, playing a war photographer who, along with three other journalists, drives from New York to Washington, D.C., hoping to interview the president before rebel forces, led by Texas and California, reach the White House.
"At the heart of all of this, it's really about humanity and what happens when people stop treating each other like human beings," Dunst said.
Renowned English writer-director Alex Garland, known for his work on "Ex Machina" and "Annihilation," revealed that the unsettling nature of his latest film stems from its focus on the consequences of polarization and division.
Garland's narrative deliberately raises questions about the origins of the conflict and blurs the lines between protagonists and antagonists, leaving viewers with a sense of ambiguity. Despite warnings that a story centered around journalists might not appeal to audiences, Garland insisted on portraying the events through their perspective, emphasizing the essential role of journalism in a functioning society.
One of the film's most talked-about characters is the president, portrayed by Nick Offerman, who is depicted as serving an unprecedented third term and dismantling key institutions like the FBI. Offerman clarified that his portrayal was not based on any specific real-life political figure.
Offerman emphasizes that the film serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the need for Americans to be vigilant in today's political climate: "Our ego and our history often lead us to believe that we are immune to the issues that other countries may face. As Americans, we consume the finest cola beverages. We believe we are immune to such troubles."
Garland pointed out, "There is a fundamental truth in every challenging situation, and that is, nobody is exempt."
Witnessing such events unfold in our own backyard, Spaeny expressed, "It was a moment where the message truly resonated with me. It hit me like a punch to the gut. It left me with a strong desire to take action, to ensure it never reaches such a point."
Moura shared, "I am now actively engaging in conversations with those I disagree with. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that if you value democracy, there is common ground to be found."
"Having been part of the film, I have never experienced the emotions that I felt after watching it," revealed Dunst. "I was completely taken aback. It felt like a revelation, a feeling I have never encountered before."
Throughout her 35-year career in the movie industry, Kirsten Dunst has taken on a variety of roles, from her early days as a child actor to her recent Oscar-nominated performance in "The Power of the Dog." However, her latest project, "Civil War," is unlike anything she has done before.
When asked about the film, Dunst expressed, "I've never played a role like this. I think that this is one of the most important films that I've ever been a part of. I think that it respects the audience and lets them put their own beliefs about what is happening."
She elaborated further, stating, "I think it's up to the individual to take whatever their political beliefs are, and they will imprint watching the film what it makes them feel, or whose side is what side. And I think that's really interesting, and we'll get a lot of conversations that we need to have happen. And that's the beautiful thing about art. It's, like, that's what you want to be a part of in filmmaking. It's to push boundaries and give something that no one's seen before. 'Cause I haven't seen a film like this before."
As the audience engages with "Civil War," they will likely experience a sense of unease, challenging the notion that certain events could never happen again in their country.
"Our current polarized, divisive, non-communicative, accusatory state will persist unless we take action to change it," remarked Garland.
Offerman expressed his desire for widespread viewership of the film, stating, "I hope as many people see it as possible, and I hope that it helps us slowly move towards finding decency in our society, supporting it, and turning away from negative influences that can lead us astray."
To watch a trailer for "Civil War," click on the video player below:
For more info:
- "Civil War" opens in theaters, and in Imax, April 12
Story produced by [Writer's Name]. Editor: [Editor's Name].
