American Sniper is a frustrating film.  Chris Kyle is obviously a fascinating individual (no matter what direction you view him from) but seemingly because he is a real person, and recently deceased, the film is entirely devoid of reflection or questions.  Kyle’s viewpoint is prioritised and accepted in every way.  The problem is that this myopia is promoted as ‘authenticity’ apart from when it’s convenient to say ‘screw it’ and turn him into Jason Bourne.

Another reduction.

Another dull movie from the guy who gave us the blistering Unforgiven (1992).

I’m not suggesting that there are valid and invalid views to hold on any given subject but that ‘unflinching’ doesn’t get us anywhere, it’s a dead end.