After viewing âA Private Warâ I was surprised to find out who produced it. Not that it was a woman producing such a serious in-depth look at war but that she could have given herself this significantly challenging role but didn’t. The character was uncommonly rich and would have given her more than an off chance at grabbing another Oscar. It was produced by Academy AwardÂŽ-winning actress/producer, Charlize Theron (Monster, Tully). Charlize has nineteen producing credits to her name and with five projects at this moment in either pre or post-production, it doesnât look as if sheâs planning on stopping anytime soon.
âA Private Warâ is about a journalist and the very idea of journalism being under attack in times of war. Often times what journalists shed light on isnât appreciated by the people being exposed. These particular regimes are covered extensively through who the film focuses on. It highlights the work of Marie Colvin, played by Academy AwardÂŽ-nominee Rosamund Pike of âGone Girl.â Marie Colvin was one of the most powerful reporters we’ve ever seen. She was always brave in the face of danger. Colvin knew that it wasnât only her responsibility to but took it as an honor to tell the stories of those who could not speak and be a voice for the dead. She wanted to tell the truth when no one else cared enough to and no one else would.
Whether you think itâs a necessary evil or you believe that war is simply sanctioned murder (perpetrated by old men and their egos who send young men and women off to die), thereâs no missing the fact that this film is impressive. âA Private Warâ takes direct aim at both of those points significantly well. And the script not only makes you feel great respect for Colvin, but you also grow frustrated with her stubbornness as you get to know her. First and foremost in her life is the job she has to do. Though she sees and feels an obligation to those she loves, the loyalty to her job of reporting the facts will always take precedent. Who is she if she isnât injecting those principles into her work and out to the world? She must describe, for her readers, the pains of others. She feels a duty to tell those who might make a difference of the terrible ills she sees. Once she absorbs the suffering and grief, she narrates it for the rest of us. As she puts it in the film, âI see it, so you donât have to.â
On assignment in Iraq, she meets renowned war photographer Paul Conroy (Dornan). She enlists him to help her and, working together from there on out, he never leaves her side. They see a lot of death and it eventually takes its toll. Her time on the frontlines has revealed its scars both inside and out. She’s almost killed while in Sri Lanka but instead suffers an injury. Due to the injury sheâs forced to wearing an eyepatch for the rest of her life over her now blinded left eye. She’s bothered by it but you can also see she views it as a symbol of her work and of her own struggles. And perhaps by some, knowing sheâs endured the wounds of battle, she’ll be taken more seriously.
The film also affirms the deep trauma that you can’t see. Colvin’s a chain-smoking alcoholic whoâs finally pressured into taking time off when she can no longer tell whatâs false from whatâs real. She suffers from PTSD. Admitting that alcohol quiets the voices in her head, realizes the time away is indeed needed. Paul understands what she’s going through more than anyone and knows sheâs addicted to the adrenalin rush. Colvin is in a relationship with a man named Tony Shaw (Tucci) but Paul seems to be the one she reveals more to. He knows she hates war but has to see it… has to reveal it. Heâs there with her when she goes to the Syrian city of Homs. Homs is getting more dangerous for them by the minute. He pleads with her but canât convince her to leave. Armed with her story of profound anguish, she connects with Anderson Cooper of CNN and gives her final interview.
âA Private Warâ is directed by critically acclaimed documentary filmmaker Matthew Heineman who lovingly tells her story with the utmost respect and dignity. Itâs entertaining and heartfelt and honest in how it acknowledges her defects but classy in making it known to all of humanity that she loved her work. I highly recommend it for the cinematography, directing, performances and for the Annie Lennox tune at the end. Don’t miss it.
