‘Civil War’: 6 Films That Capture the Brutal Beauty of Modern Combat

Alex Garland’s “Civil War” isn’t attempting to reinvent the war movie, but rather to distill it – to examine the magnetic pull of violence and the detached observation of those who document it. The film, starring Kirsten Dunst and Cailee Spaeny, follows a team of journalists embedded with U.S. Marines as they make their way toward Washington D.C. In a near-future America fractured by political strife. While the action sequences are visceral and impactful, Garland and cinematographer Rob Hardy deliberately looked beyond traditional war films for inspiration, drawing instead from the work of photographers like William Eggleston and Saul Leiter, and even Stanley Kubrick’s precise framing. This approach, coupled with a focus on the emotional weight of witnessing conflict, places “Civil War” in conversation with a rich history of films that have grappled with the complexities of warfare.

Beyond the Battlefield: A Photographic Approach

Hardy explained to IndieWire that his visual approach prioritized capturing a singular, emotionally resonant moment within the chaos. He aimed for a balance between intimacy and scope, a mid-shot with headroom that echoed Kubrick’s style more than traditional war photography. This deliberate choice to prioritize emotional impact over purely documentary realism sets “Civil War” apart, and connects it to a lineage of films that apply the visual language of war to explore deeper themes. The film’s aesthetic, while grounded in the reality of conflict, isn’t striving for gritty authenticity in the same way as, say, “Black Hawk Down.” Instead, it’s interested in the psychological toll of witnessing violence, a theme explored in films like “Come and Observe” (1985).

Echoes of the Past: Five Films That Resonate with ‘Civil War’

Garland’s film joins a tradition stretching back to early cinema, with films like 1925’s “The Big Parade” and 1926’s “What Price Glory?” attempting to convey the power of violence. Here are five films, alongside a video game, that share a similar sensibility or technique with “Civil War,” demonstrating the enduring power of cinema to grapple with the horrors and complexities of war.

‘Paths of Glory’ (1957) – The Futility of Command

Stanley Kubrick’s 1957 masterpiece, “Paths of Glory,” doesn’t showcase grand battle sequences. Its power lies in its condemnation of the detached leadership that sends soldiers to their deaths. The film’s claustrophobic trenches and long tracking shots create a sense of dread and futility, mirroring the feeling of being trapped in a hopeless situation. Like “Civil War,” Kubrick’s film doesn’t glorify war; it exposes its inherent absurdity and the callousness of those in power.

‘Come and See’ (1985) – The Horrors of Witnessing

Elem Klimov’s “Come and See” is a harrowing depiction of the Nazi occupation of Belarus during World War II. The film’s unflinching portrayal of violence and its focus on the psychological trauma experienced by a young boy are deeply disturbing. “Civil War” shares a kinship with “Come and See” in its treatment of bearing witness as a harrowing experience. Both films linger on the emotional cost of observing brutality, highlighting the lasting scars left on those who survive.

‘Saving Private Ryan’ (1998) – Immersion and Chaos

Steven Spielberg’s “Saving Private Ryan” revolutionized the depiction of combat in modern cinema. Its handheld camera work, fragmented editing, and visceral sound design immerse the viewer in the chaos of the Normandy landings. The film’s ability to convey both the horror and the valor of war has influenced countless subsequent films. “Civil War” echoes Spielberg’s approach in its use of fragmented shots and a relentless pace, creating a sense of disorientation and immediacy.

‘Transformers’ (2007) – The Spectacle of Destruction

While seemingly an odd inclusion, Michael Bay’s 2007 “Transformers” is surprisingly relevant. The film mastered the art of creating overwhelming action sequences where the sheer scale of destruction overwhelms the senses. This approach, characterized by fragmented sound effects and rapid editing, has grow a staple of modern action films, including “Civil War.” The assault on the Capitol in Garland’s film shares a similar sense of chaotic spectacle, albeit with a more grounded and emotionally resonant core.

‘Zero Dark Thirty’ (2012) – Precision and Perspective

Kathryn Bigelow’s “Zero Dark Thirty” offers a meticulously crafted depiction of the hunt for Osama bin Laden. The film’s use of night vision cameras and its focus on the tactical perspective of the SEAL team create a sense of realism and tension. Like “Civil War,” “Zero Dark Thirty” presents a clinical and detached view of warfare, highlighting the precision and calculation involved in military operations.

‘Spec Ops: The Line’ (2012) – Deconstructing the War Game

Yager Development’s 2012 video game, “Spec Ops: The Line,” is a subversive take on the military shooter genre. The game deconstructs the tropes of power fantasy and explores the psychological toll of war on soldiers. Its use of imagery and mechanics borrowed from popular shooters, combined with a morally ambiguous narrative, forces players to confront the consequences of their actions. Like “Civil War,” “Spec Ops: The Line” challenges the audience to question the glorification of violence and to consider the human cost of conflict.

What’s Next for ‘Civil War’ and its Legacy?

“Civil War” has already sparked conversation about its depiction of a fractured America and its commentary on the role of the media in times of conflict. The film’s success will likely influence future war films, encouraging filmmakers to explore more nuanced and psychologically complex portrayals of warfare. Whether it will inspire a broader dialogue about the dangers of political polarization and the importance of responsible journalism remains to be seen. The film is currently in wide release, and its long-term impact on the genre will depend on how it resonates with audiences and critics in the months and years to come. A24’s strategic release and marketing campaign, coupled with strong critical reception, position “Civil War” for a significant cultural footprint.