Featuring two of my favourite actors and one of my favourite screenwriters, I was astounded that I had, a – never watched Charlie Wilson’s War, and b – had never heard of Charlie Wilson’s War.
War is best experienced to be understood, and when Congressman Charlie Wilson gets up close and personal with the effects of the Soviet-Afghan war in Pakistan he can no longer watch from the side lines. Raising funds and championing victory Charlie Wilson is a silent hero in the events that play out.
Charlie Wilson was a character you couldn’t help but like. Charismatic and intelligent with none of the pompousness those traits tend to inhibit.
A lovely addition to the movie was Charlie’s secretarial staff. Featuring actresses such as Amy Adams (Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Arrival) and Shiri Appleby (Life Unexpected, unREAL) these women presumably hired for their looks as opposed to their brains, showed it’s possible to have both, in a way that was fun to watch.
Aside from a fragmented dual conversation scene where Charlie juggles an oncoming press nightmare and a conversation with CIA Operative Gust (Dustin Hoffman) – this movie wasn’t for me.
It wasn’t bad… I learnt a lot about the Soviet-Afghan war, Tom Hanks was great as Southerner Charlie Wilson, and I added to my knowledge of American politics.
However I went into this movie purely for the Sorkinisms (specific screenwriting traits from Aaron Sorkin) of which there were sadly none. This disappointment is selfishly why I wouldn’t rate, re-watch or recommend this 2008 Golden Globe nominated movie with a solid cast, and easy mood any higher.
Then again you might want to ask me again in a few months once the betrayal has worn away. We’ll see.
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