Change Your Image
jhcc77954
Reviews
Seven Days in May (1964)
Excellent
I read another critique on this movie. I think he saw a different movie. This was an excellent military political movie. Far from being far-fetched it based on reality. Any and all of the events could have happened. Remember this is 1967. We did not have instant communication and privately owned spy satellites. The secret base in El Paso was, and still is a distinct possibility.
Fredric March fills the shoes of the President admirably. Burt Lancaster is Burt Lancaster. Enough said.
The role Lancaster played was written for Kirk Douglas. He wanted Lancaster in the role. And since Douglas produced it, he got what he wanted.
Edmund O'Brien got the Academy Award for his role as Senator Clark, and well done, I must say. Richard Anderson was as sleazy as always. Andrew Duggan was just there.
Marin Balsam played his usual sober presence. But for the other writer to say it was less then outstanding is a surprise to me. Of course the movie was about the American way of life and rights and abilities. So take this old soldier's word, if you will, that it was a very good movie. Take this old professor's (PHD International Relations) word that it was rather chilling in reality.
A Bright Shining Lie (1998)
As it really was
The movie showed it like it really was. I did not know Vann, but two Colonels that I know did work with him. It shows who really ran the war in Vietnam. It shows Westmoreland for what he was too. The best part is that it shows how the Military had little or no say in conducting the war. It lets us see that it was a political war and that maybe it could have had a different outcome if it had been pursued correctly. The action is good, and it is authentic. Paxton is intense. His performance is often complimented on that he could have actually been Vann. Or that he could actually have been in a war. TYhe battle sequences are realistic without being overly bloody. The dialog was well presented and was mostly believable.