Today we have Drew Williams, scholar, juicer, scientist of the fop, and author. I've known Drew since 2002 and am pleased that we met. We've bounced the Gross Out Contest, we've shook our fists at the sun, we've argued the finer points of literature, and we've eaten scrapple together. I once compared him to Leon Battista Alberti, for being a polymath excelling at many things. Drew is the sort of friend whom I don't see often enough, but when I do, it's almost as if no time has passed.
Here are his questions and answers:
1. What’s your favorite military movie, book or television show?
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GETTYSBURG-1993 starring Tom Berenger, Jeff Daniels and Martin Sheen. Based on the novel by Michael Sharra(spelling?)
2. Why is it your favorite? Here’s where you can ramble a bit.
Why?
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| Masked Gross Out Contest Bouncers: Drew in forefront |
For me this is a perfect military film on several different
levels.. First and foremost it is gripping movie, full of compelling
characters and exciting action. The battle sequences are some of the
most intense and realistic ever filmed. But unlike a standard
"battlefield movie", Gettysburg does a remarkable job of treating the
subject matter with respect and historical verisimilitude. It does not
take sides, but rather portrays the armies of the North and the South
with equal attention, demonstrating a balanced perspective of the
dignity of the men as well as the mundane. Taken from the letters and
diaries of many of the men who fought there, the dialogue is poignant
and reveals a rare insight to the thoughts and concerns of those who
actually was there. From an historical perspective, it is as close as
being period authentic as possible- no confederate generals sporting
mullets or cavalry officers firing 13 shots from a pistol. I love this
movie because it offers up a realistic glimpse of, arguably, the most
important single battle in our nation's history, and glorifies the men
who fought in it without glorifying the war they fought in.
3. What themes are overused? And is it overused, or just truthful observation?
Overused?
I'm not sure if there are any overused tropes or devices in
military films and books. Like any genre, there are certain elements
that have to be in there. But what I would like to see are fewer films
that turn the soldier into a comic book action hero ala Rambo, and Delta
Force, and The Marine films, and more films that turn a more critical
and/or satirical eye toward war and combat. Growing up in the 70's I had
first run exposure to such films as The Deer Hunter (which I saw
portions of it filmed in Clairton PA), M*A*S*H (the movie), Coming Home,
and a forgotten classic, The Boys in Company C. I'd like to see more
films like these and The Hurt Locker and Brothers then stuff like Act of
Valor and Behind Enemy Lines.
+ + +
Thanks, Drew!
On Drew's request, please go over to Nothing but Nets to see if there's anything you want to do. From volunteering in Africa to fighting for U.S. Veterans, it's a gateway that explains how to help..
And everyone please don't forget to Pre-order SEAL Team 666 from your favorite store:
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