American Sniper (MA15+)
Starring: Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller
IT SEEMS preposterous to be talking about the year’s best film in January.
But American Sniper is that film.
Clint Eastwood has directed a simply superb example of the movie-maker’s art – taut storytelling, a cracking script, beautifully shot, with an eye to historical accuracy – all this, and Eastwood hasn’t wasted a second on the screen.
Bradley Cooper plays his best role yet as Navy SEAL Chris Kyle, who achieved the most kills of any sniper in the history of the United States. Cooper deftly conveys the spirit of this softly-spoken Texan who served four tours of Iraq.
Forced to shoot women and children in split-second, life and death decisions, Kyle’s demons are there for the world to see.
The evil he is fighting, and his moral compass, are skilfully portrayed.
Also beautifully captured is the witty interplay between Kyle and his fellow soldiers.
The home front is not ignored with Kyle’s family problems with his beautiful wife (Sienna Miller) and two kids are front and centre. Particularly poignant are the tiny incidents at home that remind Kyle of his tortured time on the frontline.
There is no happy ending to this tale, and Eastwood handles that unhappy ending with consummate skill.
You will rarely see an audience as engaged as during this magnificent ride.
Run to the nearest cinema and see it. Do it now.
– Jason Beck
