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WAR HERO

Today's NYTimes Best 1176 Film was John Huston's

The Red Badge of Courage (1951)

with the WWII hero Audie Murphy.

This was a troubled film (read the link) and it weighs in at only 65 minutes.

There are some incredible battle shots.

The cinematography is superb.

Murphy and all his platoon members are great. Many were stock characters in many films; Royal Dano, Andy Devine, Arthur Hunnicut, to name a few.

What I liked most about Murphy's portrayal is that he does not have an instant awakening. It is a slow process.

And even when he becomes a hero, he cannot fully admit his former weakness. Substituting bravado for candor he hedges his 'story' in his confession to his best friend.

This felt more true to me than a clean and glorious epiphany would.

I think this may account for the trouble that the film had when it was initially run.

The film is also hard to deal with because it places emphasis on military bravery as the avenue through which the hero achieves adulthood. This is not a popular theme these days and yet, it is a fact, young men are experiencing these same issues as I type.

Some, who do not experience war directly, go through other trials to achieve adulthood. Trials by fire of one kind or another; it is the same thing.

I did not have war. I am fortunate enough to have skated through one of the most peaceful periods of the last century. I faced the challenges of having a large family, working my way up and out in my jobs, starting a business, coming out.

We all have our red badges. Or don't.

It is particularly male, I think.

Murphy had an interesting life. Humble beginnings and great accomplishments.

He was the most decorated WWII veteran. His autobiography was a best seller.

He struggled to become an actor and eventually (with mixed feelings) starred in the film version of his own book.

It was incredibly popular.

His appearance in this film is surprisingly good. He has an intensity that cannot be 'acted'.

Murphy's buddy in the film is played by another icon of WWII, Bill Mauldin.

Mauldin created a cartoon version of the War that became an alternative chronicle of what it was like for the common soldier. He was only in his early 20's. He makes a pretty good actor in this film.

The key to both these guy's success in this film is their innate humility.

I will give this a 4 out of Netflix5. Maybe a 5. It sure got me thinking about rites of passage. Mine and others.

A long blog usually means a good movie experience.

Labels: best films, coming of age