A Movie Theater at 35,000 Feet: Reflections on “Civil War”

As the airplane soared over continents, carrying my wife and me from Dubai to Zurich for our Swiss vacation in early September, I found myself immersed in Alex Garland’s latest cinematic offering, “Civil War.”

The irony wasn’t lost on me—watching a film about a fractured America while traversing international borders, the world below a patchwork of nations far removed from the turmoil depicted on my small screen. This unique viewing experience set the stage for a deep contemplation of the film’s themes and their relevance in our increasingly complex world.

A Mirror to Modern America

“Civil War” presents a chilling vision of a near-future United States torn apart by internal strife. The film’s premise is rooted in the current political landscape, extrapolating from the deep divisions that have become increasingly apparent in recent years, particularly during presidential elections. This speculative approach serves as a stark warning, urging viewers to consider the potential consequences of unchecked polarization.

The film’s dystopian portrayal of America is not merely a flight of fancy but a calculated projection based on observable trends. It takes the simmering tensions of our time—ideological rifts, erosion of democratic norms, and the fragmentation of shared national identity—and amplifies them to their logical, if extreme, conclusion. In doing so, “Civil War” compels us to confront uncomfortable questions about the stability of our political systems and the fragility of social cohesion.

What makes this portrayal particularly unsettling is its plausibility. While the specific events depicted in the film may be fictional, the underlying currents that drive them are all too familiar. The movie serves as a mirror, reflecting our societal fault lines back at us in stark relief. It challenges us to recognize the seeds of conflict in our daily discourse and to consider how our actions and attitudes might contribute to or mitigate the risk of such a dire future.

Examining Photojournalism

At the heart of “Civil War” lies a profound exploration of war zone photojournalism, a theme that prompted significant reflection. The film raises crucial questions about the nature and purpose of this challenging profession. Is war photography primarily journalism, art, or a form of entertainment? What drives individuals to risk their lives capturing images of conflict and human suffering?

The motivations behind war photography are multifaceted and often complex. On one hand, there’s a clear journalistic imperative to document and report on global conflicts, providing visual evidence of events that might otherwise remain hidden from the world’s view. These images serve as powerful tools for raising awareness, potentially catalyzing political action or humanitarian aid. They also constitute invaluable historical records, preserving visual testimony of conflicts for future generations to study and learn from.

However, the film also hints at the more problematic aspects of war photography. There’s an undeniable element of sensationalism in many war images, their shocking nature making them particularly “catchy” in a media landscape saturated with content vying for attention. This raises ethical questions about the fine line between documentation and exploitation. Are photographers sometimes tempted to prioritize dramatic impact over balanced reporting? How do they navigate the moral quandaries of profiting—both financially and in terms of career advancement—from images of human suffering?

Moreover, “Civil War” prompts us to consider the impact of war photography on both its subjects and its practitioners. For those caught in the lens, having their most vulnerable moments captured and disseminated globally can be a form of violation, albeit one often justified by appeals to the greater good of awareness-raising. For the photographers themselves, repeated exposure to trauma and violence can exact a heavy psychological toll, a reality that the film attempts to grapple with through its characters’ journeys.

The Problematic Hero’s Journey

While “Civil War” offers valuable insights into potential future scenarios and the complexities of war journalism, its portrayal of a young woman photographer’s journey into the profession is problematic. The film presents a narrative arc that’s all too familiar: an inexperienced photographer, mentored by a seasoned professional, undergoes a transformative experience in the crucible of conflict, emerging stronger, tougher, and more professionally capable.

This storyline, while dramatically compelling, raises serious ethical and psychological concerns. It implies that exposure to extreme violence and human suffering can serve as a catalyst for personal growth and professional development. Such a portrayal risks romanticizing trauma and trivializing the profound psychological impact of witnessing war atrocities.

The idea that one can “grow” through repeated exposure to death, destruction, and cruelty is not only simplistic but potentially harmful. It perpetuates a dangerous myth that trauma is a necessary rite of passage for war journalists, overlooking the very real and often long-lasting psychological damage that can result from such experiences. By framing the young photographer’s journey as a heroic transformation, the film inadvertently glorifies a process that, in reality, often leads to post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and other mental health challenges.

Furthermore, this narrative arc fails to adequately address the complex ethical dilemmas faced by war photographers. Instead of exploring the nuanced decision-making processes and moral quandaries inherent in the profession, it reduces the character’s development to a simplistic trajectory of toughening up and becoming more “professional.” This oversimplification does a disservice to the real-life journalists who grapple daily with questions of when to shoot and when to intervene, how to maintain objectivity while witnessing intense human suffering, and how to balance the public’s right to know with the dignity and privacy of their subjects.

A Call for Nuanced Storytelling

“Civil War” undoubtedly succeeds in provoking thought and discussion about crucial issues facing our society. Its speculative vision of a divided America serves as a powerful warning about the potential consequences of our current political trajectory. Similarly, its focus on war photography shines a light on an often-overlooked profession that plays a vital role in shaping our understanding of global conflicts.

However, the film’s treatment of its young protagonist’s journey reveals the limitations of conventional storytelling when applied to such complex and sensitive topics. There’s a pressing need for more nuanced narratives that resist the temptation to heroize war journalists or to present trauma as a pathway to growth. Instead, future works could benefit from exploring the day-to-day ethical challenges faced by these professionals, the support systems necessary to maintain their mental health, and the broader societal implications of how we consume and respond to images of conflict.

As I reflected on the film during our descent into Zurich, I found myself grappling with these conflicting impressions.

“Civil War” had succeeded in sparking important conversations, yet its reliance on certain tropes highlighted the ongoing challenge of representing complex realities in cinema. The contrast between the tumultuous America depicted on screen and the peaceful Swiss landscape that awaited us only emphasized the importance of striving for a more nuanced understanding of conflict, its documentation, and its impact on both individuals and societies.

Perhaps, the greatest value of “Civil War” lies not in its specific narrative choices, but in its ability to prompt these critical reflections. As we navigate an increasingly complex and divided world, we need stories that challenge us to think deeply about our shared future, the ethical responsibilities of those who document our struggles, and the human cost of conflict. While the film may not provide all the answers, it certainly asks many of the right questions, leaving viewers with much to ponder long after the credits roll.