Journalists under fire in new "Civil War" film
A fictional view of combat journalists is harrowing
Journalists have a dangerous job. And while sitting at a desk isn’t particularly hazardous, reporters and photographers in combat zones are in a life-and-death situations daily.
UNESCO has tracked the deaths of 1,668 journalists killed since 1993. This year alone, 11 have lost their lives because they believed in their jobs of bringing people news.
A new movie, “Civil War,” tells a fictional story of an America at war with itself told through the perspective of journalists covering the events.
The dystopian film, set in what seems to be current times, asks more questions than it answers. In a nation that has seen turbulent political actions in recent years, it makes the viewer wonder, contemplate and squirm in his or her seat.
A trio of journalists played by (from left) Kirsten Dunst, Wagner Moura and Cailee Spaeny enter a White House under siege in the new film “Civil War.” (Photo courtesy A24 Films.)
The movie’s premise: Open war for control of the U.S. pits one part of the country, led by the President (now in his third term) against armed forces controlled by rebels. A small group of New York City-based journalists are determined to make their way to Washington, D.C., to force the commander in chief to face a truth-seeking press.
Scenes of violence, both large and small scale, confront the viewer. The battling military units seem to be ambiguous. Lots of people who don’t seem to know what they’re fighting for.
Released during a presidential election year — and with the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol Building still pretty fresh in the minds of the public — it’s a project that thematically is a war movie, action film and political thriller all in one.
The film “Civil War” has opened in Iowa movie theaters. (Photo courtesy A24 Films.)
Of course, it made me think of my chosen profession and my colleagues.
The most dedicated war correspondent I’ve personally known, John Gaps III, an Associated Press (and Register) photographer who captured images from the Gulf War and Middle East unrest, to Kosovo and famine-stricken Africa. He died in 2022.
John carried a war wound throughout much of his life. While covering a demonstration in Gaza, he took an Israeli plastic bullet in his leg.
He saw more human suffering than someone should have to bear, and it weighed on him.
But Gaps was an absolute professional who loved what he did.
Photographers become targets in the new film “Civil War.” (Photo courtesy A24 Films.)
I would say I can understand the motivation of journalists to pursue telling the truth, even when it means placing yourself in harm’s way.
While I’ve never served in a war zone, I’ve received verbal and written threats. Being a newspaper reporter means you’ll likely encounter people that are agitated, distraught or feel they can intimidate you from doing your job.
In 2020, several Des Moines journalists encountered challenges while covering protests. A Des Moines Register photographer was bruised by a pellet when tear gas was deployed on a crowd. A reporter took a blast of pepper spray in the face, according to Register reports.
Another Register reporter, Andrea Sahouri, was arrested by law enforcement and charged with failure to disperse and interference with official acts in 2020. She was acquitted.
Sportswriters aren’t immune to danger, either. Ask the Register’s Randy Peterson, who broke a leg when he was trampled at a crowd rush at a college basketball game.
A nation plunged into warfare is the subject of the film “Civil War.” (Photo courtesy A24 Films.)
Spoiler Alert. Note: If you haven’t seen the film, there are a few spoilers ahead. And a paywall, which is probably the biggest spoiler of all.
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to My Life, in Color to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.