Newsroom

Oct. 31, 2007

Hollywood Tackles the Current War Climate

With the fight in the Middle East still raging, Lions for Lambs tackles a hotly debated war with big Hollywood names. Rick Worland, war film expert and chair of SMU’s Division of Cinema-Television, offers his thoughts on what the Lions for Lambs release says about the war, the country’s attitude, and what it means to have A-list Hollywood names involved.

“Movies about WWII were made steadily from 1945 to the late 70s, with another cycle ensuing after Saving Private Ryan in 1998. It was the same war, but different attitudes and takes on it over time. This is the same with the Vietnam War. The Green Berets was one of the only Vietnam movies made during the war, but there has been a large number since, which has charted our evolving reconsiderations about the conflict over time.

“The most conservative Americans will still dismiss this movie as ‘typical’ liberal Hollywood propaganda, but Hollywood has been largely silent the past four years in terms of movie-making. Studio bosses are as conservative as they ever were, particularly where their money and jobs are concerned.

“There must be a broad sense in the upper echelons that this national souring on Bush and the war will allow these movies to reach a wider audience than it previously would have. Thus big budgets and big stars can be gambled on this topic.”

To speak with Worland, contact him directly at 214/768-3708 or rworland@smu.edu. Lions for Lambs debuts in local theaters on Nov. 9, 2007.

Looking for experts? Call SMU’s Office of News & Communications at 214/768-7650.

Media Contact:
Levente Smith
Tele. 214-768-7641
E-mail: smithl@smu.edu

 

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