Fog of War
Rating = B+
As some reviewer said, this is more a debate
between the young McNamara and the old McNamara than between McNamara and the
film maker. Many people are bothered that McNamara does not go far enough
(e.g., say he was and is wrong for not working actively to stop the war, or say
he is sorry). However, he says relatively clearly that his actions were those
of a war criminal, etc.; but, when asked by the film maker to say more says
that he is damned if he does and damned if he doesn't and he'd rather be damned
if he doesn't. Personally, I find it OK for someone who has voluntarily opened
the book on himself to hold back a little in order to maintain a little
self-respect; otherwise, he might not have spoken at all. He doesn't hold back
so much that he misleads the viewer; he holds back just enough to let himself
appear to be misled.
The film is divided into eleven lessons that McNamara has learned
during his journey of reflection on his life and the roles he played in
WW II and the Viet Nam War. I think most of these lessons also apply
to everyday business and everyday life — there is plenty of fog in
human affairs even when you are not involved in war.
[2004-01-22]