American Sniper Movie Review

American Sniper (2014) Movie Review

Clint Eastwood is easily one of Hollywood’s most compelling, well-rounded actor/directors still working today. His career spans over 65 years (69 to be exact), with four Academy Awards to his name from ten nominations and over $1 billion in total worldwide box office earnings from his films! He has the respect from everyone in the industry and audiences around the world, still tuned into his latest projects. Even at 94 years old the man has still got it. Behind the camera, he has directed some of my all-time favourite films, including: ‘Unforgiven’, ‘Gran Torino’, ‘Mystic River’, ‘Letters to Iwo Jima’, ‘flags of Our Father’, ‘J-Edgar’, ‘The Mule’, ‘Richard Jewell’, ‘Cry Macho’ and 2014s ‘American Sniper’.

American Sniper has become one of Eastwood’s most well-known, respected and commercially successful films. The film grossed over $350 million in the USA alone, with a total worldwide box office take of more than $547.5 million. The film was also nominated for six Academy Awards, including best actor and best picture, taking home the gold for its incredible sound editing. American Sniper follows Navy S.E.A.L Chris Kyle (played by Bradley Cooper), as we see the impacts of war on Kyle and what made him the infamous soldier we know today. War films have never really been something I enjoy. With all the real-world fighting and a relentless news cycle, seeing these conflicts brought to life in film can be quite confronting and just overall, it's not usually an experience I enjoy. However, one war film that has stuck with me since I saw it back in 2014 is ‘American Sniper’.

The reason this film has resonated with me for nearly 10 years, comes down to the fact that Chris Kyle’s service, life and the way he returns to society after war, is portrayed in a realistic and thoughtful manner without ever feeling melodramatic. This comes down to Clint Eastwood’s near perfect direction of his talented cast. It is well known that Eastwood only ever has one take, requiring his actors to be rehearsed and fully prepared once the cameras start rolling. The casting of Bradley Cooper, who has been on a hot streak ever since his performance in Silver Linings Playbook, was a stroke of genius. Eastwood’s pairing with Cooper was a match made in heaven.

Bradley Cooper is truly fantastic here, delivering what many regard as his best performance to date. He is raw, full of emotion, but again never delves into screaming melodrama, rather showing the post-traumatic stress disorder of Kyle, with nuance and poise. His performance elevates the material, bringing forth the issues and the ideas of the film in a thoughtful way that's respectful to the legacy of the late Chris Kyle and his family. I can’t praise Cooper enough for his turn here, he was recognised by the Academy with a best performance by an actor in a leading role, but sadly lost out to Eddie Redmayne’s performance as Stephen hawking. It was a crowded year that year though with Michael Keaton missing out as well and Jake Gyllenhaal not even nominated for his role as Lou Bloom in Nightcrawler, but I digress.

Another strength of this film is the tension of the war sequences. We spend a lot of time with Kyle and his battalion, showing the snap decision making that is required as a Sniper in the heat of battle. There is one set-piece where Kyle has to make a decision whether or not to take the shot, when a young child is approaching the battalion with what could be a weapon. It’s truly riveting. The ensuing firefight in this sequence is also top-notch, showing that Eastwood still understands action and what makes these scenes work is his awareness, both from a character perspective, but also from the perspective of making a riveting, suspenseful, engaging action sequence. Re-watching these sequences in 4K Ultra HD is why it's worth upgrading your copy to the new 4K remaster.

‘American Sniper’ is a thought-provoking, sad and at times distressing war-drama. The film deals with PTSD and the effects war can have when those who have served, return home. It’s elevated by Bradley Cooper’s stellar performance, alongside Clint Eastwood’s expert craftsmanship behind the camera. The two marry perfectly here, for one of the best war-dramas in recent memory. If you don’ own it already, then definitely pick this one up on 4K Ultra HD, and if you do have the DVD or Blu-Ray, no matter time to upgrade than now with this glorious release! Pick-up your copy today from Sanity.

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Christopher Pattison wrote this blog post for Sanity. See more from Chris here