Last Flag Flying

Starring: Steve Carell, Bryan Cranston, Laurence Fishburne, J. Quinton Johnson, Deanna Reed-Foster
Directed by: Richard Linklater
Rating: R
Genre: Comedy, Drama
2017

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: Three Vietnam vets (Steve Carell, Bryan Cranston, Laurence Fishburne) reunite 30 years after last seeing each other to bury the son of one of them, who was killed in the Iraq War.

Review:

Tim: I'm not sure how other generations have felt about movies about the wars that took place during their lifetime, but I have to admit, a decade plus of movies about the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have worn on me a bit. We've seen movies that take place during those conflicts, we're seen movies about the trauma that soldiers experience when they get home. We've seen nearly every shape and size movie about this period and this topic and it feels like all the stories have been told. So, as you can imagine, I went into Richard Linklater's Last Flag Flying with some trepidation. Would it feel like I've seen this movie already? Fortunately, I can answer that question- no, it doesn't.

What I loved about this movie is that the focus is on three Vietnam War veterans. The event that brings them together is the death of a soldier during the Iraq War, but it's never the main focus. It's a driving event, but the movie isn't just about that. This device allows the film to draw numerous parallels between the Vietnam War and the Iraq War. It allows us to examine what war does to people, but from a distance of decades. It makes you wonder what the soldiers coming home from this latest war will be like in thirty or forty years. This all made for a fascinating study of post-military life. It allows the audience to reflect on where we are and where we've been. I found it all a truly compelling experience.

Now, this film benefits greatly from its trio of main actors. The idea of bringing together Steve Carell, Bryan Cranston, and Laurence Fishburne was an excellent one. Each actor is so different and interact so well together. It's worth unpackaging this aspect of the film some. Carell is in his stripped down, restrained mode and it works so well. Carell's a funny guy, but he's also a very talented actor. You recognize that in a role like this. His performance is fueled by so much emotion, yet his character is stoic. Carell conveys that so much is bubbling under the surface and it's remarkable to watch. Bryan Cranston couldn't be more different- he's loud, obnoxious, relentless, says whatever he wants, regardless of who it may offend. His character gets annoying, but Cranston gives a great performance. You might get frustrated with his character, but you can't help liking him as well. Cranston embraces this role and brings so much energy to it. Carell is really good, but it's Cranston who steals the show. Laurence Fishburne is a nice way to round out this trio. His character isn't as extreme as the other two and therefore not quite as interesting, but his performance is spot on. He interacts well with the other two. I give Richard Linklater a ton of credit for the script and his directing, because so many of the best moments of this film involve watching these three men banter back-and-forth. The dialogue and their performances make you believe they used to be extremely close but have drifted apart over decades. Their relationship feels authentic.

I love how each of these three men represent different ways soldiers cope with the transition from military to civilian life. Some take a quiet approach, not discussing their pain or their fear. They show up and do what they need to. Some act out and rebel, cope with alcohol or drugs and wear their pain on their sleeves. Some turn to God or a higher power for their salvation. These were paths that soldiers often took after Vietnam and they're three paths many soldiers are undoubtedly taking now. Seeing that depicted here was powerful.

Linklater directs this emotional, believable story about three former soldiers coping both with the ramifications of their war and the impact of the newest one. Last Flag Flying touches on a subject that has often been explored in film, but it takes a novel approach. It's one of the better war aftermath movies I've seen and a film that truly emerges from the pack. It's well worth seeing.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 7.5



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