American Sniper is a biographical drama film directed by Clint Eastwood and based on the memoirs of Chris Kyle, one of the most deadly Navy SEAL snipers in American history. The movie was released in January 2015 and stars Bradley Cooper in the lead role as Chris Kyle, alongside Sienna Miller, Luke Grimes, Jake McDorman, and Cory Hardrict, among others.
The story revolves around Chris Kyle’s life as a Navy SEAL who possesses remarkable shooting skills. His uncanny ability to hit precise targets makes him a valuable asset in the battlefield, earning him the reputation of a legend in enemy ranks. Despite being deployed in Iraq four times, he struggles to keep the balance between his duty and family life.
American Sniper is a critically acclaimed movie that received nominations for six Oscars in various categories, including Best Picture. It grossed over $350 million worldwide and is considered to be one of the best war biographical movies ever made.
Chris Kyle’s Early Life and Military Training
Chris Kyle was born and brought up in Texas, where he learned how to hunt and shoot rifles from his father. As a young man, he became a rodeo cowboy but was cheated on by his then-girlfriend. He joined the military after watching the news of the bombing of the US embassy in Africa on television.
After enlisting in the US Navy SEALs, he went through rigorous training and emerged as the most lethal sharpshooter in the elite squad. He met his wife, Taya, in a bar and fell in love with her. On their wedding day, the 9/11 attacks happened, and Chris was deployed to Iraq.
Chris Kyle’s Adventures in the Battlefield
In Iraq, Chris’s first assignment was to protect the Marine troops, where he killed a young boy and a woman who attempted to lob a grenade at his convoy. His actions as a sniper earned him the nickname “The Legend,” and his career was marked by a series of stunning feats. However, his inner demons began surfacing as he struggled with PTSD after witnessing several traumatic events in the battlefield.
During his fourth deployment, Chris and his team’s mission was to capture the Al-Qaeda’s leader, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. While on the mission, they received information about a notorious sniper named Mustafa, who was responsible for the deaths of several American soldiers. The mission was thwarted, and Chris was forced to return home after failing to capture Mustafa.
Chris’s Tumultuous Life After Retirement
Back in the US, Chris tried to adjust to his civilian life, but his mind was still stuck in the battlefield. He volunteered to go back to Iraq for his third deployment and was promoted to Chief Petty Officer. Chris’s new mission was to hunt down Mustafa and avenge his fellow soldiers’ deaths.
As the story unfolds, Chris’s struggle with PTSD becomes more apparent, and his relationship with his family starts falling apart. Chris eventually returns to America to be with his family, but his inner demons continued to haunt him. The movie ends with a tragic twist that left the audience in tears.
The Direction and Success of American Sniper
Clint Eastwood’s direction added an emotional depth to the film, which helped the audience connect with the character’s psyche. The movie’s opening sequence is nerve-wracking, which sets the tone for the rest of the story. The film also explores the repercussions of the war on both the soldiers and their families, making it a poignant and thought-provoking movie.
American Sniper’s success is a testament to both its quality and commercial value. Despite its serious subject matter, the film’s gripping narrative and strong performances by the actors made it a blockbuster hit. The movie’s success proved that war biographical movies could be both critically acclaimed and commercially profitable.
Conclusion
American Sniper is one of the best war biographical movies ever made that tells the gripping story of one of the deadliest sharpshooters in American military history. The movie depicts the life of Chris Kyle and his journey from a rodeo cowboy to a Navy SEAL sniper. The film explores the psychological toll that the battlefield takes on the soldiers and their families, highlighting the impact of war on the human psyche. Clint Eastwood’s direction and the actors’ performances make the movie a must-watch for anyone who loves and appreciates great movies.
