A Private War, directed by Matthew Heineman and released by Aviron Pictures in November 2018, is a biographical drama film that documents the remarkable journey of Marie Colvin, one of the most famous and daring war journalists in the world. The film is based on an article published in Vanity Fair in 2012, titled “Marie Colvin’s Private War,” authored by Marie Brenner. Throughout the film, viewers are taken on a riveting ride, witnessing Colvin’s unyielding spirit and her unrelenting desire to report from the front lines of the world’s most dangerous conflict zones.
Synopsis:
A Private War intimately portrays the life of Marie Colvin, from her early years in Sri Lanka to her time as a seasoned war correspondent in Syria. The film takes the viewers through the journey of Marie, a fearless journalist who will stop at nothing to bring forth the voices of people oppressed, suppressed, and subject to war crimes.
The film begins with Colvin’s journey to Sri Lanka in 2001. Along with the Macan Tamil rebels, Colvin travels to the Vanni region to capture the aftermath of the government’s oppressive tactics. While documenting the humanitarian crisis, Marie and the Macan Tamil were attacked by the government forces, resulting in Marie losing an eye. This injury didn’t deter her, she continued on to do many more riskier and challenging assignments.
The viewer then gets a glimpse into Colvin’s post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The film shows how Colvin’s battle with PTSD affected her personal and professional life, which included a divorce and an absence from work. As she healed, she continued working, covering the war in Afghanistan before returning to the perils of the Arab Spring. Libya, in 2011, was the next assignment for Marie and Conroy, exposing the atrocities being committed by Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi’s troops on his own people.
Marie’s work takes her to Syria in 2012, a country facing a brutal and violent conflict. In one of the most dangerous situations, Marie and her team, consisting of Paul Conroy and a few other journalists, risked their lives to deliver live broadcasts to international media outlets. The film concludes with showing how life as a war correspondent can bring havoc to even the most durable of people.
Review:
A Private War is a well-crafted film with an enthralling storyline. The entire cast of the film deserves praise for their brilliant performances, especially Rosamund Pike, who portrayed Colvin impeccably. The cinematography is exceptional, presenting the viewers with a visual depiction of war that feels as real as it can get. The film’s ability to capture the war correspondents’ life both on and off the field adds to its authenticity, and the emotional and psychological price they pay for their work.
The movie’s direction, editing, and pacing are laudable, with every scene flowing smoothly and keeping the viewer’s attention intact. The film effectively depicts the fragility of life during wartime, the emotional and physical risks faced by journalists, and the enormous impact their reporting can bring to global recognition of what is happening. Colvin’s life, dedication, and struggles depicted in the film make for a thought-provoking experience.
Conclusion:
A Private War is a film that emotionally connects with its audience with an engaging plot and presentation. With a glimpse of the life of war correspondents, the film is a true depiction of bravery, risk-taking, and relentless determination. The movie effectively captures Colvin’s struggle with PTSD, the challenges of balancing personal life and work, and ultimately, the ultimate price she paid. Overall, A Private War is an enriching cinematic experience that offers insights into the risks and demands of a war journalist’s vocation.
