Civil War's Alex Garland and Kirsten Dunst don't need to reassure audiences with their new action movie

EntertainmentMoviesAction MoviesCivil WarCivil War’s Alex Garland and Kirsten Dunst don’t need to reassure audiences with their new action movieWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works. EntertainmentMoviesAction MoviesCivil WarCivil War’s Alex Garland and Kirsten Dunst don’t need to reassure audiences with their new action movieWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works. (Image credit: A24) InCivil War, the latest movie fromEx Machinaand Annihilation director Alex Garland, we see the horrors of conflict through camera lenses rather than crosshairs. Our way into the action is through seasoned photojournalist Lee (Kirsten Dunst), her Reuters colleague Joel (Narcos' Wagner Moura), and New York Times veteran Sammy (Dune’s Stephen McKinley Henderson). There’s also wannabe war photographer Jessie (Priscilla’s Cailee Spaeny), who tags along for the ride to Washington DC to capture the last days of the President (Nick Offerman) before rebel forces take the White House. According to Dunst, the movie’s focus on the press rather than civilians or the armed forces is “really based on the way Alex grew up. His father was a cartoonist for a newspaper and he grew up with journalists around him, so I think that way in was the most natural way for Alex,” she tells GamesRadar+. “I think it makes it more about humanity. Instead of having a gun, you have your camera. That’s a very different way in and I think there’s a beauty to that kind of work as well.” And cameras do literally bring us into the film – when Lee or Jessie takes a photo, we see the shot, briefly, a starkly composed still momentarily filling the screen in the midst of the chaos. The stasis should act as a reprieve from the brutal action, but it doesn’t. The lack of movement only makes the horror more stark. Silence and noise (Image credit: A24) This starkness is prevalent throughout the movie: the action scenes in Civil War are unsettling in their simplicity. One thing that stands out is the silence after gunshots or explosions in favor of the ‘ringing-in-your-ears’ sound effect so often employed in war films. “We used the language of reality, so it came either from lived experience or it came from news footage or documentaries,” Garland explains to us. “A simple example might be that film has grammar to do with the way people get shot. There’s big clouds of blood and they fly back, [but] quite a lot of time when someone is shot all they do is fall down and there’s nothing very dramatic about it. Now, somebody watching the film may or may not ever have seen someone get shot in real life or on news footage or whatever. But even if they’ve never seen it, they pick up on a funny kind of accent towards reality. And so when they see moments of violence, it will have something that feels true.” The first of these scenes occurs early in the film, when Lee and Jessie meet for the first time. A large crowd in the streets descends into civil unrest when a bomb explodes, and Lee comes to Jessie’s assistance when she sees the younger woman with her camera but without a press vest or any protective equipment. The sound design, lurching from overwhelming cacophony to unnerving silence, and the kinetic, suffocating visuals of the crush make this the first of Civil War’s many terrifying action sequences. Big Screen SpotlightShining a light on the under-the-radar theatrical releases that you need to know about, with a new article every Friday Big Screen Spotlight Shining a light on the under-the-radar theatrical releases that you need to know about, with a new article every Friday Shining a light on the under-the-radar theatrical releases that you need to know about, with a new article every Friday “What cinema does when it does things that aren’t true is it makes people feel more comfortable,” Garland continues. “Like, this is a really scary alien that’s ripping people to pieces, but none of that is anything I ever really have to worry about. Whereas you as an individual could get caught up in a bit of violence on the street where people are pounding the hell out of each other. And you could suddenly find yourself in the middle of it, that could happen. So, it lands differently on you.” Sign up for the Total Film Newsletter Bringing all the latest movie news, features, and reviews to your inbox In that scene and many others throughout the film, Lee moves through the carnage with her camera as if on autopilot. There’s a disconnect there, a removal from the situation that stems from self-preservation and a hardened disengagement that’s the result of so many years in the field. Disengagement, however, is also something that some critics have claimed lies at the heart of the film. Open to interpretation (Image credit: A24) Civil War has divided critics in one key area: its politics. While the President’s tyranny is indisputable (he’s disbanded the FBI and is currently in his third term in the Oval Office), the movie avoids getting under the skin of its characters' beliefs, whether that’s Lee and her fellow journalists or some of the more extreme figures they meet on the road. “Civil War offers a lot of food for thought on the surface, yet you’re never quite sure what you’re tasting or why, exactly,” readsRolling Stone’s review, whileDeadlinewrites that the film has “an overreliance on spectacle over substance”. “It’s not that I think that is the right way to make a film or the right way to tell a story. There are many films out there that tell you everything clearly and go out of their way to be super clear, so nobody can be in doubt about the function of the film, the intentions of the filmmakers, all that sort of stuff, and they function as a reassurance. But that’s not really what I’m interested in. I do think clarity exists within [Civil War], it’s just a two-way clarity and involves both people participating.” Big Screen Spotlight(Image credit: Universal Pictures)Dev Patel’s new action movie Monkey Man is so much more than the next John Wick Big Screen Spotlight (Image credit: Universal Pictures)Dev Patel’s new action movie Monkey Man is so much more than the next John Wick (Image credit: Universal Pictures) Dev Patel’s new action movie Monkey Man is so much more than the next John Wick But how does that “participation” translate into an actor’s performance? “When I was reading the script, I didn’t worry about [filling in the gaps],” Dunst says. “I thought, ‘That’s such a better way in’. You don’t want to put your own impressions or political views onto a film like that, it kind of defeats the purpose of what this film is trying to give you.” For Dunst, it’s down to the viewer’s own interpretation. “I wasn’t worried and filling in like, ‘Well, what happened here? Why did Texas and California join together?'” she continues, speaking of the “Western Forces” mentioned in the movie. “Those are two very powerful states and if they’re going up against a government that has thrown democracy out the window, it would make sense to me that those two would put their differences aside and join forces. But then it’s really up to how you feel watching the film, which is cool that it leaves so much up to the audience member watching it.” Civil War is out now in cinemas. For more on what else you should be watching at the cinema, be sure to check out the rest of ourBig Screen Spotlight series. 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This canceled Netflix fantasy series was one of the best shows of 2024 – and deserves a second chance Patton Oswalt and Jordan Blum explain why comics are still the perfect medium for superhero stories - “Visuals that will never be achieved in TV or movies can be achieved in comics” Team Asobi’s gigantic 2024 proves it’s time to free Astro Bot from PlayStation’s past Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 was the favorite shooter of the year, and it also made me fall even harder for my fiancé 17 years on, Sam Barlow reflects on Silent Hill: Origins: “To pull it out of the bag with a seven-out-of-ten game was incredibly rewarding” Here’s our Black Ops 6 multiplayer playlist to keep you and your pals connected over Christmas Spy x Family season 3: Everything we know so far One of 2024’s best anime shows subverts all expectations, but that’s its biggest strength How Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth represents the best of Final Fantasy’s past while charting a course for the future GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS 1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” 1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” 1 Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” 2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” 2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” 2 Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” 3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure” 3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure” 3 Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure” 4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 4 Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 5 Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 1 Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 2 Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 3 Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 4 The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 5 Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now” 1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now” 1 Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now” 2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 2 Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 3 Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 4 Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” 5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” 5 Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”