Meryl Streep was flogging this film on the Daily Show recently, looks interesting. Though, not compelling enough to brave a metroplex to see it.
The title of Robert Redford's "Lions for Lambs" comes from a comment made by a German officer in World War I about the bravery of British soldiers compared to the criminal stupidity of their commanders.
The film, which had its world premiere Monday at the London Film Festival, makes clear that Redford feels the same way about the current political leadership of the U.S. and the men and women now fighting and dying in the name of their country.
In sober and unemotional fashion, Redford and writer Matthew Michael Carnahan set out the arguments for and against America's military incursions in Iraq and Afghanistan, leaving it for the audience to ponder a response. They leave no doubt, however, where they stand.
Box office response to films dealing with the U.S. government's strategies in the Middle East so far suggests that the public is not eager to grapple with the topic onscreen. Redford's film will appeal to those who feel that today's military sacrifices are being made on false premises, but its responsible tone could draw a more widely appreciative audience.
Clocking in at about 90 minutes, the film has three settings, two of which involve discussions on the merits of commitment to activism and politics far removed from the field of battle. The third shows two Special Forces volunteers trapped on a snowy mountain in Afghanistan and surrounded by the enemy.
Redford plays Dr. Stephen Malley, a lecturer at an unnamed California university, who is attempting to persuade a bright but undisciplined student named Todd (Andrew Garfield) that he should apply his talents to help solving the problems of the day.
Meryl Streep is Janine Roth, a veteran television reporter whose skills include taking shorthand and the ability to land an exclusive interview with hotshot Sen. Jasper Irving (Tom Cruise). Irving has his eye on the White House, and what he has to reveal is a new strategy that involves sending small Special Forces teams deep into mountainous territory to prevent Sunni and Shia insurgents from uniting.
[From Redford goes to war in Lions for Lambs ]
still waiting for the Sundance film theater to open down the street, I'd love to go to the premiere, and shake Mr. Redford's hand.
--- (trailers for the film here)
