This film succeeds in capturing the intensity and the realism that Bierce portrays in his writings. This isn't a typical war film, or even a standard civil war film. Instead it is more layered. The connections to Bierce's writings are overt, but if you aren't familiar with them, it might put you at a disadvantage.
The best part about this film is that it ISN'T a standard bloody war film, nor does glorify war. It is both lyrical and stark. The Direction is fluid and deft and authentic to the era. Campbell Scott carries the Bierce role with real dignity.
This is not intended to be a "Hollywood" film. It mines from a literary figure and his work to create vision of one era from a slice of literary history.
The best part about this film is that it ISN'T a standard bloody war film, nor does glorify war. It is both lyrical and stark. The Direction is fluid and deft and authentic to the era. Campbell Scott carries the Bierce role with real dignity.
This is not intended to be a "Hollywood" film. It mines from a literary figure and his work to create vision of one era from a slice of literary history.