It is difficult to express just how terrible this movie is. I have seen plenty of older movies and I understand film conventions pretty well. Acting and directing styles, writing, cinematography - these have all changed over the years, and one should not expect a movie from 1962 to play just like a movie from 2007. That said, the writing was goofy, the cuts frequent and disorienting. The acting was silly, the realism (aside from the fact that flying B-17s and stock WWII footage are used) just wasn't there. I have seen WWII movies, I have read books, I know plenty about the ins and outs of a B-17 mission. If you want to see something decent, watch "12 O'clock High" which, though made more than a decade before "The War Lover" is superior in most every respect.
I just took the 20 minute tour of the DVD. I was excited to watch this movie, having just finished Hersey's novel (which was well-researched, well-written, and gritty). My excitement has turned to pure scorn. Maybe today a decent adaptation could be made (it would have to be PG-13 at the least for gore and sexual content), but this movie just doesn't cut it. Doesn't even come close. My guess is that the only reason it's on DVD is because it has McQueen (who, yes, is perfectly cast for the character).
I have a liberal approach to movies...I embrace all kinds with good will. There are some pretty bad movies that I simply adore. I'm not much of a film snob. But seriously, don't waste your time on "The War Lover."
I just took the 20 minute tour of the DVD. I was excited to watch this movie, having just finished Hersey's novel (which was well-researched, well-written, and gritty). My excitement has turned to pure scorn. Maybe today a decent adaptation could be made (it would have to be PG-13 at the least for gore and sexual content), but this movie just doesn't cut it. Doesn't even come close. My guess is that the only reason it's on DVD is because it has McQueen (who, yes, is perfectly cast for the character).
I have a liberal approach to movies...I embrace all kinds with good will. There are some pretty bad movies that I simply adore. I'm not much of a film snob. But seriously, don't waste your time on "The War Lover."