A War Photographer Watches Alex Garland's 'Civil War'
Apr 24, 2024
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Award-winning photojournalist Lynsey Addario discusses the real-life experiences of covering wars abroad and compares them to the depiction in Alex Garland's new film 'Civil War'. The podcast delves into the emotional toll and impact of being a war photographer, the changing perception and treatment of journalists, the emotional toll of war photography, and documenting human rights abuses and war crimes.
Civil War depicts the challenges of war journalism amidst societal collapse in America.
War photographers like Lindsay Adario actively confront misconceptions and highlight the emotional depth of their profession.
Deep dives
Analysis of Alex Garland's Film Civil War
Alex Garland's new film Civil War presents a harrowing portrayal of America in conflict, with 19 states seceding and escalating tensions. The film follows four journalists as they navigate a dangerous journey to interview the elusive president, illustrating the challenges and risks faced in war journalism. The portrayal of war photographers in the film sparks a discussion on the motivations and complexities of their profession, highlighting the lack of clarity on why they choose such perilous work.
The Emotional Toll of War Journalism
Award-winning photojournalist Lindsay Adario reflects on the emotional impact of war journalism, discussing the evolving emotional responses over her 23-year career. Adario addresses the misconception of war photographers as adrenaline junkies and emphasizes the deeper significance behind capturing conflict and human suffering. She highlights the need for a nuanced portrayal of war journalists in media, showcasing the emotional depth and personal sacrifices involved in their work.
Challenges and Decisions in War Reporting
War journalist Lindsay Adario discusses the varying risk tolerances among journalists and the importance of instinct and experience in navigating dangerous situations. Adario shares a tense moment in Libya where divergent opinions among her team led to a perilous outcome, underscoring the critical role of teamwork and trust in mitigating risks. She emphasizes the need for journalists to continually assess their motivations and the impact of their work in documenting conflicts and injustices.
Alex Garland's new film, 'Civil War,' debuted at no. 1 at the box office earlier this month, and follows four journalists on a road trip from New York City to D.C. in the midst of societal collapse. The beating heart of the film is Lee, a veteran photojournalist played by Kirsten Dunst, who's determined to interview the president as his administration is on the verge of collapse to rebel forces.
Lynsey Addario is an award-winning photojournalist who has covered humanitarian crises abroad for over two decades, including the ongoing war in Ukraine, and conflicts in the Middle East and Africa. For the midweek pod, Brooke Gladstone speaks with Addario about her real-life experience covering wars abroad, and how accurately the film depicts what it's like to report amidst a dangerous war.
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