In this captivating conversation, writer-director Alex Garland, known for hits like Ex Machina and Annihilation, dives deep into his explosive new film, Civil War. He discusses the urgent role of journalism in today's fractured America, portraying journalists as the true heroes of democracy. Garland emphasizes the importance of respectful communication amidst chaotic discourse and shares insights from his rapid writing process during the pandemic. He reflects on the creative journey, revealing how complex characters shape narrative and provoke thought.
Alex Garland's 'Civil War' highlights the essential role of unbiased journalism in democracy through its portrayal of photojournalists amid political strife.
The dynamic between established photographer Lee and aspiring journalist Jessie explores mentorship, personal growth, and the potential for renewal in a challenging world.
Deep dives
The Impact of Journalism in 'Civil War'
The film 'Civil War' centers around the theme of journalism, highlighting the importance of unbiased reporting and the role of journalists as heroes. Alex Garland chose to depict journalists as central characters, emphasizing their critical function in a functioning democracy. By showcasing photojournalists navigating a politically fractured environment, the story mirrors the present-day challenges faced by reporters who often become targets of public distrust. Garland’s personal background, growing up around journalists, informs this agenda, aiming to restore faith in the profession amidst a climate of sensationalism and bias.
A Character-Driven Journey
The relationship between the established photographer Lee and the aspiring Jessie serves as a narrative backbone in the film, exploring themes of mentorship and personal growth. Lee embodies a sense of despair due to the futility of her work, contrasting sharply with Jessie’s youthful optimism and belief in the significance of journalism. This dynamic challenges Lee to reassess her own motivations and the impact of her sacrifices in a world rife with violence and conflict. Through their interactions, the film highlights the potential for renewal and inspiration that can come from generational relationships.
Emphasizing Political Detachment
Garland crafts 'Civil War' to purposefully maintain a degree of detachment from current political realities, opting not to align directly with recognizable societal divisions. The film draws parallels to real-life experiences but creatively refrains from situating itself strictly within contemporary political discourse. By doing so, it encourages viewers to engage with the narrative's thematic elements without being subjected to straightforward political commentary. This approach fosters a more nuanced understanding of societal issues, allowing audiences to fill narrative gaps with their own perspectives.
Exploration of Narrative Structure
The film features a journey motif reminiscent of classic war movies, allowing for a straightforward narrative interspersed with vivid set pieces and moments of tension. Garland's preference for clear narrative directions over convoluted storytelling facilitates character development while keeping audiences engaged. This structure not only enhances cinematic storytelling but also allows for deep thematic exploration within an engaging framework. The balance he strikes between visual imagery and compelling narrative resonates throughout the film, reinforcing the emotional weight of the characters' experiences.
This week on Script Apart – a storyteller who began penning films like 28 Days Later and The Beach, before stepping behind the camera as the writer-director of stories that go to fascinating philosophical places, asking borderline unanswerable questions about humanity along the way. Alex Garland's fourth time in the director's chair, Civil War, is his most explosive film yet – a film that riffs on America's intensely fractious present by imagining a future in which the country has torn itself in two.
The tale of a group of photojournalists – led by Kirsten Dunst’s Lee – travelling towards Washington as the country unravels is a tour de force on par with Ex Machina, Annihilation and other movies in Alex’s impressive filmography. But how does the movie connect (or decline to connect) to our current political landscape and what are the storytelling philosophies that continue to make Garland one of the most interesting filmmakers operating today? Find out by tuning in.
Script Apart is hosted by Al Horner and produced by Kamil Dymek. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram, or email us on thescriptapartpodcast@gmail.com.