In a unique approach to political filmmaking, the controversial documentary "Why We Fight" makes a disturbing connection between the current U.S. government's corporate interests and the fall of the Roman Empire.
Filmmaker Eugene Jarecki ("The Trials of Henry Kissinger") begins with Eisenhower's farewell address to the nation given on January 17, 1961. He asks the American people to be wary of the defense spending that doubled during his time in office.
"In the councils of government," Eisenhower warned, "we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex."
As the film later reveals, contrary to President Eisenhower's wishes, his administration decides to set up permanent military presence in all parts of the world. Because of the constant military presence, a behemoth was born in the form of the military-industrial complex.
The film argues that war is becoming suspiciously marketable due to corporate interests.
Senator John McCain and author Gore Vidal provide a leftist view on America's involvement abroad. Vidal calls the Unites States "The United States of Amnesia" for so quickly forgetting mistakes the government has made in the past, and the "New Rome" because of our status as the sole superpower in the world.
McCain and Vidal argue that our involvement in Iraq is a form of "economic colonialism" that intends to establish a free market economy in the Middle East, an action that would become extremely profitable for corporate interests.
The film asks many people from different walks of life, "Why do we fight?" referring to the current conflict in Iraq and wars the United States has fought in the past. Many people answer "freedom" in an almost conditioned way. This proves to be a highlight of the film, showing the lack of contemplation that goes on in the minds of many confronted by this difficult question.
The film takes a unique human-interest angle in the form of retired NYPD officer and Vietnam veteran Wilton Sekzer, who lost his son to the attacks on the World Trade Center. He undergoes a transformation of sorts, from supporting the war in Iraq, to realizing the Bush administration's misleading premise for the war.
The initially staunch support Sekzer provides for the war, and his gradual change, is doubtlessly a reflection of a growing disenfranchisement with the war in Iraq that is taking place on a global scale.
The film occasionally delves into conspiracy-theory territory, with a very short portion dedicated to Vice President Dick Cheney's links to energy company Halliburton. Jarecki attempts to establish a connection between the Vice President and the company's rising profits during the conflict in Iraq.
It is worn territory, and Jarecki parrots other documentaries with their investigation of the link between Halliburton's rising stock and our current presence in Iraq as evidence of oil interests. Jarecki does not make a compelling enough case to contribute anything new.
"Why We Fight" looks at the numerous motivations for war. The lesson learned is that Eisenhower's message delivered during his farewell address is more relevant today than when it was given more than 40 years ago.
Unfortunately, the viewer's motivations for watching this film are similar to that of Michael Moore's "Fahrenheit 9/11." It is a chance for each side of the political debate to confirm their beliefs. This film will not change anybody's opinion on war, but does prove to be an occasionally enlightening history lesson for those with long-term memory loss.
