Filmmaker Alex Garland hopes that his suspenseful movie Civil War, which follows a group of journalists who follow a story in a war-torn America and film social breakdown, will spark a debate.
In Civil War, which is both a road movie and a war drama set in the near future, fictitious Reuters photographers Lee (Kirsten Dunst) and Joel (Wagner Moura) set out to travel to Washington, D.C. before it is overrun by rebel forces.
To Lee’s dismay, seasoned reporter Sammy (Stephen McKinley Henderson) and ambitious young photographer Jessie (Cailee Spaeny) also accompany them on the difficult journey from New York. “While it’s an anti-war film, it really has two other focuses,” Garland stated during the movie’s London premiere on tuesday.
The narrative centers on journalists—what they do and why we need them. However, it also raises the question of why quality journalism isn’t gaining more attention. What’s not working well? And then a very similar query concerning extreme, polarized populist politics,” he said.
For Hollywood veteran Dunst, playing the part of a weary reporter from years of reporting conflict zones was a first. “I don’t think I’ve ever had a part like this. Furthermore, she remarked, “It’s great to see a female photojournalist starring in an action war film.”
For her role, 41-year-old Dunst took inspiration from the late reporter Marie Colvin and became acquainted with camera gear. “She (Colvin) really embodied kind of the qualities I wanted to bring to Lee,” Dunst said. “My main goal was to ensure that my camera seemed to be a natural extension of my hand. My main concern was that it didn’t appear genuine.
Beginning work on Civil War in 2020—the year of the COVID-19 epidemic and the US presidential election—Garland, the director of Ex Machina and the author of 28 Days Later and The Beach. He found that writing allowed him to work through his questions and manage the anxiousness of the moment.
“I see it as being a film which is trying to have a conversation,” he remarked.
Dunst said, “This is really an audience movie.” It’s not dictating to you what to believe. It doesn’t take sides with you. It truly is about you, which is special in my opinion.” On April 10, Civil War will begin its global theatrical release.
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