Genre: War/Drama
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By Leanne Harragan
Marie Colvin is a celebrated war journalist who can hold her own in whatever situation she's thrown into. Dreaming of giving a voice to the voiceless, she tests the limits of bravery charging into danger.
A Private War is a tough watch, based on the life of war correspondent Marie Colvin. It was personally a real eye-opener for me as I felt it really gives an insight into what these journalists go through to bring just a snippet of news to the rest of the world. There's literally no moment of relief in this film, it's barrages you from the first moment, right up until the final second.
Rosamund Pike is a tour de force, possibly one of her best performances to date and that's considering her impressive performance in Gone Girl. Pike really loses herself in this role and truly becomes Colvin, her whole performance is amazing and her portrayal of PTSD is sensitive yet scary, really bringing across the constant fear that she lived in because of the horrors she saw. Jamie Dornan also holds his own as camera man Paul Conroy, their friendship that ultimately develops is a special one.
This film really showcases a woman who despite her faults and flaws was a fantastic woman. One of my favourite things that shines through was that no matter how bleak their surroundings or how tough the situation, they never lost their sense of humour. No matter what was thrown their way they always found a way to laugh and jokes, keeping spirits high. Like I said, it's pretty tough continuously and it really makes a point of showing just how scary war torn countries are, from the bombing and war to the more human impact and how everyone's lives are torn apart by the choices the people in power continue to make. There were numerous interviews with people separated from their families and suffering with the effects of war, that are especially relevant still today.
The film takes it's time to set up Colvin and introduce the people in her life, this pays off when demonstrating the toll that her work had on her personal life. Using alcohol and medication to deal with her problems and how these things impacted not just her but all the people around her. This hits home when (spoiler?) she dies and all her friends and family were tuned in to her final broadcast. It's a moving moment and is the final push for showing the danger that these journalists unthinkingly jump into, to report the truth.
The footage of her interviews and the use of her news paper articles during the credits were a nice touch and a good way to close out the film. While this film definitely wouldn't be everyone's cup of tea, it's a very interesting watch, a nice tribute to Colvin and really shows just how far one women went for the pursuit of truth and justice.
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