Kathryn Bigelow Embraces Pentagon’s Film Criticism
Director Kathryn Bigelow is unfazed by the Pentagon’s criticism of her film, A House of Dynamite. She believes that this backlash signifies her work is gaining attention from important audiences. During an interview with El-Balad on October 29, Bigelow stated, “In a perfect world, culture has the potential to drive policy.”
The Pentagon’s Criticism
The Missile Defense Agency issued a memo on October 16, 2023, criticizing the film for depicting the effectiveness of nuclear missile defenses as only 50 percent. This memo was subsequently leaked to Bloomberg on October 25, igniting a debate regarding the film’s portrayal of military capabilities.
Plot Overview
Set within the Pentagon, A House of Dynamite follows government employees who have less than 30 minutes to respond to an impending nuclear attack targeting Chicago. The tension-filled narrative and critical themes aim to engage the audience in the serious issues surrounding nuclear weapon proliferation.
Viewership and Reception
- The film was the top contender on Netflix last week, amassing 22.1 million views.
- This popularity indicates that the film is resonating with audiences globally.
Filmmakers’ Perspective
Bigelow and screenwriter Noah Oppenheim stand firm in their interpretation of missile defense capabilities. Oppenheim remarked, “We believe all those experts who’ve told us that the system is more like a coin toss, like we depict in the film.” Their approach was informed by consultations with former government officials rather than current personnel.
Support for the Film’s Accuracy
The credibility of the film has been supported by various experts and public figures. Oppenheim mentioned endorsements from:
- Senator Edward Markey
- Retired General Douglas Lute
- Journalists like Tom Nichols and Fred Kaplan
- The American Physical Society, a nonpartisan organization of physicists
Conclusion
Bigelow emphasizes that A House of Dynamite is centered on realism and authenticity. She believes that the film’s narrative is essential for fostering discussion on nuclear policy and the complexities surrounding military defense systems.
