Or so, it would seem, is the view of those well-conditioned members of the Boobeoisie who will wrap themselves in the flag, stand at strict attention, and maintain a salute, while watching what promises to be one of the many John “I kept myself out of the war by defending the backlot of Republic Pictures against Japanese actors” Wayne film festivals. I have, over the years, offered my alternative “anti-war film festival,” for which many films are available. Among the best are [1] The Children of Men, a motion picture that grimly shows how the war system threatens the very existence of the human race, and in which no “good-guys against the bad guys” theme is present; [2] my all-time favorite The Americanization of Emily, with particular attention focused on James Garner’s garden discussion with Julie Andrews’ mother on how the victims of war are the loudest defenders of the practice; [3] the more recent Wag the Dog film that shows how the political system and the media combine to fabricate a war in order to save a president’s re-election; and [4] the British film Oh, What a Lovely War!, with one of the most powerful endings you will see to a motion picture. Whether these anti-war films, or the John Wayne celebrations of the bloodbaths inflicted upon others, are more likely to move you to tears, you can judge for yourself.

The Best of Butler Shaffer