By: Henry J. Fromage (A Toast)
The family of Pat Tillman, former football star and Army Ranger, try to separate truth from fiction and find out what happened to their son.
A Toast
There will be no further beers for this film, although you may want to drink a few more to deal with the deep sadness and smothering outrage of the story.
Probably not the healthiest habit
In short, and as you may remember, former NFL star safety Pat Tillman turned down a multi-million dollar contract not once but twice to enlist and fight in Iraq and Afghanistan as a member of the elite U.S. Army Rangers. When he was killed he was lauded as a hero who gave his life to save his unit. This would have satisfied most families. His preferred the truth.
Not to be messed with.
Director Amir Bar-Lev’s technique is impeccable, reminding me of master documentarian Errol Morris in his use of atmospheric music and lingering face shots to capture the utmost emotion and impact from each interview. He also does a virtuoso job of research, gathering a stunning amount of information and getting interviews that should have been nearly impossible. He uses all of this to build a case like John Grisham against a government and media system more willing to exploit the propaganda potential of Tillman’s death than reveal what really happened.
The result is a powerful indictment against a political and media environment that makes this sort of situation possible, a fascinating examination of the mindset of the common soldier, and a profile of a truly conscientious and complex man.
Verdict
Watch it. It’s an essential story that too few have learned the truth about.
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