The Most Authentic Scene in "Warfare" Happens in the First Minutes: A Review
When I first settled in to watch A24’s "Warfare," I thought I had a solid grasp of what awaited me. Having seen the trailers and read about Ray Mendoza—a decorated Navy SEAL turned military advisor and co-director of this gritty, boots-on-the-ground war film—I anticipated a depiction of military action filled with intense drama and heroics.
However, what caught me off-guard was how the most emotionally resonant scene actually unfolds within the first 90 seconds, and astonishingly, it doesn’t involve a single shot being fired.
The Opening Scene: Humor Among Chaos
The screen lights up with a tight shot of a group of SEALs gathered around a flickering laptop. On display? The infamous music video for Eric Prydz’s "Call on Me." If you’re unfamiliar, just picture the rhythmic, borderline NSFW aerobic extravaganza that’s repeatedly bounced around military group chats since the era of dial-up. It’s juvenile and absurd, yet in the military context, it’s perfectly fitting.
Most civilians may find this scene humorous or even cringe-worthy, thinking, "Ah, classic bored military guys indulging in foolishness." And while they’re not wrong, veterans and those who’ve served will resonate with something deeper.
Connecting to Reality: More Than Just Laughter
The scene transcends mere humor; it captures a fleeting moment between orders, illustrating the gravity of impending missions. It’s an emotional oasis amidst the turbulent storm that looms outside, showcasing what you do to cope when anticipation locks your mind in a vise.
You witness the instigators—the wildcards—brightening the mood with laughter and camaraderie. They’re not always the most buttoned-up soldiers but rather the lifeblood of the platoon, adept at pulling their comrades back from the brink of despair.
The Role of Humor in Military Life
There’s no formal title for this role; no Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) in "morale maintenance," yet it is undoubtedly vital. These individuals are the emotional medics, distributing humor like tourniquets, offering the kind of levity that barely keeps the darkness at bay.
As the camera pulls back, the full formation appears, dancing and swaying, each man lost in his vibe. And in the corner, senior NCOs maintain their stoic composure, arms crossed, but if you look closely, you’ll spot the subtle grin. It’s a knowing smile that says, "I’ve been there. This silliness is the glue binding us."
Why This Scene Matters
In that single glance shared between the senior officer and the chaos unfolding before him, layers of understanding emerge: "I remember my first deployment, doing this same silly dance. These guys may be fools, but they’re outstanding at their jobs."
At this moment, "Warfare" does something few war films achieve: it humanizes the military. It emphasizes that the service is not merely about tanks and gunfire but about a community of resilient individuals, clinging to their humanity amidst looming dangers.
The Bigger Picture: Military Life Unveiled
Sure, the subsequent action sequences are expertly crafted—the firefights chaotic and adrenaline-fueled—but the essence of military life is encapsulated in that ludicrous ritual of shared humor. It’s not a constant barrage of intensity; rather, it’s the boredom interspersed with chaos, held together by threads of camaraderie and dark humor.
As a Public Affairs Officer (PAO), I recall similar moments vividly. I watched a route clearance platoon binge-watching "Tropic Thunder" in a dusty tent in Afghanistan, quoting every line. Those were our “Call on Me” moments—fleeting yet vital.
A Moment to Cherish
The opening scene of “Warfare” resonates like no other, a brief interlude that reminds us of our shared humanity. Everyone in that room is not just a soldier preparing for the storm but individuals enjoying a moment of levity before the reality of their role hits.
I long for broader comprehension of these nuances in military life. It’s not only trauma and heroics; it’s the inside jokes, music videos, and absurd moments that bind us, only grasped through shared experiences.
In these 90 seconds, "Warfare" presents an unadorned slice of military life. No grandiose score, no heavy exposition—just a group of men sharing a laugh before they step into the unknown.
Conclusion: Applauding Authenticity
Ultimately, "Warfare" captures the humor amid the madness, giving us a glimpse into the heart of the military experience. It invites us to acknowledge the rituals, the laughter, and the camaraderie that lay the foundation for all that follows—reminding us that even in the darkest times, humor can be a lifeline.
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