The Iraq war biopic "American Sniper" is a bona fide hit with moviegoers, but the film has also attracted critics who question its historical accuracy and whether it glorifies a killer.
The film, which raked in a record-setting $105.3 million over the weekend, is based on the life of Navy SEAL sniper Chris Kyle.
Before his death in 2013, Kyle was proclaimed to be the most lethal sniper in the U.S. military, with 160 confirmed kills during four tours in Iraq. He detailed his time fighting in Iraq in the best-selling autobiography "American Sniper."
He was awarded several commendations for his service, including two Silver Star Medals and five Bronze Star Medals. Then in 2013, the father of two was killed at a Texas shooting range by a veteran who was allegedly suffering from PTSD.
The film adaptation of his story has garnered lots of Oscar buzz, nabbing six nominations, including a Best Actor nomination for Bradley Cooper. But along with the kudos, it's garnered some passionate criticism.
Actor Seth Rogen and director Michael Moore were among the film's highest-profile critics.
Over the weekend, Rogen tweeted that the film "kind of reminded" him of a particular scene from the 2009 film "Inglourious Basterds," in which a Nazi propaganda film is shown.
American Sniper kind of reminds me of the movie that's showing in the third act of Inglorious Basterds.
— Seth Rogen (@Sethrogen) January 18, 2015
Moore, who tackled the Iraq war in his 2004 documentary "Fahrenheit 9/11," tweeted about snipers in general, noting that he has long-considered them "cowards."
My uncle killed by sniper in WW2. We were taught snipers were cowards. Will shoot u in the back. Snipers aren't heroes. And invaders r worse
— Michael Moore (@MMFlint) January 18, 2015
But if you're on the roof of your home defending it from invaders who've come 7K miles, you are not a sniper, u are brave, u are a neighbor.
— Michael Moore (@MMFlint) January 19, 2015
Both tried to clarify their comments after they were blasted online, with Moore noting in a Facebook post that Cooper's performance in the film was one of the best of the year, and that the film had great editing in general.
For his part, Rogen later tweeted out further clarification of his remarks:
I just said something "kinda reminded" me of something else. I actually liked American Sniper. It just reminded me of the Tarantino scene.
— Seth Rogen (@Sethrogen) January 19, 2015
I wasn't comparing the two. Big difference between comparing and reminding. Apples remind me of oranges. Can't compare them, though.
— Seth Rogen (@Sethrogen) January 19, 2015
But the two weren't the only ones who raised concerns about the film. Many online said the film was inaccurate and jingoistic:
American Sniper is an absurd piece of jingoistic garbage
— joe mande (@JoeMande) January 20, 2015
One disturbing aspect of American Sniper was the implication that the Iraq War was in any sense a response to the 9/11 attacks.
— JRehling (@JRehling) January 20, 2015
I watched American Sniper. It's a racist whitewash of history that canonizes a mass murderer.
— Dan Cohen (@dancohen3000) January 18, 2015
American Sniper should have been titled American Terrorist. It would have been much more accurate.
— Ben Norton (@BenjaminNorton) January 19, 2015
But others rushed to defend the film and the real-life Kyle, including several celebrities and politicians who took jabs at Moore and Rogen. Former governor of Alaska Sarah Palin took to Facebook to slam the film’s critics, calling them "Hollywood leftists."
Newt Gingrich, former Republican congressman, tweeted that Moore should spend time with ISIS and Boko Haram to learn to "appreciate" the film.
Michael Moore should spend a few weeks with ISIS and Boko Haram. Then he might appreciate@AmericanSniper. I am proud of our defenders.
— Newt Gingrich (@newtgingrich) January 19, 2015
Loved American Sniper. Congrats Clint & thank u to our military for all that you do and protecting all the freedoms we have in this country.
— Meghan McCain (@MeghanMcCain) January 20, 2015
And many other fans of the film expressed similar sentiments:
Chris Kyle is an American hero. I encourage everyone to go see #AmericanSniper. God bless the men and women who defend this country everyday
— Jordan Rager (@Jordan_Rager) January 20, 2015
If American Sniper doesn't leave you appreciating our safety and freedom I'm not sure anything will.
— Kate (@Katieloukarl) January 19, 2015
