4 AMERICAN SNIPER
elsewhere due to its anti- war message. When it premiered at the Mozart Cinema
in Berlin on 5 December 1930 Adolf Hitler’s future propaganda minister, Joseph
Goebbels, bought up a block of 300 tickets for Nazi Stormtroopers who proceeded
to ruin the screening by releasing white mice, throwing smoke bombs and sneez-
ing powder, and shouting “Jewish film!” Six days later, the Weimar chief film cen-
sor caved in to the Nazis and banned the film. After Hitler came to power in 1933
the Nazis banned and burned Remarque’s novel and its sequel, Der Weg zurück
[The Road Back] (1931), along with scores of other books deemed subversive and
“un- German.” Needless to say, All Quiet was banned in Nazi Germany throughout
the 12- year lifespan of the Third Reich. It was fi nally re- released in West Germany
in April 1952. The film was also banned in Italy, Austria, and France in 1931,
sanctions that would remain in place for many de cades.Reel History Versus Real History
Shot in black and white with the primitive sound equipment available in 1929–
1930, All Quiet on the Western Front lacks the sophisticated sound, special effects,
and simulated Technicolor gore that characterizes more recent war films. None-
theless, All Quiet achieves a high degree of accuracy in its depiction of life and death
in the trenches during the First World War. Uniforms, weapons, the look of the
trenches and battlefield, military deportment, combat tactics, and the soldiers’
psy chol ogy all ring true, despite a few minor continuity lapses and acting that some-
times tends toward exaggeration in facial gestures and body language (a holdover
from silent film stylistics). Milestone’s masterpiece remains one of greatest anti-
war films ever made. Delbert Mann’s 1979 made- for- TV version starring Richard
Thomas was also well received.American Sniper (2014)
Synopsis
American Sniper is an American biopic/war drama directed by Clint Eastwood and
loosely adapted by Jason Hall from American Sniper: The Autobiography of the Most
Lethal Sniper in U.S. Military History (2012) by Chris Kyle, co- written with Scott
McEwen and Jim DeFelice. The film recounts the life of Kyle, a sniper credited with
255 kills from four tours of duty in the Iraq War, 160 of which were officially con-
firmed. Although Kyle was celebrated for his successes as a combat marksman, his
military ser vice took a heavy toll on his personal and family life.Background
Christopher Scott “Chris” Kyle (1974–2013) was a rancher, professional bronco
rodeo rider, and U.S. Navy SEAL from Odessa, Texas. During four tours of duty in
Iraq (2003–2009) Kyle (aka “Legend” and “The Devil of Ramadi”) became the
deadliest combat sniper in U.S. military history with 160 confirmed kills. After
10 years in the U.S. Navy, Kyle took his discharge in 2009; moved to Midlothian,
Texas, with his wife, Taya, and two children; and co- founded Craft International,