I must begin by owning up to the fact that I have not seen Clint Eastwood's latest film "American Sniper". I will also confess that I probably will not bother to go and see it at the cinema, and when and if it comes on TV I will hesitate to watch it. My reasons are entirely visceral, not intellectual. There is just something about the trade of being a sniper that makes one hesitate, or at least, it makes me pause. That is not in any way to denigrate their courage. Anyone prepared to go far behind enemy lines and rely on camouflage to play hide and seek must surely have a surfeit of courage. Then to risk that concealment by actually opening fire on the enemy requires even more bravery. And all that before you even consider the tremendous skill required. Accurate rifle shooting over very long distances is a highly specialist task that most soldiers are not up to.
So why am I so reluctant? Well, as some of you know, or suspect, I am not exactly a softy but there is something intensely cold-blooded about sniping. One cringes slightly on learning that WWII snipers were taught that wounding was more efficacious than outright killing because it placed more strain on the enemy's medical services and demoralised the comrades of the disabled man. It is, I think, a similar feeling to that which many people have regarding submarine warfare when undertaken against 'civilian' ships. Although, again, one cannot doubt the incredible courage of the submariners who, during WWII, had to try and sneak through a ring of sub-killing frigates and destroyers. The German submarine service suffered the highest percentage of casualties of any formation in WWII.
Anyway, it appears my soppy reluctance is shared according to a story in thewrap.com which reports something of a backlash from certain quarters against the film which, out on 'Main Street', is breaking all records. It must be said that if even a quarter of what is reported concerning the real-life hero of this film is true then he sounds like a deeply unpleasant grunt! But, I instantly remind myself, who said that our 'heroes' should all be perfect gentlemen? I shall always remember a tiny incident in the film "Bridge Over the River Quai" in which the attacking commando group led by Jack Hawkins, a British officer and gentleman to his fingertips, is discovered by a somewhat elderly and lone Japanese soldier who stumbles upon them. A young officer grapples with him but hesitates to sink his knife in. Hawkins immediately shouts out, "Kill him!" I always thought that summed up a certain type of upper-class Brit with well-hidden reserves of ruthlessness.
Anyway, there is some amusement to be had watching the arty-farty Hollywood fainthearts reaching for their smelling salts and then joining a chorus of disapproval for Eastwood, his film and the film's hero. Meanwhile, the cinemas are packed!
ADDITIONAL: But before you take any notice of my somewhat muddled thoughts on this film - well, as if you would! - please read the more thoughtful re-actions of The Streetwise Professor.
I have not seen the movie, but it has all the right people "filling their shorts".
http://dailycaller.com/2015/01/19/chris-kyle-widow-overwhelmed-by-american-sniper-success/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter
Posted by: Whitewall | Monday, 19 January 2015 at 15:10
Given Hollywood's usual attitude to the truth, they have missed a trick here. They should just have made the sniper Black!
Posted by: Backofanevelope | Monday, 19 January 2015 at 15:23
A sniper is a valuable tool in war when the enemy leadership needs to be taken out.
The British have used snipers effectively but do not advertise it. I would not be too squemish about it David it is either you or them as my brother said after his service with the Cameronian Rifles in Malaya.
Posted by: jimmy glesga | Monday, 19 January 2015 at 21:08
I think, Whitewall, I will have to see the film and judge for myself.
As usual, BOE, you have come up with the perfect answer - I'm surprised 'Clint baby' didn't hire you as race relations advisor!
Jimmy, I don't object to sniping as a tactic, I'm just not sure I want to be 'entertained' Hollywood-style by its depiction.
Posted by: David Duff | Tuesday, 20 January 2015 at 08:53
You're forgetting David (of course) you, of the Grand Order of Hillbillies (and a Founder, so to speak) & by extension Lord SoD by Whatever Routes contributed to all this sniping being, in origin, more a product of your Royal Navy than you'd enjoy to think?
What. Would you have had your Lord Nelson've pulled his marksmen outta the rigging?
Recall, 'Over Here' all these fellows are merely following tradition being (at least as regards the best - as your last link plainly states, Jacksonians & Southern (you may continue to blame the Post Office & *Sincere Apologies* for that little kerfluff down in New Orleans but) Our Navy and Marines have been a little miffed since.
(And that Arkie Footys Email I received last week bear constantly in mind.)
"He was instrumental in establishing the Marine Corps Scout/Sniper School at Quantico, Virginia, and helped plan its syllabus."
http://www.encyclopediaofarkansas.net/encyclopedia/entry-detail.aspx?search=1&entryID=2630
_________________
We've sent an invitation to that Moore feller .. it may actually be the Post Office.
Posted by: JK | Tuesday, 20 January 2015 at 10:16
*Jimmy, I don't object to sniping as a tactic, I'm just not sure I want to be 'entertained' Hollywood-style by its depiction.*
The answer, of course, is to ignore it. This too will pass.
Posted by: Andra | Wednesday, 21 January 2015 at 09:22
Well I have decided to go and see it for myself. If it turns out to be just another glorified American war movie depicting how they won the war single-handed I shall leave early. However, if it has something more than that to offer then I shall watch to the end.
Posted by: David Duff | Wednesday, 21 January 2015 at 09:37
Don't forget your anti-popcorn mask!
Posted by: Backofanevelope | Wednesday, 21 January 2015 at 09:45
David's "additional" at the bottom of his article is very helpful and so is the "Jacksonian" link found within the additional material. I didn't know just how well the writer had some of us in my part of the country pegged. Walter Russell Meade has always been an insightful writer.
Posted by: Whitewall | Wednesday, 21 January 2015 at 13:37
Well done David go and see a Clint Eastwood movie. Was it Wagon Train he was in in the old days as Rowdy Yeats? Wishbone was the cook! I think.
Posted by: jimmy glesga | Wednesday, 21 January 2015 at 23:18
Jimmy, you are correct.
Posted by: Whitewall | Thursday, 22 January 2015 at 00:25
Eh, Jimmy?
(As for you Whitewall ... Wagon Train?)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKC8pSFg1Vw
Posted by: JK | Thursday, 22 January 2015 at 00:48
Oops! Memory fart. Sorry. Gil Favor- Trail boss?
Posted by: Whitewall | Thursday, 22 January 2015 at 02:15
Jk. Brought a tear tae ma eye. Used tae rush hame fae school tae watch it.
Posted by: jimmy glesga | Saturday, 24 January 2015 at 01:11