The Green Berets: A Cinematic Controversy
A deep dive into the controversial film, The Green Berets, and its impact on the portrayal of the Vietnam War.
The Legacy of John Wayne
Vietnam War Historian Breaks Down 8 Vietnam War Scenes In Movies And TV | How Real Is It? | Insider
John Wayne, a Hollywood icon, has left a lasting legacy with his portrayal of pro-military characters in films such as Sands of Iwo Jima, They Were Expendable, Back to Bataan, and The Fighting Seabees. Throughout the years, Wayne became synonymous with flag-waving patriotism, starring in movies like The Longest Day and In Harm's Way. His contribution to the American cause during and after World War II was significant, but it was in 1968 that his filmmaking took a controversial turn.
The Green Berets: A Divisive Epic
The Green Berets, released in 1968, marked a pivotal moment in John Wayne's career as it delved into the Vietnam War, a subject that was steeped in controversy. The film, an epic portrayal of American special forces soldiers in Vietnam, drew sharp criticism and divided opinions due to its treatment of the war.
The Brutal Assessment
Military historian Bill Allison delivered a brutal assessment of The Green Berets, criticizing the film for its lack of realism and its portrayal of special forces tactics in Vietnam. He highlighted the timing of the film's release, pointing out that it came at a tumultuous period in American history, which further fueled the controversy surrounding the movie.
The Controversial Depiction
The Green Berets, based on a 1965 novel by Robin Moore, depicted American soldiers as unambiguously heroic in their efforts to save the Vietnamese people from Communism, while portraying the Viet Cong as brutal villains. This one-sided portrayal clashed with the realities of the conflict, sparking outrage and condemnation from critics and historians alike.
The Legacy of Controversy
The Green Berets, despite its initial backing by the Lyndon Johnson administration and the Department of Defense, faced scathing criticism upon its release. Roger Ebert, a renowned film critic, gave it zero stars and labeled it 'old-fashioned.' The film's enduring legacy is one of controversy, as it is now considered one of the worst Vietnam War films of all time.
A Divided Response
The Green Berets' impact extended beyond the realm of cinema, as it sparked debates and responses from other filmmakers. Oliver Stone, in the DVD commentary for Platoon, revealed that the screenplay for his Oscar-winning film was written in part as a response to The Green Berets. The divisive attitudes put forth by the film continue to be a subject of critique, with historian Bill Allison expressing his disappointment in the film's portrayal of the Vietnam War.
