An Iraq War veteran had several issues with John Cena's 2017 war film, The Wall. The movie follows two American soldiers facing danger from an Iraqi sniper. Aaron Taylor-Johnson and John Cena star in the lead roles. Despite its strong storyline, the film struggled financially, making only $4.5 million on a $3 million budget.
Although The Wall is considered one of Aaron Taylor-Johnson's top performances, it does not accurately portray the reality of soldiers' lives during the Iraq War. Insider interviewed Iraq War veteran Jay Dorleus, who had critical opinions about the movie.
Dorleus had some critiques about The Wall, pointing out issues in every scene he viewed. He particularly noted inaccuracies in equipment, deviations from military protocol, and unrealistic behavior in facing an enemy sniper. Here is a summary of his feedback:
Dorleus observed a scene where a character was standing out in the open with his chin strap unbuckled. He suggested that the character should have taken cover and low-crawled to safety instead of running in a predictable pattern. According to Dorleus, it would be difficult to spot a trained sniper from a distance, and the character should have focused on self-aid and finding cover rather than dramatizing his injury. Dorleus also questioned the decision for the character's buddy to make a risky dash, giving The Wall a rating of 4 out of 10 for its lack of realism.
Does The Wall Need To Be Accurate?
First Trailer For The Wall Starring Aaron Taylor-Johnson and John Cena - Does The Wall Need To Be Accurate?
While The Wall's trailer may contain inaccuracies, it is important to note that Hollywood movies do not necessarily need to prioritize complete accuracy. The goal of producers and screenwriters is to create a cohesive and polished narrative about the experiences of soldiers, rather than focusing on strict accuracy which may hinder storytelling and the delivery of important themes and messages.
If you are interested in watching The Wall, you can stream it on Prime Video.
Producers face a tough challenge in accurately depicting military life, but they are still praised for achieving authenticity. Top Gun: Maverick received high praise for its accuracy, earning the movie numerous accolades. On the other hand, The Wall did not earn the same respect, with critics giving it a low 65 percent Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes and an even lower 42 percent audience score.
Paying attention to accuracy could have been a smart marketing strategy for The Wall. If marketed as a realistic action movie, it may have attracted a larger audience. Unfortunately, it suffered the same fate as another recent project, the disappointing Argylle movie. The Wall failed to make a lasting impact and struggled at the box office as a result.
Source: Insider / YouTube
Editor's P/S:
The article highlights the criticisms of an Iraq War veteran regarding the lack of realism in the war film "The Wall." While Hollywood movies may not prioritize accuracy, the veteran's perspective sheds light on the importance of authentic representation of soldiers' experiences. The film's failure to accurately portray military life may have contributed to its poor financial performance and low critical reception.
Accuracy in war films not only serves to honor the sacrifices of soldiers but also helps educate the public about the realities of combat. By presenting a realistic depiction of military life, filmmakers can create a more immersive and impactful experience for audiences. The article suggests that "The Wall" missed an opportunity to connect with viewers by failing to prioritize accuracy, ultimately leading to its disappointing performance.
