Not only is Green Zone the third film to feature Matt Damon's exceptional action-star presence, and Paul Greengrass's masterful direction, it is also the duo's most direct and purposeful work yet.
And though it may be a bit indulgent in it's sometimes too-visceral and realistic visuals, and though there may be some character issues, there's no denying it holds up from beginning to end, and is that rare breed of action film which thrills and entertains, while maintaining a serious tone, and having something important to say.
Green Zone's Plot
U.S. soldier Roy Miller (well-played by Damon) is the commander of a squad with the objective of seeking out and neutralizing weapons of mass destruction (or WMDs). After infiltrating an enemry facility and facing near-certain death, only to find there were never any WMDs at the location, he becomes suspicious of the intel he is being given.
He asks his superiors about the sources of the information, but they either know nothing, or opt not to say anything except that his job is to follow orders, not question them. Naturally, this only raises more suspicion.
To go beyond the film's set-up would potentially ruin the mystery at the heart of this tense thriller. However, it can be said that the plot stands on it's own as an original story. One that manages to successfully blend conventions of the suspenseful, paranoia-inducing conspiracy thriller with the nail-biting kinetic energy of the action film, and form it's own identity.
Paul Greengrass's Direction
Bringing this story to life is the gifted Paul Greengrass, director of such films as United 93, Bloody Sunday, The Bourne Supremacy, and The Bourne Ultimatum. who (as with his other films) caputers the events with his chaotic and grainy camera, which instantly casts a brutally realistic light, and caputres the viewer's attention that much more.
Perhaps too chaotic and grainy, as some of the shots in the film bombard the viewer with so much information, that it becomes dizzying and draining. And though one can rightly make the argument that Greengrass shows how a picture can paint a thousand words, at some points the shaking camera scatters those words out of sequence.
Indeed, some of the chase scenes in the film, particularly in latter-half, become quite wearying (just as the final Moscow chase-sequence in The Bourne Supremacy did).
Matt Damon's Portrayal
On the plus-side, however, Damon successfully keeps the viewer on his side throughout the film, despite how little one learns about his character. Arguably though, what is most important is what Roy Miller believes in, which is that there has to be meaning and reason to one's actions.
On the villain-side of things, Greg Kinnear does a great job with what he is given, and in doing so brings to life a believable and realistic enemy, who is fighting for what he genuinely believes is right, as the most memorable of rivals do.
And though one wouldn't mind wanting to know more about these opposing forces, it should be remembered that action and thriler films are naturally focused on external battles, and not so focused on inner struggles.
Green Zone, In A Nutshell
In the end though, these character and direction issues are minor, when compared to the startling and important depiction of behind-the-scenes corruption in the Iraq War. It is an important and timely film with a lot on it's mind, and a strong belief that it is important to question what one does, before doing it.
Jacob Goguen - Jacob Goguen is a professional journalist with an extensive background in the arts. He has acted in short films, as well as with Young ...
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