“Charlie Wilson’s War” (Universal Pictures)
Fact Is Stranger Than Fiction
“Charlie Wilson’s War” is one of those movies based on true events that would not be believable were it not true. Congressman Charlie Wilson’s story is so over the top and unseemly you have to keep reminding yourself it actually happened. Tom Hanks captures Wilson’s roguish charm perfectly while Julia Roberts is ultra sophisticated as his business and bed partner. But it is Phillip Seymour Hoffman as the third member of this triumvirate who steals the show.
In the 1980’s Wilson was a Congressman from the great state of Texas. He was a wheeler-dealer as well as a womanizer, and possible drug and alcohol abuser. One of his biggest supporters was Texas socialite Joanne Herring (Roberts). She supplied him with money and affection.
One of Joanne’s pet projects was the war in Afghanistan, She was horrified at the way the country was being manhandled by the invading Russian troops. She called on Charlie to do something to help – covertly. She understood the United States could not be seen doing anything overt.
After a trip to Afghanistan Charlie became a convert to their plight. He enlisted the help of former CIA operative Gust Avrakotos (Hoffman) and began his campaign to supply the rebels and force the Russians out.
All of this is told through the wry eye of Aaron Sorkin. His script is full of caustic one liners and most off them go to Hoffman who tosses them off with perfect comic timing. Still the overall plot of the movie drags things down and makes it less a success than this talent deserves. A lot of the blame for this has to go to Director Mike Nichols. His timing and pacing are just a bit off and the development of the lead roles is not satisfying.
Hanks is okay as Wilson though he does not appear to capture the charm and magnetism this man possessed. The same is true for Roberts. Her performance is all gloss but no substance. It is Hoffman who saves the day with his pithy comments and acerbic delivery. What a role and what an actor!
The film is rated R for violence, profanity and nudity.
The combined talents of Nichols, Hanks, Roberts and Hoffman should have guaranteed a better movie than this result. It is a nice entertainment treat but not one with the punch it should have had. Aside from Hoffman’s performance I don’t think Awards will be headed its way.
I scored “Charlie Wilson’s War” a peaceful 6 out of 10.
