Wings of Desire
Rescue Dawn / Daniel Carlson
If Werner Herzog is famous for both chronicling men as they descend into obsession and also being a victim of that selfsame journey, then he’s found a beautiful match in Christian Bale, the most accomplished character actor of his generation and a man whose talents have been on display for so many years that most people just overlook him. Bale is a master of using his entire body as a performance tool, letting a thousand meanings play around in his eyes or face and doing whatever’s required for the part to shape his body around the role: He’s bounced from rail-thin to bulked-up far more times than is probably healthy, but the filmic results have been breathtaking. In Rescue Dawn, Herzog’s latest, Bale once again loses himself in the role, using his physical presence and deft skill with accents to re-create Dieter Dengler, who was shot down over the jungles of Laos during the Vietnam War and held in a prison camp there. Herzog, who previously detailed the story in his 1997 documentary Little Dieter Needs to Fly, focuses so intently on Dieter’s emotional journey that the feature is drained of all artifice, becoming a thoroughly realistic and completely engrossing story about one man and his fierce determination to survive. Herzog’s film doesn’t feel like a narrative adaptation of a documentary, but instead carries all the weight and emotion of the actual events, as if Herzog got lost in a captivating gray area between making a movie, staging a re-enactment, and traveling back in time.
The film opens with old film of the 1965 bombing runs on Laos, set against Klaus Badelt’s spare and elegiac score. Herzog establishes the tone immediately, and it’s an important one: His focus here is solely on the lives and emotions of the men involved and not on rallying an audience to any particular point. When the action shifts to the U.S.S. Ranger, the carrier in the Gulf of Tonkin where Dengler is stationed, he maintains that political resilience for the greater good of the story. The Navy pilots aren’t portrayed as jingoistic heroes, but neither are they helpless cogs in a soulless military-industrial wheel; these are just guys going about their jobs, bitching about the downsides but doing it anyway because it’s what they’re good at and it’s what they want to do. It undoubtedly helps that Herzog is German, which affords him a better impartiality about American involvement in Vietnam, and also allows him to channel feelings with which most Americans are gratefully inexperienced, growing up in postwar reconstruction and aware of the firsthand impact of an invading army. Bale’s Dieter is the perfect hero for Herzog, a German-American who grew up in the Black Forest but moved to the States as an adult, got his citizenship, and pursued his dream of flying. His whole life, Dieter has been escaping, and he’s forever grateful to the country that “gave (him) wings,” as he puts it. Bale brings a cherubic grace to the early scenes of Dieter, round-faced and well-fed and wholly unaware of the trails that await him. Bale even nails the peculiar accent of someone who only picked up English later in life, his speech patterns warm and crisp and a little overdeveloped, like a kid who was home-schooled on Mars.
Dieter and his fellow pilots laugh and screw around, but soon enough they’re briefed and given a classified mission that puts them right into North Vietnamese airspace. It’s on this mission — Dieter’s first as a Naval aviator — that he takes enemy fire and crashes in Laos. Aside from the special effects shots of the planes in the air, Herzog relies on in-camera effects like the explosion of the debris and the scenery itself to sell the story, which it does in every beautiful detail. Shot on location in Thailand, Rescue Dawn quickly becomes the most realistic war film in a long time simply by virtue of Herzog’s refusal to dress up the situation any more than is needed. Dieter’s harried flight from the encroaching Viet Cong soldiers and his foraging for food and shelter that first night are quiet affairs, free of the thudding music or voice-over that might be used to sell the scenes in a more mainstream film. He’s eventually caught and tortured before being transported to a prison camp in the middle of the jungle.
At the camp, Dieter meets a handful of other prisoners, including fellow military pilot Duane Martin (Steve Zahn), who’s been there for 18 months, and Gene (Jeremy Davies), an Air America pilot who was kidnapped with his copilot two and a half years before. The story’s focus shifts from Dieter’s survival to his broader desire to escape the camp and take his fellow captives with him, and the remainder of the film deals with Dieter’s plans for escape as they struggle to survive another day of no food and no rescue in sight. Dieter’s unflagging optimism at first feels like a character quirk meant to delineate him from the more depressed inmates, but Bale never feels phony. Instead, his upbeat attitude and desire to escape are born of nothing more than a pure love for his country and an unwillingness to accept defeat or imprisonment. The camp scenes slowly chart Dieter’s physical erosion, as the months in captivity bring out his cheekbones and wear down his once-broad chest. Bale again puts his body through the paces, and coupled with the emotional weight he brings to Dieter, it’s a stirring performance. Zahn is eerily bony, too, but Davies is just plain emaciated, looking an awful lot like Charles Manson (whom he played in a TV movie a few years ago, actually). Gene’s time in the camp has weakened his grip on reality, but parts like this are a walk in the park for Davies, who gave a similarly mumbly and paranoia-tinged performance in Solaris. But it’s Zahn who does surprisingly good work here, breaking away from the comedic roles he built his name on in favor of a sad, quiet part as a man ground down to breaking by his captors. His humor still finds its way into several scenes, though, enhancing the strange camaraderie forged by the men in the camp. However, it’s Bale’s fantastic work that anchors the story, giving it heart and heft and turning it from a story about the war into a story about the men.
That’s ultimately Herzog’s greatest success with Rescue Dawn: By making a movie about a man, he transcends any political mudslinging or attempts at heavy-handed allegory and instead crafts a story that’s moving in its simplicity. It isn’t giving too much away to say that there are moments of genuine pain and anguish here, but also those of joy and sweet reunion, as Herzog discreetly builds to an uplifting powerhouse of a finale. Dieter’s adventure is all the more remarkable for being true, but that’s almost beside the point: For Herzog, it’s all about the look in Dieter’s eyes as he watches the horizon, ears open for the sound of helicopters, unable to stop hoping.
Daniel Carlson is the managing editor of Pajiba and a low-level employee at a Hollywood industry magazine. You can visit his blog, Slowly Going Bald.
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Comments
I was hoping this film was going to be good. I've been waiting for it's arrival for some time now. Excellent review.
Posted by: Kevin Longrie at July 6, 2007 8:03 PM
At first I was sort of non-plussed about the prospect of this film, thinking it was just another Vietnam movie/prison camp escape story, but several reviews like this one have me really intrigued. In addition, I heard a great NPR piece today with (a) clips of interviews with Werner Herzog and Dieter Dengler talking about "Little Dieter Needs to Fly," and (b) a positive review by the New Yorker's reviewer (can't remember his name) for NPR, with a tone and admiration for the film similar to Daniel's.
Dengler's challenging childhood and fascinating background give important context to Herzog's dramatic work and Bale's performance -- Dengler really was the indefatigable, optimistic, energetic force of nature portrayed by Bale. One reviewer complained that Herzog made Dengler into a superman, but this fellow actually appears to be one of "Those Guys" -- men (or women) whose upbringing renders them capable of not just surviving almost anything, but of thriving in the worst possible environments.
The interview with Herzog, which features some voice comments from Dengler, is available on NPR's site. If you're interested in this film, take a listen -- Herzog is himself a fascinating character, and Dengler's description of his escape is astonishing (NOTE, however, that it contains spoilers about the narrative).
Daniel, thanks again for another well-written and thorough review; I always like them much better when they have some heft.
Posted by: socalledonlycousins at July 6, 2007 8:10 PM
That was a fine read, nice to see Herzog back in business, i think his "Grizzly Man" was one of the best pictures i saw last year.
And i won't even mention Bale, cause i don't wanna spend the rest of the day at this keyboard.
Sadly, i don't know when this will open here in Germany, so your review makes the waiting period especially gruesome.
Posted by: Colfari at July 6, 2007 8:20 PM
SOLD!
I'm glad Zahn didn't somehow manage to fuck it up.
Posted by: BarbadoSlim at July 6, 2007 8:23 PM
christian bale is the man. cant wait for this one.
Posted by: jordan at July 6, 2007 8:48 PM
I really wish you didn't have an advertisement for Captivity on your website. Of course they are trying to capitalize on the controversy they created by having sexualized billboards of the torture and murder of a woman, and I'm sure it will work, but I really wish you weren't helping them.
Posted by: sara at July 6, 2007 8:55 PM
Oy, Sara, I agree about the movie ad -- my feelings on this type of film are well-documented to the point of laughingstock status around here -- "Oh, look, Grumpy Old Socalled, doesn't like modern horror films ... Wheezy Old Socalled can't stand watching Heather Mattarazzo get impaled on a spike. Wuss!"
But Baby Dustin gotta eat. No-uh-ahm-sain?
Posted by: socalledonlycousins at July 6, 2007 8:59 PM
Sara, I don't think they have a say in what goes on those sidebars. I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure they just get paid to advertise, and which ones go up depend on what they're selling at that point or words discussed in the site. Remember the Ann Coulter ad?
Posted by: Kevin Longrie at July 6, 2007 9:18 PM
Hmmm... this movie looks good and this review helps solidify that belief, but I am forever skeptical about such glowing reviews, especially on a decidedly 'scathing' site such as this. Either this is the best movie to come out in the last two years, or Daniel got taken in by the emotional manipulation. I truly hope it is the former.
Posted by: the_Wakeful at July 6, 2007 9:30 PM
I was lucky enough to see a free screening of this last week, and I have to say that I agree with Daniel completely.
the_Wakeful:
"Either this is the best movie to come out in the last two years, or Daniel got taken in by the emotional manipulation."
A statement like this implies that you haven't been reading Pajiba very long. This is not the only glowingly positive review they've had in the past two years.
Posted by: Samuel Erikson at July 6, 2007 10:14 PM
Although I'm not planning on seeing this (not my type of film, even though I love Christian Bale) I'm not surprised that Steve Zahn's performance was good. He was the only heartfelt, genuine character in that awful "Riding in Cars with Boys". He showed surprising depth despite his character's being a goof.
Posted by: Brie at July 6, 2007 11:18 PM
Bale never fails to deliver, I've been looking forward to this one for a while. Glad to know my expectations are likely to be met.
Posted by: MG at July 6, 2007 11:25 PM
Samuel:
"This is not the only glowingly positive review they've had in the past two years."
Ok, I may have been exaggerating slightly. Sorry. Also I really do hope that I enjoy this movie as much as Daniel did.
Posted by: the_Wakeful at July 7, 2007 12:01 AM
Well shucky darn and chicken on a hot plate!
I'm lookins a'forward to it.
Posted by: slightlyfey at July 7, 2007 5:00 AM
A new Herzog film--and with Bale no less. This, peoples, is a cinematic event.
Posted by: Ranylt at July 7, 2007 7:38 AM
I am so glad Steve Zahn got to be in a Herzog film. Every time I see him I think he's better than the material.
Oh, and I'm right with you on Bale. Well do I remember him on the cover of Seventeen magazine round about the release of Little Women, but even then I sensed there was something... else.... Okay, I'm totally bullshitting. I was thirteen. But I'm not kidding that he's good.
Posted by: barlova at July 7, 2007 8:59 AM
Damn you Pajiba! I have a 10pm deadline, it's now 5pm and I have spent the last two hours reading Pajiba comments. You'll be answering to my editor. Ga!
Posted by: vab at July 7, 2007 11:14 AM
"Little Dieter Needs to Fly" is the best documentaries I have ever seen. I caught it by accident late one night on TVO (Ontario public broadcaster) about 5 years ago, and it has haunted me ever since. I was jumping up and down when the announcement was made that Herzog had cast Christian Bale, and I am relieved that it seems to have turned out the way it should. Herzog is a whacked out genius and Bale is one of the few actors around who could carry this sort of thing on his (gradually diminishing) shoulders. Cannot wait to see this.
Posted by: JH Maximumm at July 7, 2007 5:22 PM
Damn, it seems like Christian Bale puts out a movie each year. That's not a complaint though. If only all big name actors could disappear into a role as well as he does. My husband and I are both suckers for war movies, specifically Vietnam War movies, and fans of Bale so we'll be seeing this one. Thanks for the excellent review!
Posted by: stardust savant at July 8, 2007 10:06 AM
If only all big name actors could disappear into a role as well as he does.
You know, stardust, despite headlining the Batman movies, I don't think that Christian Bale is considered a big name actor. Frankly, I don't think "big name actor" and "disappearing into a role" can be uttered in the same sentence with any regularity, as I know of no one considered "A-list " who can bring it like Christian can. What I appreciate about him is that he just does his damn job - you don't hear about him in the tabloids, he doesn't do a lot of interviews, he doesn't even seem to do a lot to promote his movies (compared to other actors). I've read somewhere that he's an introvert, and he doesn't seem to play the Hollywood game (which is why, I suspect, he hasn't won one of the well-known awards, i.e. Oscar, Golden Globe, etc). In any case, he grabbed my attention in American Psycho, and he's had it ever since. He was truly born to be an actor, and it shows. Damn you, Bale, for making me love you.
Posted by: Daphne at July 8, 2007 2:40 PM
"jungles of Loas" Jungles of Laos, you mean.
Bale is priceless. I've never understood why he isn't bigger box-office. Buff, handsome, smart, and willing to crash diet (not a wise health move for anyone) for a good role. Maybe it's because his widowed stepmom is Gloria Steinem and all the bigtime producers are ascared of her.
Thanks for the correction. Sometmies I swicth letters accidentally. Damn keybaords. --DC
Posted by: Matt at July 9, 2007 12:17 AM
Maybe Christian Bale is the new Klaus Kinski...
Posted by: Steve at July 9, 2007 2:47 PM
I adore Christian Bale.
That is all.
Posted by: go big red at July 9, 2007 3:09 PM
Herzog + Bale = my birthday and Christmas have come eary this year.
Posted by: PaddyDog at July 9, 2007 4:34 PM
Christian Bale is a marvelous treasure. Can't wait to see the movie.
Posted by: travka79 at July 9, 2007 5:38 PM
JH: I saw it on TVO as well and it is mesmerizing. I could not believe that this actually happened to a person - the minute it was over I was shocked the rights had not been sold as a major motion picture.
I haven't seen 'Rescue Dawn' yet, but if the story is told in entirety than this film is a must see. Think 'Castaway' but a real-life story.
Posted by: CoolWhip11 at July 10, 2007 12:48 PM
Good for Steve Zahn, I've been hoping that he'd land a role in a movie deserving of his talents. I can't wait to see this.
Posted by: Julie at July 10, 2007 3:41 PM
Damn, that was a beautiful review. I don't even like war movies (or prisoner movies, or what have you), but now I want to see this. I know y'all get this a lot, but it really is a pleasure to read a review that's as thorough, thoughtful, and well-crafted as a good movie itself. Good job.
Posted by: Heqit at July 12, 2007 10:20 AM
I too am an introvert,and often we are misunderstood. I understand Christian 100% in his pursuit of privacy and anonimity. He just wants to be a great actor,irregardless if he ever gets recognized or awarded. He knows that he's a genious of his craft and that his work speaks for itself. I'm sure that sooner or later,Hollywood is going to take notice of this man's talent,and he won't be denied any more. Bank on it!!!
Posted by: CrazyforChristian at July 13, 2007 2:26 AM
On the surface, this was a very well-made film of a series of horrible, horrible incidents. If you enjoy seeing people having tuly horrific things happen to them, then you'll love this movie.
Those who are capable of looking deeper will be able to see the film's real message: the utter futility of invading another nation. The theme that Dieter Dengler simply did not belong in Southeast Asia is repeated over and over again in many colorful and dreadful ways.
This would be a great inspiration for the US government, if only it weren't run by selfish, greedy, heartless bastards who care about nothing but their own personal bank accounts, and also for the people of the US, if the majority of them were not half brain-dead robots plugged into the TV set 8 hours a day, awaiting the next dose of fascist propaganda, ready to automatically shift their artificial hatred to whatever imaginary "enemy" the government wishes them to turn against this week. I guess it's Islam these days, or Iraq, or is it Iran? -- whatever. It used to be the Commies, but we all know that turned out to be BS. Then it was drugs, then it was Saddam, then "terrorists," (Bush excluded, of course), now I guess it's some other poor guy who happens to have a beard and believe in God. It's amazing how quick the American people are to hate anyone they're told to hate.
Those with both heart and intelligence -- an admittedly rare combination -- will understand this film to be a brilliant exposition of the horrors of war, and also an alarming call for peace and tolerance between nations.
Posted by: Purusha at July 18, 2007 8:47 AM
Saw "Rescue Dawn" last night and am still scratching my head.
I was so looking forward to it. Had seen the documentary "Little Dieter Needs to Fly" and was very predisposed to liking it.
I thought it was dreadful, boring as hell, and the acting so bad that in one scene Steve Zahn was really good, totally catching me by surprise.
Typically I rate movies by "watches." That is, the number of times I look at my watch to see how much longer I have to wait. This one got eight watches.
The movie is two hours and six minutes long, and all but the last 20 minutes is an absolute yawn.
Christian Bale was AWFUL, unconvincing and unlikeable. I didn't feel one bit of connection to his character.
So, my serious question is: How can I be this "off" in my feelings toward this movie when everyone else loved it? I felt cheated that I passed up an evening of "Shark Week" on the Discovery Channel for this piece of dookie.
Posted by: GEddieG at August 1, 2007 6:09 AM
GeddieG: It just shows it takes all kinds to make the world go around.
What bored you senseless was a great movie for my and my "date". I took a 9 year old boy to see it and he did not say anything the whole time but "this movie is cool". He did not even want to get out of his seat at 2 + hours, and rated it better than Harry Potter and the Wizards of Doom ( whatever, I had to sit through that one for him! ). Me, I am an adult female and loved the movie also, if you can "love" a movie about the futility of war.
The movie, like Pandora's box, stopped just short of desperation and left one with hope.
Posted by: mamitabrujita at September 7, 2007 9:09 AM