War Machine is a satirical war film based on the nonfiction book 'The Operators' about the firing of United States Army General Stanley McChrystal who had been sent to Afghanistan to “clean” the situation.
The movie was written and directed by David Michod and stars Brad Pitt.
Released on Netflix, it has been met by mixed reaction with some critics stating they enjoyed the satirical take on the situation but others, such as the U.K’s Guardian stated: “Not funny enough to be satire, not realistic enough to count as political commentary, not exciting enough to work as a war movie,”
The story is narrated by Rolling Stones reporter Sean Cullen (McNairy) who was assigned to interview four-star General Glen McMahon (Pitt), a fictional character based on General Stanley McChrystal, and his men, about their service in Afghanistan.
Cullen explains how McMahon was hired to end the war there, but instead he felt the obsessive need to win it. This ultimately lead to his firing.
The movie is an insightful look at war, and those who have to be involved with it. Some love their job, like the general in this movie, and they usually mean well and the film tries to portray the characters as sympathetic.
Critics have stated Pitt did a good job at portraying McChrystal – who had found himself amongst tired soldiers and disillusioned politicians eager to leave. In this situation he feels his mission is to win the war, something deemed impossible by everyone around him.