Film Summary"Field of Fire" is a gripping war movie released in 1991 that provides an extensive exploration of the struggles, problems, and brave acts during the Vietnam War. Directed by Peter Markle, the movie tells the story of 2 characters from Huntington, West Virginia who discover themselves associated with the war - a soldier who sees the ruthless and raw realities of the dispute and a battle professional photographer who records the war's cruel impact.
Plot SummaryThe movie opens with the introduction of the characters - soldier Ray (David Carradine), photojournalist Dezzy (Corinne Bohrer), and Nurse Corps officer Val (Roxanne Hart). Ray, who's seen as the hardened and reputable soldier, and Dezzy, who's a brave, enthusiastic and devoted photojournalist, share a strong bond. Ray's pictures taken by Dezzy stand out of Nurse Val who initiates a pen-pal relationship with him.
The film depicts the severe realities of war-- fight sequences, violent fights, death, emotionally disturbing scenarios and difficult army operations. In the middle of all this, there's a palpable feeling of unity and sociability amongst the soldiers, enhancing their durability and survival instincts.
Character DevelopmentRay's character undergoes a substantial change - from a common soldier to a somewhat unwilling hero who amasses regard from his peers for his bravery and conviction. His mind is explored through dialogues and his responses to painful scenarios. Dezzy on contrast stays more of a continuous figure, determined to document the war's atrocities to the world outside. Her photos reveal the bitter reality of war that remains covert from the main reports.
Val's character stands apart for her empathetic and caring method towards the injured and the passing away. These three primary characters encapsulate the complex beliefs of guts, pain, worry, compassion and cruelty that dominate in a war situation.
Images & CinematographyThe film is shot in an almost documentary style with a purposeful usage of the desaturated color scale to catch the grit and destruction of war. The cinematography stands apart for framing some extreme battle scenes that blend flawlessly with the narrative speed of the movie. Dezzy's photographs in the film form a stark contrast versus the extreme truth of war, including a layer to the storytelling.
Themes and MessageThe film explores themes such as friendship, guts, compassion, distress, and the human will to make it through in the face of hardship. It explores the dichotomy of war - the depravity it brings along and the fraternity it breeds among soldiers. The movie doesn't merely act as a historic stating of the Vietnam War, however as a critique on war's effect on human lives.
The message is embodied in the improvements and struggles of Dezzy, Val and Ray - engaging the audience to question the true expense of war.
Conclusion"Field of Fire" though a fictional representation, supplies a compelling and permeating point of view of war. Through its well-etched characters, strategic cinematography and profound story, the movie provides a raw representation of the Vietnam War, making it not simply a war film, but a research study of human spirit in the face of difficulties.
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