Charlie Wilson's War: A Political Film Analysis

Introduction

Politics has always been a frequently discussed subject, with nearly everyone developing an interest in it at some point in their lives. Politicians are entrusted with deciding matters upon which people depend, and thus the public is invested in choosing the best representatives to lead them. Because of the prominence of the subject, numerous works have been produced relating to it. Several film directors have drawn inspiration from real events in the lives of politicians. Charlie Wilson's War is a 2007 biographical film presenting events from the life of Democratic Congressman Charlie Wilson of Texas. The film's plot initially follows Wilson as he enjoys a life of luxury, before he witnesses the horrors to which the people of Afghanistan are being subjected by Soviet invaders.

The main character, Charlie Wilson, is played by Tom Hanks, and as the story evolves, the audience is treated to a characteristically brilliant performance. Wilson is portrayed as possessing strong organizational abilities, yet he proves to have a weakness for women and lavish entertainment. His lifestyle is illustrated through details such as employing only beautiful women as secretaries and drinking champagne in a Jacuzzi in Las Vegas. Throughout the film, Wilson is tested on several occasions, but through a combination of luck and intelligence, he manages to emerge unscathed. Both in Texas and in Afghanistan, his emotions prove stronger than his logic, and it does not take long before he encounters setbacks in his missions.

Plot Overview and Political Context

The film's plot is based on the real-life story of Democratic Congressman Charlie Wilson as he moves through a chain of events that ultimately render him a genuine force for change. Both in the film and in reality, Charlie Wilson is recognized as having played a major role in defeating Soviet forces and helping to liberate the oppressed people of Afghanistan.

As a typical congressman, Wilson spends much of his time in luxury — attending parties and socializing with numerous companions. However, after repeatedly meeting with Joanne Herring, a former acquaintance who has become a prominent public figure, his life is dramatically altered. Joanne describes the situation in Afghanistan and secures Wilson's promise that he will become involved.

Character Analysis

Slowly but surely, Wilson captures the attention of Congress and succeeds in multiplying tenfold the amount of money initially allocated for the fight against communism in Afghanistan. With U.S. support, the mujahideen prove successful in their campaign against Soviet forces. The Russians are forced to retreat, their weaponry no longer effective against the more advanced weapons now available to the Afghans.

Despite being surrounded by beautiful women throughout the film, Wilson is particularly drawn to Joanne Herring, played by Julia Roberts. Her character serves as a strong example of a woman who knows how to achieve her goals. She first presents Wilson with the situation in Afghanistan in hopes of capturing his interest, then methodically pursues her plan until Wilson is fully committed to the cause.

Audiences familiar with both Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts would naturally have expected a film of considerable quality from their pairing. The director undoubtedly counted on their star power to draw large audiences. However, what most viewers did not anticipate was a wonderfully executed performance from Philip Seymour Hoffman. Hoffman plays CIA agent Gust Avrakotos, tasked with assisting Wilson in his mission to bring freedom to Afghanistan. Charlie Wilson's War presents Hoffman in a different light than many of his previous roles. Rather than playing the abrasive, irritating character that had become familiar to audiences, he delivers a grounded and compelling supporting performance.