FINALLY!

[walkin jack]

Well, after a loooong wait on NetFlix I finally got to see "Lone Survivor". I have a few observations and a question.

First of all, as has been reported here it was not the full story as it was in the book. I believe that it would have had more of an impact on the movie going public, especially those without military experience if they'd gone into more detail on the brutal training those guys go through. I know "get wet and sandy" doesn't sound so bad...until you read the book and see what it means in terms of Navy Seal training. The way they brushed over it in the movie detracts from the scope of the mission and what it takes to be able to do that kind of thing.

The battle scenes seemed very realistic. I haven't seen that kind of realism in a fire fight since "Saving Private Ryan". Most battle scenes I've seen have a lot of "Hollywood" in them.

Another thing they shortened up on was Lutrell's stay in the Afghan village. In the movie it was only a couple of days but he was actually there for much longer according to his account in the book.

My question is, where in the world did they film that? My memory of the description of the mountain in the book exactly matches what I saw in the movie. Same goes for the Afghan village too although I know they can build a realistic looking set just about anywhere.

I know some parts of that movie must have been difficult to film. All in all I think they did a good job. But I believe it's a story that would justify a longer movie.

 

[Bob R]

They filmed it in New Mexico, mainly around Albuquerque.


bob

 

[rojodiablo]

In reality, the training aspect is not really that exciting, and in many movies, it has been pretty well covered and done/ overdone.

If you have read any of the dozen or so books by SF of the various services, you will see a trend of hyperbole and over-enthusiastic (As nice as I can put it) explanations of the rigors of their training. As I recall, much of it was monotonous and unimpressive to watch. What can't be conveyed well on film is the mental fatigue from being cold, colder or REALLY COLD.

Like when we were not part of the BUDS class who was training in the surf below us. They had a water truck, and it was hosing the guys down. I knew what that truck held, and did not want any part of it. One of our squids opened his gullet and talked a touch of smack about the BUDS trainees, and our DI, Hernandez heard him. He immediately called over the closest shed, and informed him of what a bunch of insolent badstards we were. The shed's response was "Oh; REALLY? Bring the truck over." We were ordered to drop and start pushing dirt. And the truck rolled up and started spraying us with freezing cold water. Thankfullly, not really high pressure. We were pushing MUD within seconds. Cold, cold mud. And we got to roll in it, to get wet and dirty. And then we had to make doubletime for a long, long ways back to the barracks. It gave me a good indication that being that cold for a long time would be no joy.
And I know that the winter training is much, much worse. A seamen I knew was on subs, and they would launch and retrieve the SEALS, sometimes under ice. Cold, colder or REALLY COLD. And numb and dumb as they called it.

If you read the various books, you will get a good idea of how much is creative expression rather than fact. Read Marcus' second book. It will confirm that he was a pretty good fantasy/ fiction writer.
I am not at all saying his experience was not real. There are parts which are dead on, and some parts are not so dead on.

Its' been well documented; a person loses interest and focus after 2hrs in a theatre. And, at 3hrs, they have to go to the bathroom. And THAT is why movies are cut off where they are.

If you would like a VERY GOOD SF book, "Lions of Kandahar".

You will not be disappointed, and it is a very well focused and well done reflection of an important battle in the war.

 

[SJshooter]

It's a two-hour movie, so of course they couldn't tell it all.

But one thing I loved about the movie was the scene where they threw themselves over the cliff and tumbled down. It was pretty well described in the book, and I knew it was coming... but to see and hear the way it was depicted was just unbelievable.

 

[macski222]

I was not aware that mark wahlberg was anti gun. Always enjoyed his acting. That's really too bad.

 

[the ringo kid]

Does everyone know how anti-gun and hypocritical the Wahlberg's are? It kills my enjoyment of their movies.

JMO

That's part of the reason I havent seen it yet--something about being hypocritical or something? ) I never cared for any of "marky marks" movies before but this one seems like ill eventually see it.

The above post is why I will never watch another movie with matt damon in it.

 

[macski222]

Matt Damon too? I can't boycott "The Departed".. I love that movie.

What are you guys doing to me ?! If I check back one more time, all of my favorite movies are going to seem so much worse the next time around, when I think of these guys handling firearms in movies, but hating them in real life.

 

[FredBart]

The movie had to show a compelling story that varied greatly from Marcus' books. Marcus was instrumental in supervising the film and making it as realistic as possible. I don't fault the producers for ignoring BUDS and SEAL training. Interested viewers can see any number of videos that cover the torture at Coronado. Story and action sell movie tickets.

Don't get too worked up about any actor's personal views on any subject. Mark Wahlberg's politics or police record has no bearing on my movie selections. There are only a few pro-firearm actors in Hollywood anyway.

 

[SJshooter]

If I stopped watching movies starring or made by people who are anti-gun, I would never be able to see another movie.

This movie is worth it. I am not a big Mark Wahlberg fan in general, but he is excellent in this film. And it's the only movie I've seen in the last 10+ years where everyone in the theater stood up and applauded when the credits rolled.

 

[shouldazagged]

Sorry, I just can never seem to get why a performer is anti-gun or doesn't agree with me in some other way, and so his work is worthless.

Doubtless a flaw in my character.

 

[islamoradamark]

if the actors are anti gun there body guards are not

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

If I stopped watching movies starring or made by people who are anti-gun, I would never be able to see another movie.

Well, not quite, but close. And I can live with that. Actually, I HAVE lived with that. Maybe I'll see "America" if I get around to it. More likely, I'll read the book.