Live from Baghdad
September 2003 Reviewed by: Anthony Di Marco Format: DVD	(all ratings out of 5): Overall Enjoyment Picture Quality Packaged Extras Sound Quality

There is a pivotal scene in Live from Baghdad when Robert Wiener exclaims to Iraq’s minister of information, Naji Al-Nadithi, that people will die "when the talking stops." It is a line that could have come off as stilted and melodramatic, but Michael Keaton’s delivery and the context of the scene make it ring with chilling truth. Even more so when you consider the location: Baghdad, Iraq, weeks before the 1991 Gulf War erupted.

This is a surprisingly effective thriller that grapples with issues of communication, the role of the media, and trust. The film maintains that trust and communication are required for a healthy relationship, whether it is a relationship between two people or two countries. It also argues that the media has a responsibility to people to deliver the news with honesty and discretion. There are no easy answers. Wiener is constantly struggling between doing his job and making sure he can live with himself. Ultimately the CNN producer realizes that it isn’t just about the story, but about the people that are caught in the middle of the story. A subplot involving the abduction of an oil worker drives this point home, and it proves crucial to Wiener’s growth as a character and a human who finally understands what is at stake -- war resulting from miscalculations in the way we communicate.

The supporting cast is good, but Keaton and David Suchet are outstanding as Wiener and Naji Al-Nadithi. Both actors instill depth and credibility through expressions and eye contact rather than words. By relying on body language to communicate, these men sidestep issues caused by speaking different languages. The relationship is based on trust, respect, and a belief that war is not a good thing. Unfortunately, they are also puppets to their respective masters. Their futures have already been decided and the war they are trying to prevent is inevitable.

The quality of HBO films continues to impress me. This company knows how to produce films for TV, which are comparable to big-screen productions. Mick Jackson’s direction is tight, and the editing is even tighter. From the opening frame this film never lets up in pacing or tension. The director uses close-ups to convey the anxiety of the situation to good effect, so the audience is able to realize the danger surrounding the CNN crew and the people of Iraq.

The DVD's video image appears natural, but a little noisier than average. Unlike many made-for-television movies, this one does not look like it is shot on video. The image has a very film-like appearance with colors that look slightly desaturated. The audio is excellent. Dialogue is intelligible, and the surrounds do a nice job of conveying the ambiance of each venue. The bombing of Baghdad during the climactic scene was especially impressive. The concussion of explosions hitting targets around the Al-Rasheed hotel gave me a profound sense of shellshock. I felt as if I was in the room with Bernard Shaw, Peter Arnett, John Holliman, and Wiener as bombs shook the ground beneath us.

The only special features included on this DVD are cast bios and a fascinating commentary by director Jackson. I enjoyed Jackson’s insight into the characters and the filming. I also appreciated his familiarity with details surrounding the war. Often filmmakers will defer to consultants when it comes to information surrounding history. Here the director is completely at ease communicating the fine points of the war and the several characters involved.

• Go Back