Thin Red Line (1998)


Ensemble film about WWII adapted from the 1962 James Jones novel. It presents multiple narrative perspectives. Unlike The Longest Day, it actually works. The all-star cast includes John Cusack, George Clooney, Nick Nolte, Sean Penn, John Travolta and Woody Harrelson, although Clooney and Travolta are barely there beyond brief cameos. Jim Caviezel and Ben Chaplin are especially strong.

It can be confusing at times, as the interior monologue switches between characters depending on who’s being shown on screen. Plus, the signposting of the wheres and whens of certain scenes can seem muddled.

It’s epic and expansive, also demonstrating a strong love of nature: there are long, lingering shots of wildlife and the long grass blowing in the wind. The action sequences are harrowing. And it builds up a philosophical depth as it goes along.

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