If you plan to see "Flags of our Fathers," let me point you to an earlier movie about one of the protagonists: "The Outsider", starring Tony Curtis as the Indian Ira Hayes. Made in 1961, I have no idea how well it played nationwide, but I saw it in Bagdad, Arizona at the drive-in theater my aunt and uncle owned there. It was quite a film. It focused on Hayes's descent into alcoholism after the war. His exploitation (with the other members of the flag-raising team at Iwo Jima) by the propaganda machine which sent them out on that war bond tour depicted in the new movie contributed pretty heavily to his disillusionment.
I should note that I've read the book on which "Flags" is based, and it's excellent. Since Eastwood directed the new film, I have little doubt that it will be equally good. Kenneth Turan of the LA Times thinks so.
Posted by Linkmeister at October 20, 2006 02:55 PM | TrackBackIt does look good. I think we might go see it tomorrow night.
I was struck by Ira Hayes' story at an early age by Johnny Cash's song about him.
Posted by: Solonor at October 20, 2006 03:57 PMI plan to see it too
From the advance reviews, Eastwood's use of nuance and characterization is just terrific.
He certainly proves the adage that some things do improve with age.
Posted by: pixelshim at October 21, 2006 03:03 AMI just checked on Netflix, and The Outsider is not available to rent..
Posted by: toxiclabrat at October 22, 2006 03:33 AM