McNamara: A Complex Man

Like the title states, Errol Morris’ The Fog of War definitely strives to portray exactly that message—that war is indeed a fog and not any clear, definite thing. The documentary conveys this message by allowing one subject (Robert McNamara) to be the main focus from beginning to end. Through this extensive look into the mind of such an integral part of the Vietnam War, the audience is able to begin to understand the complexities of the war as they see that McNamara himself is a complex man.

According to some background research I did on the film, Morris entered his interview with McNamara as a planned twenty-minute session. Morris was wanting to make a film about Vietnam, not about McNamara specifically. It wasn’t until the camera began rolling that Morris realized the exceptional material he had unlocked: a man who seemed to be confessing the guilt he had carried around with him for decades. All the while, of course, still carrying a militaristic charisma that defended his dignity.

The artistic flare that Morris weaves into the documentary makes it seem as if McNamara is talking directly to me, with close-up views of his face and him looking directly into the camera. It seems that McNamara has a liking for getting so close to a subject that it makes you feel as if you know them on a personal level. Not only does he do this throughout the film with McNamara, but he also does this with the awkwardly long shot of Kennedy as well as with others.

This film was made in 2004, which puts it at about 30-35 years past McNamara’s active role in the war. McNamara had three whole decades to ponder over the consequences of his actions and the justifications for his reasoning. At times McNamara admits his own wrong, such as admitting that he was acting as a “war criminal.” At other times, however, he still defends many of his actions, justifying that it seemed like the right thing to do at the time, and therefore no one can be blamed. The most eloquent idea that McNamara presents, however, is at the end. When asked one last question about the war, he replies: "Vietnam is so complex that anything I say will require qualifications.” I think that this is the most important lesson to be taken from this documentary.