neumu [ cinematronic ]




	Black Hawk Down
	Ridley Scott Josh Hartnett, Ewan McGregor, Tom Sizemore, Eric Bana, Sam Shepard 2001		In terms of harsh realism and human anguish, it's hard to argue with director Ridley Scott's ugly, seemingly accurate recreation of a failed 1993 U.S. military action in famine-ravaged, civil war-torn Somalia. Based on a book by investigative journalist Mark Bowden, the film covers the circumstances of a raid by American forces looking to do away with murderous local warlord Mohamed Farah Aidid, who had been undermining hunger relief efforts in the area. What was nominally a peacekeeping mission becomes an armed conflict when U.S. troops enter the city of Mogadishu in hopes of capturing Aidid or members of his command — and the plan goes amiss. The pacing, battle scenes and acting are dead on. One senses truth here, whether seen from a distance, in tight close-up, or from the vantage point of history. But grime-encrusted Josh Hartnett, Ewan McGregor, Tom Sizemore and the rest playing soldiers become nearly indistinguishable under their helmets. So don't expect to feel an attachment to anyone.