The Fatal Alliance: A Century of War on Film

The Fatal Alliance is a book by David Thomson that examines the century-long relationship between war and cinema, exploring how war movies have transformed civilian experience of war and history. It questions the problematic nature of moviegoers' enjoyment of depictions of violence on a grand scale and asks what this says about us, our culture, and our changing sense of warfare and the past.

Format: Hardback
Length: 448 pages
Publication date: 04 January 2024
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Inc

In his magisterial work, The Fatal Alliance, renowned film critic David Thomson delves into a century of battles portrayed on screen, offering a profound exploration of the intricate relationship between war and cinema. Thomson's exceptional genius lies in his ability to remain a leading authority on cinematic history, fearlessly tackling controversial topics. For cinephiles seeking thought-provoking arguments, his work is a treasure trove.

The book does not constitute a conventional history or survey of war films, although Thomson employs his keen analytical skills to examine numerous celebrated works, including All Quiet on the Western Front, The Bridge on the River Kwai, and Saving Private Ryan. However, The Fatal Alliance goes beyond these mere cinematic examinations, delving into the profound ways in which war and cinema intertwined during the twentieth century.

It is remarkable to note that movies had only emerged in the early years of World War I, yet within a mere century, they had revolutionized the civilian experience of war and reshaped the course of history itself. This transformation is the central moral dilemma explored in Thomson's book. War movies command immense prestige and often achieve remarkable box office success, yet there is a troubling aspect to the widespread enjoyment of depictions of large-scale violence, such as in Apocalypse Now, Black Hawk Down, or even Star Wars.

Thomson's work prompts us to contemplate the implications of our fascination with these cinematic portrayals. It raises questions about our cultural values, our evolving perception of warfare, and the ways in which we interpret and remember the past. Through his insightful analysis, Thomson offers a thought-provoking meditation on the complex interplay between war, cinema, and our collective consciousness.

In conclusion, The Fatal Alliance is a seminal work that demands the attention of film enthusiasts, historians, and anyone interested in exploring the profound connections between war and cinema. David Thomson's exceptional scholarship and provocative insights make this book a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of this fascinating relationship.

Weight: 554g
Dimension: 163 x 237 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780063041417