By Nicky Disbrow
As I sat in the audience at the screening of “Fury” awaiting the violence and drama to ensue, Dr. Ben Severance, Professor of History at AUM, asked the same rhetorical question I had in mind: “where would Hollywood be without war movies?”
As part of the Political Film Series, Fury was introduced by an AUM faculty member who is considerably knowledgeable about the topic; Severance provided the brief introduction for “Fury” and helped set the scene for it.
“Fury” is about a U.S. Army tank crew located in Germany in the final weeks of battle during World War II. With one character extremely reluctant to partake in battle, and another who uses his religious beliefs to help him get by, the movie develops a deeper tone than what I was expecting to experience. It also did an excellent job at developing characters, adding slight comedic moments to lighten the mood when need be, and it did not over-do the drama and battle scenes we often see in this genre.
While the film does contain many war-movie clichés and quotable lines, it also prompts the audience to analyze underlying themes of morality, religion, and the psychological wear that war has on soldiers. This is what sets it apart from other war movies.
After the film was over, I was fairly tired and ready to go home. Instead I decided to stay for the discussion after the film concluded, and I am glad I did. Not only did the discussion address how the film showed the typical display of American greatness, but it also focused on the accuracy of the film.
Severance explained there were several scenes that were somewhat accurate, while others were exaggerations or far from realistic. Had I not stayed for the discussion, I probably would have accepted the whole film as portraying truth and displaying a realistic picture of what happened in World War II.
I went more for the entertainment aspect, but I ended up learning more than I expected. If you’re looking for entertainment, education, or just free food and drinks, I strongly suggest attending the Political Film Series screenings..
Here are the upcoming screenings:
February 25
Film: 42 (2013; PG-13)
Room: 109 Goodwyn Hall; 7pm
Introduction: Dr. Eric Sterling
Co-sponsor: AUM Athletics
March 18
Film: Paycheck to Paycheck: The Life & Times of Katarina Gilbert (2014; PG)
Room: 109 Goodwin Hall; 7pm
Introduction: Dr. Annice Yarber
Co-sponsor: AUM’s Office of Diversity & Multicultural Affairs
April 22
Film: Extreme Realities: Severe Weather, Climate Change, and Our National Security (2014, NR)
Room: 109 Goodwyn Hall; 7pm
Introduction: Dr. Linda Dennard
Co-sponsor: AUM’s Office of Global Initiatives
All films are open to the public and are free of charge. For more information, contact Dr. Pia Knigge at pknigge@aum.edu.