Rescue Dawn

Directed by: Werner Herzog
Written by: Werner Herzog
Starring: Christian Bale, Steve Zahn, Jeremy Davies, Zach Grenier, Toby Huss

Score: 8.5/10

Werner Herzog is one of those directors that I wish I would pay more attention to. I had only seen one of his films prior to this and it was Grizzly Man. A documentary that I love and after watching it I said to myself that I would go back and watch some of his previous films. Unfortunately I haven’t got around to checking out any of his work, but after seeing Rescue Dawn I definitely will.

Based on a true story, the film follows Dieter Dengler (Christian Bale) a U.S. fighter pilot whose plane is shot down during the Vietnam War. Dieter is captured and taken to a POW camp. He meets fellow American captives Duane (Steve Zahn) and Gene (Jeremy Davies), who have both been imprisoned for a number of years and it really shows. Duane and Gene have been suffering for a long time. It’s clear that two have given up on a lot of things, and Gene has become delusional in thinking that they will soon be released. Dieter looks at his fellow captives and comes to the realization that if he ever wants to get out of the camp he will need to escape.

Early on in the movie something strange happened. I forgot I was watching a scripted movie, anytime a director can make you forget you’re watching a scripted story is truly a testament to their ability to make films. It doesn’t happen very often, but Herzog’s background in documentaries clearly showed up. One scene in particular when Dieters plane has just been shot down and he is being chased by villagers. The way this scene was shot completely blew me away. It plays out like villagers hunting down food - you could replace Dieter with some animal and tell me this is a documentary and these people are hunting and I would believe it.

The actors in the film were amazing. Steve Zahn gives the performance of his career as Duane who unlike Gene has essentially accepted his fate. Stumbling through each day trying to have faith in Dieters plan to escape, you feel so sorry for the guy. Jeremy Davies is unrecognizable as Gene, bone thin and dead set against the idea of jeopardizing the opportunity of a real release with an escape attempt. Christian Bale as dieter is one of his best performances, playing the solider hell bent on breaking out while also showing his doubt about going through with an escape. It’s the subtleties in each performance that make them truly memorable.

From the little I know about Herzog, I think it’s safe to say that the man likes authenticity. Directors like this should be applauded in an age where green screens and computer effects have taken over Hollywood. Shot on location in Thailand, you sometimes get lost just staring at the visuals. You completely understand how daunting a task of breaking out of this POW camp would be. Herzog makes it clear that outside of the prison lies an even bigger one – the jungle.

Overall, in a summer of over-blown effects filled blockbusters it’s nice to be able to watch a character driven film where you can appreciate the smallest detail while also being completely engaged with the story. Rescue Dawn isn’t playing everywhere but its worth seeking out.