Comments on: “He Has Essentially Stopped the Entire American Civil War in Virginia”

By: Kevin Levin

Kevin Levin — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 09:32:46 +0000

Thanks so much for the comment. I’m not surprised that the audience enjoyed the movie. We can all agree that it is an appealing story. I look forward to seeing it at some point.

By: AShingley

AShingley — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 03:18:54 +0000

I live nearby and was there. I got in the first showing just before they closed the doors and the theater was all done up with lights and they were projecting pics on big screens. The film was shot beautifully and very well done and I would never have guessed that it was a first work. They show how fruitless the battle was and show the story without cheerleading. After the movie Ross and Aubrecht gave speeches. They wrote the thing together and tied it all in with preservation and education which was good. I could have done without so many re-enactors wandering around the after party but it was a fine showing. I met some of the cast who were signing posters. According to Ross they need cash to fund the DVD and hope to have this available to the public by the end of the year. It’s gonna show in the museum here now. They have a bunch of screenings set up. I know they did interviews for History TV and CW News, so maybe there will be a review for you there. Anyway this is not really a review, but the audience liked it alot.

By: Margaret D. Blough

Margaret D. Blough — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:05:01 +0000

I’ve actually met Hodge a couple of times, through a mutual friend. Unfortunately, neither of the occasions was appropriate for a demonstration of that unique skill.

By: Andy Hall

Andy Hall — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 21:03:56 +0000

Horwitz is just jealous that he never was able to do “the bloat” like Hogde.

By: Margaret D. Blough

Margaret D. Blough — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 20:57:22 +0000

Kevin-

Tony Horwitz, who has been a war correspondent, said that one of his biggest problems with Civil War reenactments was that they were too neat and clean and that real war is neither.

By: Kevin Levin

Kevin Levin — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 01:43:16 +0000

Craig,

I would hope that a Civil War battle is far removed from your experience. I guess we have a different view of that movie as I didn’t see it as “Gorefication”.

By: Craig

Craig — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 01:26:11 +0000

Yes, I read that post too. I found “War So Terrible” far removed from my personal experience. “Gorefication” of war is just as bad as glorification. Must we educate by shock effect? (“Twilight” has made more than “Blade,” after all)

I have not seen “Angel of Marye’s Heights,” so I can only comment on the clips that Aubrecht has posted. It certainly does not look like a “Sands of Iwo Jima” movie.

By: Kevin Levin

Kevin Levin — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 00:52:40 +0000

Craig,

Not a problem. I guess I don’t see how I am doing what you are suggesting I am doing. My concern is that we are much too attracted to stories that romanticize war rather than trying to understand the hardships and horrors of battle. A few weeks ago I had a chance to view Pamplin Park’s new movie. Perhaps my thoughts concerning it will help you to better understand where I am coming from: http://cwmemory.com/2010/07/01/war-so-terrible/ Thanks again Craig.

By: Craig

Craig — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 00:38:54 +0000

Kevin,
I’m not taking issue with your stance on the Kirkland story. I’m always open to interpretations, on that subject or others. So let me set that straight.

But in your rush, it seems to me you are evoking those mentioned effects of war as a prop. Maybe you don’t want stories that glorify and celebrate war. I’m with you there in most regards. But on the other hand, casting the physical and psychological effects as afflictions to be showcased as some hideous warning, is just as bad.

Craig.

By: Kevin Levin

Kevin Levin — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 23:36:56 +0000

Hi Craig,

Thanks for the comment. As to your first question I was suggesting that these kinds of stories distance us from the physical and psychological challenges of war. I don’t think I am saying anything along the lines that you are suggesting. Perhaps you can clarify your second point for me since I am not sure what point you are making. Thanks.

By: Craig

Craig — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 23:31:05 +0000

“In short, this story makes the war palatable for many and allows us to celebrate it without having to come to terms with its horrors. We don’t need more of this, we need less of it, especially at a time when we have thousands of men and women in uniform fighting in Afghanistan.”

So we should not watch this movie because it shows support for the war in Afghanistan?

“We need stories that remind us of the physical and psychological effects of war rather than stories that give us a reason to celebrate war and ourselves.”

As one who deals with the psychological, but thankfully less of the physical, effects of war on a daily basis, I’m concerned about the misappropriation of those issues here. Perhaps it is not what you meant to do, but the last paragraph in your post comes across that way.

By: Kevin Levin

Kevin Levin — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 16:21:05 +0000

Hi Timothy,

I asked the very same question in my last comment to Mac. Let’s hope we can get an answer to that one.