What did You do in the war daddy movie?

What Did You Do in the War, Daddy?

Released in 1976, What Did You Do in the War, Daddy? is a satirical comedy film directed by Blake Edwards, starring Robert Altman, John Cassavetes, and Donald Sutherland. The movie is a commentary on the Vietnam War and its impact on American society. In this article, we will delve into the plot, themes, and significance of the film.

What Did You Do in the War, Daddy?

The movie revolves around the story of Archibald "Arch" Dixon (played by John Cassavetes), a former soldier who returns home from the Vietnam War and is struggling to adjust to civilian life. Arch’s wife, Nancy (played by Karen Black), is frustrated with his lack of communication and sense of purpose. One day, Arch receives a letter from the government, informing him that he has been selected to participate in a documentary about the war, and that he will be reunited with his former comrades.

As Arch prepares to meet with the documentary team, he begins to reflect on his experiences during the war. He is haunted by the memories of his fellow soldiers, including his best friend, who was killed in action. Arch’s feelings of guilt and responsibility towards his friend’s death become a central theme in the film.

Themes

The movie explores several themes that were relevant to the post-Vietnam War era. Some of the key themes include:

• The effects of war on individuals: The film highlights the psychological trauma and emotional scars that soldiers experience during and after the war.
• The myth of the war hero: Arch’s character challenges the notion of the war hero, as he struggles to come to terms with his own experiences and the consequences of war.
• The role of government and media: The documentary team’s presence in the film serves as a commentary on the government’s manipulation of information and the media’s role in shaping public opinion.

Cast and Crew

The film features an ensemble cast, including:

• John Cassavetes as Archibald "Arch" Dixon
• Karen Black as Nancy Dixon
• Donald Sutherland as Dr. Arnold Meltzer
• Robert Altman as General James Dolan

The film was written by Blake Edwards, who is known for his work on films such as The Pink Panther and 10. The cinematography was handled by Frank Stanley, who worked on several films in the 1970s, including The Getaway and The Missouri Breaks.

Reception and Legacy

What Did You Do in the War, Daddy? received mixed reviews from critics at the time of its release. However, the film has since become a cult classic and is widely regarded as a significant commentary on the Vietnam War.

Critical Reception

• Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times gave the film 2.5 out of 4 stars, praising the performances of the cast but criticizing the film’s tone and pacing.
• Vincent Canby of The New York Times gave the film a mixed review, stating that it was "a film that is neither as funny as it wants to be nor as serious as it should be".

Awards and Nominations

The film was nominated for several awards, including:

• Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay (Blake Edwards)
• Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical (John Cassavetes)

Trivia

• What Did You Do in the War, Daddy? was filmed on a relatively low budget of $2.5 million.
• John Cassavetes was a close friend of Blake Edwards, and the two actors often collaborated on film projects.
• Donald Sutherland was initially hesitant to take on the role of Dr. Arnold Meltzer, but was convinced by Blake Edwards to join the project.

Conclusion

What Did You Do in the War, Daddy? is a thought-provoking and satirical commentary on the Vietnam War and its impact on American society. The film features a talented ensemble cast and explores several themes that were relevant to the post-Vietnam War era. While the film received mixed reviews at the time of its release, it has since become a cult classic and is widely regarded as a significant work in the film canon.

Table: Awards and Nominations

Bullets List: Themes

• The effects of war on individuals
• The myth of the war hero
• The role of government and media