What is War Pigs About?
War Pigs is a 1978 American comedy film directed by Peter Carter and written by George Bowers and David Seltzer. The movie follows a group of American anti-war activists who travel to Mexico to help a friend, Arlo Beckman, escape from the army and prevent him from serving in Vietnam. However, their mission takes an unexpected turn when they become entangled in a series of misadventures with a group of Mexican drug smugglers.
Plot Summary
The movie opens with Arlo Beckman, a young American deserter, who has crossed the border into Mexico and is trying to evade the authorities. His friends, a group of anti-war activists, including Jane Fonda and Donald Sutherland, hear about his situation and decide to travel to Mexico to help him escape.
Upon their arrival in Mexico, the group, which includes Arlo, Jane, and Donald, meets with Tito (Bob Phillips), a Mexican guerrilla fighter who agrees to help them. However, things take a turn when they become involved with Pete (Jack Thibeau), a American ex-con who has joined the Mexican drug-smuggling business.
As they navigate through the complexities of drug trafficking, the group gets caught up in a series of wild and humorous misadventures, including a car chase, a shootout, and a mistaken identity.
Themes
War Pigs explores several themes, including:
• Anti-war sentiment: The movie is a clear critique of the Vietnam War and the military-industrial complex. The characters are anti-war activists who believe that the war is wrong and are willing to risk their lives to prevent others from serving.
• National identity: The movie raises questions about national identity and the idea of what it means to be an American. The characters are anti-American and anti-war, but they are also caught up in the complexities of American foreign policy.
• Identity crisis: Several characters in the movie struggle with their own identities. Arlo is a deserter trying to escape the military, while Pete is an ex-con trying to find a new sense of purpose.
• Counterculture: War Pigs is a product of the 1970s counterculture movement. The movie’s themes and style reflect the era’s concern with social justice, rebellion, and nonconformity.
Cast
The movie features a diverse cast, including:
- Bo Hopkins as Arlo Beckman, the American deserter
- Rene Enriquez as Tito, the Mexican guerrilla fighter
- Tom Skerritt as Tom, an American anti-war activist
- Jerry Walter as Pete, the American ex-con
Critical Reception
War Pigs received mixed reviews from critics at the time of its release. The movie was praised for its anti-war message and the performances of the cast, but was criticized for its lack of coherence and disjointed pacing.
Influence
War Pigs has had a lasting impact on American cinema. The movie’s themes and style have influenced a generation of filmmakers, including:
- Martin Scorsese: Scorsese has praised War Pigs as an influential film, citing its use of humor and social commentary.
- Quentin Tarantino: Tarantino has also cited War Pigs as an influence, praising its use of dark humor and its exploration of themes such as identity and national identity.
Cultural Significance
War Pigs is a culturally significant film that reflects the anxieties and concerns of the 1970s. The movie’s anti-war message and its critique of the military-industrial complex are still relevant today.
Conclusion
In conclusion, War Pigs is a comedy film that explores the complexities of the Vietnam War and the social and cultural movements of the 1970s. The movie’s themes, including anti-war sentiment, national identity, and counterculture, are still relevant today. The movie’s influence can be seen in the work of directors such as Martin Scorsese and Quentin Tarantino, and its cultural significance continues to be felt in contemporary American cinema.
Table: Key Themes in War Pigs
| Theme | Description |
|---|---|
| Anti-war sentiment | Critique of the Vietnam War and the military-industrial complex |
| National identity | Questions about what it means to be an American |
| Identity crisis | Characters struggle with their own identities |
| Counterculture | Reflection of the 1970s counterculture movement |
Bullets: Key Elements of the Plot
- Arlo Beckman, an American deserter, escapes to Mexico
- A group of anti-war activists travel to Mexico to help Arlo escape
- They become involved with a group of Mexican drug smugglers
- Misadventures ensue, including a car chase and a shootout
- The group gets caught up in the complexities of American foreign policy
