Fog of War by Errol Morris – 2003

Exposition and the use of voice:

Fog of War by Errol Morris – 2003

In Fog of War, a documentary about Robert S. McNamara, the filmmaker, Errol Morris uses first-person narration with voice over interview for the voice of his film.  The story of this historical Secretary of Defense begins with archival footage and tense music while credits roll on black that is interlaced with imagery of torpedo’s loading, gun boat crews, planning room sessions, troop deployment and a warning that “One mistake will destroy nations.”

The train of the film is moved forward with McNamara’s 10 Lessons and a sea of dominos that fall and reverse topple as the train moves forward. 

Errol Morris uses camera language to allow the audience in on specific thoughts about power and truth.  The use of high, low and Dutch angles is appropriate and effective in his edits. 

McNamara is out and no one knows what might have been, the fallen dominoes return upright.  This exposition is an interesting way to beg the question that the world will never receive an answer to. 

Errol Morris ends his film with McNamara’s refusal to respond to a question, which he responds to by saying, “You’re dammed if you do and dammed if you don’t, I’d prefer to be dammed if I don’t.”

In the end, we are treated to the marvelous insight of TS Elliott. “We shall start exploring and once we return, we shall know the place from which we started – for the first time.”  I loved this film!