'Fog of War' sheds light on leadership

Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara, the famed "whiz kid" who served Presidents Kennedy and Johnson, is, perhaps, the most fascinating man to hold that often mundane position. A top force shaping the American response to the Cuban Missile Crisis and the war in Vietnam, McNamara has many ardent admirers and even more critics. In a new documentary, "The Fog of War," we not only get a glimpse inside the mind of this extraordinary man, but also survey the most fascinating and complex issues of foreign affairs and warfare in the middle of the 20th century. However, it appears director/producer Errol Morris ("A Brief History of Time" and "Stairway to Heaven") got a bit carried away with the intrigue of the film's content and the brilliance of its well-spoken subject, neglecting the requirements of skilled and thoughtful filmmaking.

The film is structured around 11 lessons drawn from McNamara's life and moves in a semi-chronological, semi-chaotic order through this man's complex time on earth. McNamara relates a variety of experiences, both successes and failures, showing us the strange and intricate ways in which the most important policy decisions in the world are actually made.

The film has an urgent relevance. McNamara's thoughts about the importance of multilateralism, the value of empathy with one's enemy and the utility of open dialogue triumphing over close-minded ideology in policy making could not be timelier. Many moments in the film lead the audience to realize what might have happened to the world if a man like George W. Bush, instead of John Kennedy, had been calling the shots during the tensest moments of the Cold War. However, the structure, or lack thereof, of the film makes it drag in some parts and confuse the viewer in others. Many questions are answered unsatisfactorily, and many lessons are left only stated, not taught. Furthermore, the complete focus of the film on interviewing Mr. McNamara gives us little perspective on conflicting points of view and background from an external perspective.

Despite its foibles, this film is one that every Princeton student who aspires to political, social or managerial leadership should see. After directing the 2002 Academy Awards, Morris returned this year to claim an Oscar for himself as "The Fog of War" earned Best Documentary. To further eliminate any excuse Prince-tonians have to miss this crucial picture, it shows at 5:00, 7:15 and 9:30 on weekends and at 6:45 and 9 weekday at the Princeton Garden Theatre for $6.50 with a prox.