Netflix unleashes new War Machine trailer
David Farnor | On 11, May 2017
“I didn’t come here to manage this war, and I sure as shit didn’t come here to close it out.” That’s Brad Pitt in Netflix’s War Machine – and a new trailer for the film gives us a closer look at his take on the successful, charismatic four-star general who lept in like a rock star to command NATO forces in Afghanistan, only to be taken down by his own hubris and a journalist’s no-holds-barred expose.
Written and directed by David Michôd (Animal Kingdom), the satire recreates the general’s raise and fall as part reality, addressing the debt we owe to soldiers to question the purposes to which they are being directed.
Based on the book The Operators: The Wild & Terrifying Inside Story of America’s War in Afghanistan by the late journalist Michael Hastings, the film co-stars a veritable who’s who of big names, from Emory Cohen amd Scoot McNairy to Will Poulter, Tilda Swinton and Sir Ben Kingsley.
The movie is released worldwide on Netflix on 26th May.
Brad Pitt shines in new trailer for War Machine
31st March 2017
A new trailer for War Machine has landed – and Brad Pitt is clearly having the time of his life in Netflix’s satirical comedy.
Pitt plays charismatic four-star General Stanley McChrystal, who leaps in like a rock star to command NATO forces in Afghanistan, only to be taken down by a journalist’s no-holds-barred exposé. Egotistical, passionate, clueless and polarising, Pitt shines in our latest look at his lead character – and only thanks to his silver head of hair.
Written and directed by Animal Kingdom’s David Michôd, the pitch-black war story will recreate the general’s rise and fall as part reality, part savage parody – or, to put it in the words of Netflix, “an absurdist look at a born leader’s ultra-confident march right into the dark heart of folly”.
The movie also stars Tilda Swinton, Sir Ben Kingsley, Anthony Michael Hall, Topher Grace, Will Poulter, Emory Cohen and Scoot McNairy. It premieres on Netflix on Friday 26th May.
Here’s the new video:
Brad Pitt ready for battle in first War Machine trailer
1st March 2017
Brad Pitt is ready for battle in the first trailer for Netflix’s War Machine.
Pitt plays one of the most polarizing war figures of a generation: successful, charismatic four-star General Stanley McChrystal, who leapt in like a rock star to command NATO forces in Afghanistan, only to be taken down by a journalist’s no-holds-barred exposé.
Written and directed by Animal Kingdom’s David Michôd, the pitch-black war story will recreate the general’s rise and fall as part reality, part savage parody – or, to put it in the words of Netflix, “an absurdist look at a born leader’s ultra-confident march right into the dark heart of folly”.
The Netflix original film is one of the streaming giant’s highest profile productions, with the $30 million deal for the picture first announced in 2015. Based on the book The Operators: The Wild & Terrifying Inside Story of America’s War in Afghanistan by the late journalist Michael Hastings, it boasts a highly decorated cast that includes Tilda Swinton, Sir Ben Kingsley, Anthony Michael Hall, Topher Grace, Will Poulter, Emory Cohen and Scoot McNairy.
Brad Pitt is a producer on the project, under his Plan B company, alongside Dede Gardner and Jeremy Kleiner, plus Ian Bryce. James Skotchdopole serves as executive producer.
The movie premieres worldwide on Friday 26th May. Here’s the trailer:
Netflix teams up with Brad Pitt for war satire
9th June 2015
Netflix has teamed up with Brad Pitt to produce his latest film, a satire called War Machine.
The deal, which is estimated to be around $30 million for the streaming service, marks a big step in Netflix’s move towards becoming a big Hollywood player. Last year, the company signed a deal for four exclusive Adam Sandler movies, of which it will be the sole financier. Earlier in 2015, it snapped up the rights to Idris Elba and Cary Fukunaga’s Beasts of No Nation, which is expected to be an awards contender. That deal cost a reported $12 million. And, of course, Netflix will be releasing Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon 2 day-and-date around the world this summer.
Brad Pitt’s involvement, though, is as much a statement as any of the above. The A-list star’s Plan B Entertainment has already produced a number of successful films, from World War Z and The Tree of Life to Selma and 12 Years a Slave.
“We are so excited to be a part of the inspiring commitment by Netflix to produce cutting-edge content and to deliver it to a global audience,” said Pitt in a statement.
Produced by Netflix and Pitt alongside his Plan B partners Dede Gardner and Jeremy Kleiner, and producer Ian Bryce (World War Z, Saving Private Ryan), War Machine brings together the Moneyball star and David Michôd, the Australian writer and director of Animal Kingdom fame.
“I’m humbled to be making a big, bold movie about the whole sprawling, complex, cumbersome and crazy machinery of modern war and the many lives it touches,” added Michôd.
The movie, though, is far from straight-forward blockbuster territory. Inspired by best-selling book The Operators: The Wild and Terrifying Inside Story of America’s War in Afghanistan by the late Michael Hastings, War Machine concerns a four star, rock star general, whose lethal reputation and impeccable track record leads him to command the American war in Afghanistan. Determined to win the “impossible” war with a radical new approach, the general and his motley staff of commanders and press advisers race across the globe, navigating delicate international alliances and troop requests, the charged battlefield of Washington politics, the voracious appetite of the media, and the day-to-day management of the war itself – all the while struggling to stay connected to the lives of men and women out in the field.
The provocative comedy may have Brad Pitt set to star in the leading role, but it is precisely the kind of film that might struggle in cinemas to find an audience. Netflix, on the other hand, is expanding its reach considerably. Earlier this month, the company announced its plans to expand into Portugal, France and Span in October 2015, following its arrival in Japan. By the time War General hits in 2016 – it will also be released “in select theatres” – the company may have launched in several other territories, further boosting its 62 million-strong membership.
“War Machine is a rip-roaring, behind-the-facade tale of modern war decision-makers, from the corridors of power to the distant regions of Americas ambitions,” commented Netflix Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos. “Brad and David are a perfect team to make this timely, compelling and entertaining film.”
Principal photography is scheduled to start in August.