Alex Garland’s film “Civil War” is currently showing in theaters, depicting a scenario where the United States is divided in a modern civil war, pitting various factions like the Western Forces and Florida Alliance against states loyal to a dictator. The film portrays the grim reality of a civil war in the U.S. and explores the potential aftermath of a dictator’s downfall. The intense combat scenes in the movie vividly capture the chaos and devastation of war, immersing the audience in the midst of the action.
Narrated through the lens of journalists, “Civil War” unfolds different aspects of the conflict, from encounters with armed civilians to clashes between loyalist troops and unconventional rebels referred to as “Commercial Soldiers.” The narrative escalates towards a climactic showdown in Washington, D.C., where the Western Forces engage in a massive offensive against the President’s loyalists, showcasing the brutal street-to-street combat.
While the storyline and script were crafted by Garland, the film’s military authenticity and action sequences were brought to life by Ray Mendoza, a former Navy SEAL with extensive experience. Mendoza, serving as the military advisor, collaborated closely with Garland to choreograph and execute the combat scenes, ensuring realism and accuracy in the portrayal of military operations.
The synergy between Mendoza and Garland proved successful, leading to their upcoming co-direction of another military-themed film, “Warfare,” under A24. Mendoza’s expertise in translating combat scenarios from script to screen was pivotal in enhancing the authenticity and impact of the action sequences in “Civil War.”
In an interview with Task & Purpose, Mendoza shed light on his involvement in the project, detailing the collaborative process of translating scripted battles into visually compelling scenes. From conceptualizing combat strategies to coordinating with stunt teams and special effects crews, Mendoza’s meticulous approach and military background enriched the film’s action sequences.
The film’s action-packed sequences, from the guerrilla-style skirmishes to the climactic battle for Washington, D.C., were meticulously planned and executed, with attention to detail in portraying the varying levels of combat proficiency among the factions. The authenticity of the action scenes, coupled with realistic sound design and visual effects, contributed to the film’s immersive and gripping portrayal of warfare.
Despite the challenges of replicating large-scale military operations on screen, Mendoza’s expertise and dedication to realism, combined with Garland’s vision for gritty and authentic action, culminated in a compelling cinematic experience that resonates with audiences. “Civil War” stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of the creative team in bringing a visceral and authentic depiction of modern warfare to the big screen.