NO END IN SIGHT — *** — Documentary feature about the Iraq war; narrated by Campbell Scott; with English subtitles (Arabic dialects); not rated, probable R (violence, gore, profanity, slurs, brief drugs)
The documentary "No End in Sight" is probably the most critical of the Bush administration since Michael Moore's divisive "Fahrenheit 9/11."
If anything, "No End in Sight" may be even more pointed and direct.
This one is not just a series of personal, one-sided attacks, as Moore's film seemed to be. Instead, filmmaker Charles Ferguson uses interviews with former Bush administration officials, journalists, former soldiers and others to make his case.
The result is an eye-opening examination of various Bush administration Iraq war policies. And while you may not agree with all of its conclusions, there's no denying this is solid film journalism.
Among the interviewees are Col. Paul Hughes, former Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage and retired Gen. Jay Garner, key officials who were supposed to help set up a transitional Iraqi government. Of the three, Hughes is the most outspoken. His contention is that a series of ill-informed decisions and other bungled moves actually helped create the Iraqi "insurgency."
Ferguson does try to give the opposing side some time, though as the film points out, both Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and U.S. Civil Administrator L. Paul Bremer refused to grant interviews. (Perhaps they saw fellow official Walter B. Slocombe squirming under the spotlight and repeatedly changing his story.)
Monotone actor Campbell Scott is not the most exciting narrator, though his voice-over is in keeping with the film's less-than-sensationalistic tone.
"No End in Sight" is not rated but would probably receive an R for some disturbing and graphic violent images (war violence, including shootings and explosive mayhem), some blood and gore, scattered use of strong sexual profanity, slurs based on nationality and brief drug references. Running time: 101 minutes.
E-mail: jeff@desnews.com