Screenwriter: ‘American Sniper’ was about Chris Kyle, not the war

Critics of the film say it glorifies violence and has led to an uptick in anti-Muslim sentiment because of the way it portrays Arabs and Muslims. But supporters defend it as an accurate, timely depiction of the sacrifice of US soldiers.

The screenwriter behind the controversial war drama “American Sniper” said the film was about “the archetype of the warrior” and not the war.

We didn't set out to explore the archetype of war; we set out to explore the archetype of the warrior.

Critics of the film say it glorifies violence and has led to an uptick in anti-Muslim sentiment because of the way it portrays Arabs and Muslims. But supporters defend it as an accurate, timely depiction of the sacrifice of US soldiers.

Clint Eastwood's mega-hit "American Sniper" was the top film at North American movie houses for a second week, despite controversy over what some feel is a jingoistic message and graphic violence.

The war drama, based on the true story of Iraq War Navy SEAL Chris Kyle, earned $64.4 million this weekend, industry estimates showed, after last weekend's massive haul of nearly $90 million -- a record January opening.

Nearly half of all movie tickets sold over the weekend were for "American Sniper" and all told, the film has so far earned more than $200 million since its release, giving it bona fide blockbuster status.

But critics say it glorifies violence and has led to an uptick in anti-Muslim sentiment.

Hall explained that telling Kyle’s story in film would help viewers understand the “sacrifice of these warriors.”

“To me, the point of art is to promote discussion — and this film is doing that. It's time that we had this discussion, that we understand the sacrifice of these warriors.”

The film, directed by Clint Eastwood, has been nominated for an Oscar in the ‘Best Picture’ category in this year’s upcoming Academy Awards.

[With AFP]