Film/Television Review: Live from Baghdad (2002)

Beyond the United States, the most significant victor of the First Gulf War was CNN, a previously unknown cable network that later became the world's best-known and most influential television institution. This meteoric rise can be attributed to a crucial journalistic achievement at the onset of the conflict, which is vividly portrayed in the 2002 cable television film Live from Baghdd.

Based on the book by CNN producer Robert Wiener, the film stars Michael Keaton as Wiener. The plot begins shortly after Iraq's invasion and occupation of Kuwait on August 2nd, 1990. As the diplomatic crisis intensifies with the increasing likelihood of war between Iraq and the US-led international coalition backed by the UN, Wiener is dispatched to Baghdad to cover the unfolding hostage crisis and secure an interview with Saddam Hussein. A few months later, as war approaches, he is joined by a trio of seasoned CNN journalists – Bernard Shaw (played by Robert Widsom), John Holliman (played by John Carroll Lynch), and Peter Arnett (played by) Bruce McGill) – who provide live, direct coverage of the start of US bombing campaign. This groundbreaking access allows the US and global audiences to witness the reality of war for the first time.

Live from Baghdad, produced by HBO, premiered in late 2002, coinciding with the diplomatic preparations for another war against Iraq. The timing made the film seem somewhat opportunistic. Despite that, Live from Baghdad is a professionally made film, primarily due to the skilled direction of Mick Jackson. A British filmmaker known for his work in Threads, a disturbing depiction of a fictional World War III, Jackson has also directed several successful feature films, such as Bodyguard. He capably handles the intricate plot, maintains a steady pace, and effectively utilizes the California and Morocco locations for filming.

The film's most significant asset is its cast, particularly Michael Keaton. Known for his roles as journalists in films like "The Paper" and "Spotlight," Keaton delivers an outstanding performance that easily outshines the rest of the cast, which includes Helena Bonham-Carter as his co-worker. Another memorable cast member is David Suchet, who portrays Naji al-Hadithi, the Iraqi minister of information. In an interesting twist, al-Hadithi befriends Wiener and allows him to see the war from the Iraqi perspective. This sympathetic portrayal is particularly noteworthy given that al-Hadithi continued to serve in Saddam Hussein's government. In light of post-invasion revelations that al-Hadithi had once been a CIA asset and had provided intelligence on weapons of mass destruction, justifying the 2003 invasion, this performance takes on added significance.

Live from Baghdad is a well-acted and competently directed film. However, its script, like many television films, attempts to embellish the events with additional drama, pathos, and suspense. Unfortunately, the audience already knows the story's ending, which made the film look dated and makes it even more so today.

RATING: 5/10 (++)

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