Charlie Wilson's War Analysis

"Charlie Wilson 's War is a unique historical film. Perhaps most importantly, the film is the first to tackle the history of the United States ' involvement in the Soviet War in Afghanistan. In this way, the filmmakers covered new ground in their endeavor. It is also important to note that the film, unlike other movies that serve to depict historical events, is written as a comedy. Though, at times, the film deals with serious subject matter, the dialogue and character interaction are meant to be comical for audiences. While the film addresses the events surrounding the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, the film does not pursue the current situation in Afghanistan -- a situation that many argue is the result of allied involvement in the

[4] Once in the House of Representatives, Wilson immediately hired a crew of women referred to as "Charlie 's Angels." His drinking and womanizing became public knowledge, and Wilson earned the nickname "Good time Charlie." His infamous trip to Las Vegas in 1981 brought Wilson under the microscope for drug use and misconduct. The Justice Department investigated Wilson 's activities extensively, and Wilson narrowly escaped conviction. When Wilson was up for reelection in the 1980 's, he barely saved his job when issues pertaining to his personal life and character were brought up by his opponent. Wilson 's charisma and likeability kept him in office despite what Pakistan 's President Zia referred to as his "character flaws." Perhaps it is Wilson 's flaws that make him a likeable figure both in life and on screen. However, it cannot be argued that Wilson 's colorful background makes him an unlikely hero. Political heroes are often men and women of sacrifice and virtue. Wilson does not, at least outwardly, appear to possess either quality. As an alcoholic and womanizer, Wilson seems unlikely to become involved in any particular cause. In fact, Wilson only attended the viewing of an Afghan documentary and traveled to Pakistan to please a woman, Joanne Herring. However, Wilson 's admiration for war heroes and patriotism drew him to the Afghan cause. Though Wilson appears to be fun-loving, perhaps even untrustworthy, on the outside, his passion made him a die-hard supporter of the