"Live from Baghdad" Review

“Live from Baghdad” Lives On
By Jessica Maas

It is not at all a large stretch of the imagination for one to today watch HBO’s “Live from Baghdad,” a recounting of journalists during the 1991 Persian Gulf War, and think of the Iraqi war. Iraq itself, and the bombs, guns, and hostage situations present in the film bring the current war to the forefront, and not unnecessarily. Written by Robert Wiener and directed by Mick Jackson, this 2002 production discusses issues of censorship and journalistic integrity that are more than relevant today, and does so in a manner that is both absorbing and likable.

In the film, CNN producers Robert Wiener, played by Michael Keaton, and Ingrid Formanek, played by Helena Bonham Carter, take a crew to Baghdad with the hopes of surpassing the other major networks in ratings by presenting the best coverage of what will become the Gulf War. The team finds that this goal is going to be harder to accomplish than they initially thought, as they grapple with issues of censorship and manipulation imposed by the Iraqi government and with the ethics surrounding reporting the story over safety, both for themselves and others.

The script is good mostly for the issues it presents. Wiener struggles with the balance between presenting the best story and maintaining the safety of those he reports on, and throughout the film the team is subject to reporting only what Iraqi Minister of Information Naji Al-Hadithi, played by David Suchett, will allow. Though Wiener befriends Al-Hadithi and is privy to information from him, he and Formanek are still under a tight leash and risk their lives should they attempt to push the boundaries.

A positive, sympathetic light is cast on the journalists as a whole throughout the film. Even when they’re potentially putting people’s lives in danger, it’s portrayed as acceptable because they feel bad and they’re doing their jobs, and the controversy and potential negativity they could face as a result is an area that could’ve used more scrutiny and exploration in the writing.

The film is subject to great acting, both on the part of Keaton and Bonham Carter, who give compelling performances, and as a result of a strong supporting cast. Keaton delivers a very real character through his interpretation of the gutsy but morally aware Robert Wiener, and Bonham Carter presents the flamboyant and compassionate Ingrid Formanek in a very genuine manner.

The underlying sexual tension between Wiener and Formanek is believable and well-played, allowing the characters another dimension to their personalities, though the storyline itself does distract from the journalism story.

News images from the actual time period the movie takes place are used throughout the film and are a strong aspect of the effective cinematography.

The film raises concerns that became huge and caused great controversy in journalism in the years to follow the United States invasion of Iraq, and “Live from Baghdad” was released only months prior to the invasion. “Live from Baghdad” is a balanced, well done film that remains important for people to see today.