"LIVE FROM BAGHDAD" DOES NOT GROW INTO CLASSIC

It is not often that one has insider access to the emergence of an American media icon.

“Live from Baghdad” is a behind the scenes portrayal of a CNN news crew in Iraq as they seek a story that will finally grant respectability to their network. Led by Robert Wiener, played by Michael Keaton, the CNN crew must clash with both competing networks and a restrictive Iraqi government for a coveted interview with Iraqi President Saddam Hussein. Although an entertaining and authentic look at one of the more captivating events in modern media history, “Live from Baghdad” cannot overcome its insufficient political context and character growth. Because of these flaws, “Live from Baghdad” comes up just short of reaching the plateau set by other war time journalism classics such as Roland Joffe’s “The Killing Fields” and Phillip Noyce’s “The Quiet American.”

Michael Keaton does an admirable job in his attempt to saved flawed protagonist, CNN producer Robert Wiener, but a lack of character growth makes him difficult to pull for. Wiener begins the film as an egomaniac and there is not enough evidence by the end of the film that he has changed. What Wiener lacks, however, is more than made up for by a strong and complimentary supporting cast. Bruce McGill’s depiction of the flamboyant, fearless veteran war reporter Peter Arnett steals the show.

The screenplay succeeds in both the overall telling of the story and humorous, witty dialogue but struggles in its exploration of individual relationships. The romantic relationship, if you can call it that, between Wiener and Formanek is forced and adds little to the film. The unfaithful nature of this relationship makes it difficult to become emotionally attached to. The basic essence of this romance can be personified in the awkward, drunken conversation between the two where they attempt to discern if their sexual affairs were real or realistic alcohol induced dreams.

Along with stellar acting, both the cinematography and the soundtrack are strong points of the film. From the intricate nuances throughout the film, such as real Gulf War footage, to the spectacular “firework” display at its climax, “Live from Baghdad is an authentic, visually pleasing experience. The Middle Eastern influenced soundtrack also adds to the authenticity to the movie.

The HBO produced film focuses exceedingly on the CNN brand and crew while inadequately exploring the overarching political ramifications of the situation. This should not come as a surprise as CNN and HBO are branches of the same corporate family tree. This lack of political centered drama does not allow “Live from Baghdad” to encapsulate the intricate weaving of personal and political crises of classics within the genre, such as “The Killing Fields.”

A noteworthy depiction of the true story told by CNN producer Robert Wiener’s memoirs, three time Oscar winning “Live from Baghdad” offers a rare behind the scenes look at a news story that changed American culture but lacks the political and personal depth that have made other movies of this genre classics.