How successful Camp X-Ray is as a film is entirely
dependent upon how willing each audience member is to sit through nearly two
hours of understated dialogue between two characters separated by walls, glass,
and fences, despite knowing where the storyline is inevitably headed. The fact
that the material is not more cloying is a testament to writer/director Peter
Sattler, though it is thanks to the two leads that the realism in the
screenplay feels sincere. The entire film is a balancing act between realism
and a contrived relationship, meant to offer introspection over complicated
issues of duty and standard operating procedures within the infamous Guantanamo Bay Camp X-Ray
The movie
follows Private Amy Cole (Kristen Stewart) as she arrives at her new position
as a guard at Guantanamo
Bay
One of the
film’s more interesting choices was making Cole a woman, though Sattler’s
original screenplay had written the character male. Though it occasionally
detracts from the political message of the film, this alteration allows for a
sub-theme about the trials of women in the military. It also provides Stewart
the opportunity to escape her image as the actress from the Twilight franchise, despite having
already proven herself as a solid actress prior to joining that infamous teen
fantasy franchise. Unfortunately, it also places a gender divide in the
storyline, giving most male soldiers adverse caveman demeanors in comparison to
Cole’s sympathies.
This is clear in
several different depictions of Cole’s male counterparts, though none as
contrived and distracting as a commanding officer (Lane Garrison) who punishes
her for refusing a sexual relationship. I also couldn’t help but wonder why
Cole repeatedly attempts to discuss the incongruities of the facility with a
fellow soldier named Rico (Joseph Julian Soria), despite the fact that he is
the least likely candidate for thoughtful introspection. Even more obnoxious is
the generic over-sexualized characterization of the only other female soldier
we see. Despite being given a character name, blonde actress Tara Holt is
merely used as a prop for the sexist soldiers in their time off. We hardly ever
see her on duty and the screenplay doesn’t even bother giving her any
significant dialogue.
If the film is
often derailed by the sub-plots and supporting characters, Camp X-Ray finds its way back on track with the scenes of dialogue
between Cole and Ali. Despite being filmed in only 20 days, Stewart and Maadi
were given 10 days of rehearsal prior to filming. The strength in the film
comes from our ability to believe these two characters, especially when they
spend the entire film headed in an inevitable direction.
The Blu-ray release includes a
making-of featurette, as well as a trailer.
Entertainment Value:
6.5/10
Quality of
Filmmaking: 7/10
Historical
Significance: 6/10
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