The Tillman Story

 

Story:

Pat Tillman's family comes forward to tell the real story about what happened on April 22, 2004, in Afghanistan when the pro football player-turned-U.S. soldier was killed by friendly fire and not the Taliban, as first reported. Amir Bar-Lev's documentary pieces together the Tillmans' search for the truth, how they exposed a military cover-up that led to top-ranking officers and called to the carpet the likes of Donald Rumsfeld. (NetFlix)

Review:

Amir Bar-Lev’s The Tillman Story at its core is a tale of a soldier’s death exploited by military officials to serve as war propaganda.  It is a perfect rallying cry for those distrustful of government and a sobering reality for those who aren’t.  But, there is so much more to this story that its surprising Hollywood hasn’t created a fictional account of it yet.

The death and subsequent cover up of Pat Tillman’s death has long been recorded, but a brief summary for those who may not know the general details. Tillman was a former NFL player who left millions to serve in the Army Rangers in 2002. He was killed in a firefight, after being shot by his own group during a chaotic military action in Afghanistan. Despite knowing this information, senior military officials lauded Tillman as a war hero who died while fighting Taliban militia.

At first glance, it sounds like a rather mundane lie, right?  Who cares if they told the public one guy died in a different way? Maybe they were trying to protect those who fired upon him.  It’s an understandable view and one Bar-Lev sets his film to argue against, using interviews with other soldiers, in particular Jessica Lynch, to show how distortions have been rampant to build up “war heroes” that will keep the U.S. engaged in a vague war.

Of course, The Tillman Story is not just about a government cover up.  It’s also about honoring a soldier who was, perhaps, more heroic than his false image. As mentioned, he left a career in the NFL to join the Army Rangers, despite views distrusting the U.S. war efforts in Iraq.  Bar-Lev also honors Tillman’s mom, who refused to let her son be distorted in anyway and personally sought the truth that led to a full scale investigation by both the military and Congress.

By weaving a film mixed with conspiracy, emotion and heroic efforts, The Tillman Story leaves audiences surprisingly empowered.  Bar-Lev’s story attempts to have us looking beyond this single incident to a world much more complex, where heroes battle bravely to defend their country abroad while also critically analyzing leaders at home.  The Tillman Story is proof that patriotism is not a clearly defined practice.

Reviewed by Matthew Abshire for Documentary Film Online on February 20, 2012

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