MOVIE REVIEW: TROOPER
December 3, 2009 posted by John Allen · 21 Comments
FILMAKER CHRIS MARTINI SOLDIERS ON
Written by Becca Bryan
“Finally, a film producer that gets it right! Trooper may serve well to educate an unaware public about the epidemic level of emotional trauma that today’s young warriors are living with. It is a dark journey and this film captures its pain—and also gives us a glimmer of hope.” Rev. Bill McDonald Founder The Military Writer’s Society of America.
Independent films are often the underdogs of the film world. They can be made for very little money. Their stories are often true and if not, are based on true accounts. Their makers pour everything they have into the film so the story can be told. Then they fight the uphill battle to get it funded and distributed. This is the case with the indie filmmaker Chris Martini, who wrote, directed and stars in his newest flick Trooper.
Trooper is a story about father and son veterans trying to help each other cope with the adverse effects of combat after returning home. It’s an honest, stunning and raw film about one soldier’s struggle to cope with the after effects of combat while the rest of his life falls apart. Trooper was the Finalist in Screenplays at the 2008 Rome Independent Film Festival and placed in the Top 15% of scripts at the Nicholl Fellowship.
When asked what compelled him to make Trooper, Martini, a non-Veteran, said “Trooper grew from the enormous amount of love and respect that I have for our fighting men and women, both overseas and the veterans here at home. I wanted specifically to make a film that deals with health care issues and veterans because I believe that our country has let our soldiers down enormously when it comes to these issues.”
He tells this story which compelled him forward on Trooper. “One day I was walking through Grand Central Station and I saw a returning soldier, his face and neck still red from the desert. Nobody would look at him. In fact many looked down or away, because I think what he represented was something more powerful than their day to day concerns. He represented truth, light and purpose. Something that might be very foreign to someone living in the city and trying to further their own gain or career. I stopped, thanked him for his service and observed as he tried to suppress
tears, as I did. It was a defining moment for me.”
Martini was recently invited to screen it for the Military Writers Society of America 2009 conference attendees. These combat Veterans could have been harsh in their critique but instead embraced the film. Ed Beesely, a Marine Vietnam Vet and author of “Lucky Enough” said: “Someone once said that "War is Hell" referring to the actual combat situation. Many times the hell begins after the tour of combat is over. Chris has done a great job portraying that in Trooper. In watching the film, the combat veteran realizes that he is not alone in his struggle and those around him understand a little better why he is as he is. Now let the healing begin.” Another distinguished Veteran, Bill Mc Donald, founder of the MWSA commented, “Trooper is the one film that has honestly captured the essence of what PTSD is like and how it is tearing this new generation of warriors apart.
It’s about young warriors who are still fighting their own inner battles, when the gunfire is silent and the battlefields are thousands of miles away. This film has got it right!” Martini is the son of two artists who saw entertainers in their house regularly. These artistic types rubbed off on him and his brother, an actor and sister, a costumer. It’s easy to see where his talent originates. The entire family is rooted in the business.
Other very notable films by Martini include “Desert Son”, a short 35mm film he made in 1999 won Official Selection, 1999 at the Webdance Film Festival. The Stone Child”, about a Lakota boy coming of age, which was selected for a total of over 20 US Film Festivals, was Nominated Best Native-American Film at the 2008 Trail Dance Film Festival and won the Bronze Remi at the 2008 Worldfest Houston International Film Festival. Making films to open peoples’ minds is what he loves to do most. Trooper will not only open your mind but will urge you to take action.
To view his work, please visit:
- http://www.triplemartiniproductions.com/
- http://www.vimeo.com/user2396622/videos
- http://www.imdb.es/title/tt1282093/
This landmark film is a blessing for all Veterans and their families. Their stories need to be told. Americans need to be informed about the struggles that returning war Veterans face. They need to know that beyond the damage done by bullets and IEDs, there are many more hazards that our troops are exposed to when operating in a combat zone. As an example, it’s time that an open and honest discussion about the health effects that expended Depleted Uranium (dust) has on our troops, and on the inhabitants of the areas where DU was used. Americans also need to know how stingy the Department of Veterans Affairs is when it comes to approving disability benefits to war Veterans. Instead, the current administration chooses to use billions of taxpayer dollars to prop up failing businesses and Wall Street fat cats, all the while kicking thousands of disabled Veterans to the side of the road. When Americans come to understand all of this they will be outraged, as they should be. This film tells the truth. A must-see and I hope and pray it gets wide distribution. Dave Winnett, Captain, USMC (Ret.)
This is definitely a film I look forward to seeing. I live in NYC, not far from the World Trade Center; it was a surreal and horrifying thing which happened here in September those eight years ago. But it is equally as horrifying what is happening to our men and women, with all good intention, with love, honor, and strength of characters, who submit their lives and health in the name of this, their beloved country, to return home to anything less than the same from the US Government. They deserve to be fully taken care of for the rest of their days, and the fact that they are not makes me ashamed of a Government who ruin the reputation of a country which I love so much.
Excellent points Susan. What many don’t understand about VA disability benefits is this; first, they are not an “entitlement” as so many like to call them. They are not welfare payments. They are meant as a means to compensate a Veteran for service-related disabilities that limit the Veteran’s earning capacity, now and in the future. At the very least, a grateful nation needs to compensate these Veterans to the extent that the payment makes up for lost earning capacity and lifestyle alterations that result from the disability(ies). Without exception, most disabled Veterans I know have no problem accepting and living with their disabilities. In some respects, they wear their disabilities as a badge of honor, and acknowledgement that they have made a significant deposit into what I’ll call the “Freedom Trust Fund”. We all knew the risks when we joined. All we ask is that we first be acknowledged; i.e., don’t deny that we were exposed to health hazards and/or psychological impairment (the invisible wounds of war) when the preponderance of medical and scientific evidence proves otherwise. Secondly, to the extent possible, help us to regain the quality of life that we lost due to our disabilities. That takes money. But even fully compensated, at today’s VA disability compensation rates a disabled Veteran rated at 100% still lives near the poverty threshold. A disabled Veteran who is receiving VA disability compensation does not live like a Wall Street CEO, but he or she lives with something more important than a Penthouse Suite or Beachfront house. They live with the dignity that they earned on the battlefield. Failed CEOs should be made to take the rear of the line behind disabled Veterans when it comes to issuing checks from the United States Treasury. To do otherwise would be no different than spitting in the faces of disabled Veterans. It’s time America wakes up and takes note of the fact that freedom comes at a cost. For you politically-minded folks, it’s time that you wake up to the fact that we have a rapidly-growing community of disabled Veterans. And we’re known to be avid voters. Enough said. Fix this problem NOW.
Thanks for posting my article on Chris here! TROOPER is a fantastic indie film and deserves all the recognition it can get.
Dave, it is really to be honest something I’d never really given a great deal of thought to. I am neither a ‘political’ person, nor have I ever been greatly exposed to the military or military people, but I am glad to have found this website, and intend to work at becoming better informed, if not involved. All of you who make this grand sacrifice deserve nothing less from those of us who stay home and watch.
…thank you, Susan for becoming aware and involved!
http://www.samzramblingz.com
Susan,
TROOPER is having a screening at The Cell, this Sunday, Dec 6 at 3 PM. You can RSVP to: triplemartini@verizon.net.
Go see it if you can. It will knock you socks off!
I wish I were in New York to see the screening this Sunday. I live in Los Angeles. Hopefully we’ll get a look at the film out here sometime soon. In fact, I hope all Americans have an opportunity to see it. The more everyone gets the word out to others, to go to YouTube and “rate” the film trailer, plus, leave comments, the better chance this film will make it to the big screen across America. There needs to be an upsurge in demand to see the finished film, so that the Producer can secure a distribution deal. You need to set up a YouTube account in order to rate and comment on the film there, but it only takes a few keystrokes to do that. I think its worthy of your time America.
I agree. Registering at You Tube is easy. Rating a film is as easy as clicking the stars above the comment section. Some great comments made there too!
I talk to my son about going to see it and he said NO, He was in Iraq in 2004 as a sniper, he work with ALL branches of the Armed Forces, but he is Army. Sniper duty takes you around alot.
I ask him why, and he said why re-live it, I don’t need to see it, people who haven’t been there need to see it.
He is still in the Army National Guard with the 69th Inf out of N.Y., he also was very heavily envolve with the recovery effort right after 9/11. Been on active duty for the most part every since 9/11 and still is today.
He is over 20 yrs now, and plans on staying in as long as he can…he like me believes in our country and does not run from a fight, nor let liberals and ex-military anti-war punks bother him..he says look at them, they will bomb your house, rob you, burn buildings, loot business’s in the name of what? Peace? Sure don’t look to peacefull to me..but to scare to go fight for their country and that includes the ex-military type, just a bunch of punks, thats what he calls you types.
And I can give you his address if you want it…of course I will be there also…so bring 100 of you, thats what its going to take to take us two down…WE will watch each others backs, why your kind will run and leave you hanging, we have each other, you can trust no one to watch your back.
The movie “Might” do some good to a few, but the Democrat congress and that person you call President it will mean nothing. Remember all those promise’s the democrats promise the vets to get their votes? Well, go take a look at how many have/will be fill. Most not, even through they pass a bill they refuse to fund it…And you idiots voted for them base upon those so call promise’s..suckers…
I won’t watch or see the movie either, I left Vietnam in 1967 and was active for the Gulf War, why (like my son said) need to see it, to bring shit back? You REMF go see it and take a buddy with you (Oh shit, I turn into a REMF later on in my military career….Made Warrant in Supply), but it dosen’t take away the fact, I went to the dance and I wear the tee-shirt of many yrs ago..never to forget…never to forget how proud I was to help defend and fight for my country, I will never run from a fight, but I won’t start one either…
Dennis – First, thanks for your service in Vietnam. Not sure why you seem so negative about the movie, without having seen it. Your post is all over the place, talking about the President, Congress, etc. The movie is about Veterans. Ironically, it’s about an Iraq Veteran (like your Son), and his father, a Vietnam Veteran (like you). I’m glad to hear your son is doing well and has not suffered any ill effects of his service. It also sounds like though you served in Vietnam, you are thankfully not affected by Agent Orange. Many thousands of your brothers-in-arms are. Many have died from it. The father in this movie is sick from Agent Orange and his son is suffering from PTSD and other illnesses brought on by exposure to Depleted Uranium. Again, I’m glad you and your Son aren’t sick, but many of your fellow soldiers are, from Vietnam, from the Iraq war, and from the war I served in, the 1991 Persian Gulf War. Have you no empathy for those who are sick? We’re not “ex-military punks”, we, like you, are proud Veterans. It’s clear you don’t have any interest in the movie, but there is no reason to attack other Veterans because of your feelings about it.
Semper Fi, Dave Winnett, Captain, USMC (Ret.)
PS: Like you I am also a former Warrant Officer and did not vote for President Obama. You and I have more in common than you think.
I TOO HAVE SERVED IN VIET-NAM. I TOO HAVE FRUSTRATIONS. BUT I HAVE SIMPATHY FOR YOU AND YOUR SON AND ALL WHO HAVE NIGHTMARES AND SLEEPLESS NIGHTS AS I DO BECAUSE OF MEMORIES THAT WILL NEVER GO AWAY. I AM ONE OF THOSE BLEEDING HEARTS AND IF YOU THINK THAT A BUSINESS IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE PEOPLE WHO MAKE IT WORK YOU ARE ONE OF THE OPPRESSORS WHOM I KNOW FIRST HAND. NO ONE SHOULD BE FORCED TO CHOOSE BETWEEN FOOD AND MEDICINE. NO ONE SHOULD BE FORCED TO CHOOSE BETWEEN HOUSING AND FOOD FOR THEIR CHILDREN. NO NOT ONE VETERAN SHOULD HAVE TO SLEEP UNDER A BRIDGE, OR IN A CARDBOARD BOX. ARE YOU TOO INSENSITIVE TO HAVE COMPASSION OR ARE YOU WANTING TO GO BACK TO THE 1820′S WITH CHILDREN IN MINESHAFTS AND WORKERS LEFT TO DIE IF THEY GET INJURED AND CANNOT WORK. THINK, LEARN FROM HISTORY. DON’T REPEAT IT BECAUSE YOU REFUSE TO LEARN FROM IT!!!
Dennis
You surprise me sometimes.
Believing in your country and turning it over to whining shitheads isn’t the same thing. Learn the difference.
I hope you are half the hardass you say you are.
But, note, you are far from the only one.
g
I THINK WHAT DENNIS RICK IS SAYING ,IS THAT HE DOES NOT LIKE THE WAY THAT BLEEDING HEART NITWITS, (WHO WE ALL KNOW HAVE NO CLUE OF WHAT THEY ARE DOING,) ARE PLAYING WITH PEOPLES LIVE LIKE THEY WHERE PAWNS IN A GAME. AND ENJOYING IT… “AS IN ENTERTAINMENT” ANCIENT CLAUDIUS COMES TO MIND…… QUITE A SHAME ON ALL OF US …AND HE IS PROBABLY RIGHT…..
Jon Jon: Can you be more specific about “bleeding heart nitwits”? Are you refering to the sick war Veterans, or the film makers who are trying to tell their story? Or maybe you mean something else. I’m just not clear. I think its a positive when real-life stories are made into movies. Movies are not always about “entertaining”. They also serve to educate the viewer about what happens in real life. I could give you a list of award winning films to make my point, but hopefully you know what I’m saying.
First off, I see several comments here that indicate the person’s mind is already closed to any discussion. No amount of persuasion will change that. A pity. I am a 26 year disabled vet and had 3 combat tours with Special Forces in Vietnam. Most vets come back and continue contributing to our county and their family’s well-being, with minor disruption. But there are many others who ‘slip through the crack,’ become invisible to those passing by on the streets and highways. At some point, intervention “might” have helped them.
With that said, I know Chris Martini and he didn’t make the movie Trooper for monetary gain, or bleeding-heart leaning tendencies. He did so to honor those vets returning from this war, as well as those who returned from our previous wars. I have seen the film. It hurts, but is strangely up-lifting at the same time. Most of those making the disparaging comments posted here, have not seen it. Take it from an old vet who has been there, and done that, Trooper is relative. It is essential. It’s needed right now. Thanks Chris.
Completely correct Ray. With due respect for all who have served, I cannot for the life of me understand why ANYONE would be against distributing a film that addresses the realities of soldiers coming home from war, often times with disabilities that they will carry for a lifetime. What some have obviously missed in the movie trailer is that beyond the PTSD and Agent Orange issues, the film also brings up the subject of Depleted Uranium (DU). I suggest all who read this posting, do some Google research on the health effects of DU, most notably, post-impact DU dust particles. DU dust is near the top of the list in terms of suspected exposures that may be at the root of “Gulf War Illnesses”. Read about the cancer rates that have quadrupled in Kuwait and Iraq since 1991. Read about the fear that Iraqi and Kuwait women have about giving birth, for fear that their baby will be born like so many others in that part of the world, with horrible birth defects. DU was used for the first time in large-scale combat during the Persian Gulf War, and is still in use today. Some may want to put this film in a lock box so that no one sees it. I can certainly understand why some may want it to “go away”. It’s just a film folks, take a deep breath and relax. What are you afraid of?
I understand some of the points that Dennis made. Many of the movies made in Hollywood are usually not accurate. Just recently I watched, a Hallmark TV movie, about a vet who came back to visit his family in another mans persona. However, we are told he was killed in Desert Shield. I wasn’t aware we lost anyone in combat in Desert Shield. Many of the movies have a hidden agenda or a some type of message that sours the honor of our serviceman. They have not made a good movie about the Gulf war I.I am a stickler for proper display of ribbons and medals and very few movies show a uniformed individual with correct lineup. That tells me their techinal advisors are out to lunch or not familar with military protocol. This proves my point in some cases. As a Vietnam vet and Gulfwar vet, I will watch it and hopefully it will be worthwhile.
To Steve60:
Here are some stats on Desert Storm Casualties:
USA:
148 Battle-related deaths (35 to friendly fire).
1 Pilot listed as MIA (his remains were found and identified in August).
145 Americans died in non-combat accidents.
UK:
47 Battle-related deaths (9 to friendly fire).
France:
2 Battle related deaths.
Arab countries:
37 Battle-related deaths.
605 Kuwaiti soldiers still missing.
And……. The VA’s “Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Illnesses” released a report in November 2008 that indicates one in four of the 670,000 American military personnel who served in the Gulf War are now suffering from war-related chronic illnesses, the precise cause(s) of which are still a subject of intense scientific and medical debate.
One of the “messages” in this movie is that war brings with it a huge human toll. Whether it’s PTSD, chronic illness brought about through exposure to battlefield toxins, traumatic brain injury, you name it….it’s the price we willingly pay when we go to war. The other message is that when our troops come home with these problems, the government that sent them to war has a moral obligation to do everything possible to restore the Veteran’s quality of life. That takes money, and it takes medical and psychological treatment. This very often does not happen. Instead, the Veteran comes home to a VA that denies his or her disabilities, and an American public so spoiled by the luxuries of freedom that they don’t even notice as these Veteran’s lives disintegrate. That’s the “message” in the movie and that’s why this film needs to hit the big screen, not get pressed onto DVDs that end up in the bargain basket at Wal-Mart. To make it to the big screen this movie needs support. Go to YouTube, sign up for a YouTube account (takes 2 minutes), then “Rate” this film so that the producer can get distributors to take notice.
Semper Fi, Dave Winnett, Captain, USMC (Ret.)
I talk to my son about going to see it and he said NO, He was in Iraq in 2004 as a sniper, he work with ALL branches of the Armed Forces, but he is Army. Sniper duty takes you around alot.
I ask him why, and he said why re-live it, I don’t need to see it, people who haven’t been there need to see it accuplacer study guide.
He is still in the Army National Guard with the 69th Inf out of N.Y., he also was very heavily envolve with the recovery effort right after 9/11. Been on active duty for the most part every since 9/11 and still is today.
He is over 20 yrs now, and plans on staying in as long as he can…he like me believes in our country and does not run from a fight, nor let liberals and ex-military anti-war punks bother him. acsm study guide.he says look at them, they will bomb your house, rob you, burn buildings, loot business’s in the name of what? Peace? Sure don’t look to peacefull to me..but to scare to go fight for their country and that includes the ex-military type, just a bunch of punks, thats what he calls you types.
And I can give you his address if you want it…of course I will be there also…so bring 100 of you act study guide, thats what its going to take to take us two down…WE will watch each others backs, why your kind will run and leave you hanging, we have each other, you can trust no one to watch your back aepa study guide.
—HEY!!!
-isn’t anyone noticing?
-that while having made BILLIONS upon BILLIONS
outsourcing and catering to history’s –MOST– awesomely
genocidal regime -bar none! —ACROSS the Pacific
–Hollywood, Clint eastwood included, have, ONCE AGAIN,
baulked, copped-out and ‘mysteriously overlooked’ the
60th Anniversary of the staggeringly important,
urgently, eeril relevant —indeed, STILL unfolding
—–KOREAN WAR?
-NOT LOOKIN’ GOOD
—–WAY! NOT LOOKIN’ GOOD
-passs it on!-