Charlie Wilson's War

As a part of my PhD project I watched one of the latest Orientalist movies. It is remarkable for several reasons:

- It is a comedy, which is very uncommon for a movie dealing with the Middle East since 9/11. The different layers of irony enable multiple readings.
- Unlike The Kite Runner, the other recent Afghanistan movie, it does not close its eyes from the interplay of United States involvement in the 1980s and the rise of the Taliban.
- It draws parallels between Christian fundamentalism and Muslim fundamentalism. I can't think of another Hollywood movie which does that.
- It grants Muslim leaders the capacities of wit, intelligence, and humour (see trailer)
- After the Texas-bashing of Syriana and Fahrenheit 9/11 it might be read as liberal Hollywood's reconciliation with the Lone Star State.
- Great acting by Tom Hanks and Philip Seymor Hoffman. Deservedly the latter has been nominated as Best Supporting Actor for the upcoming Academy Awards.