Charlie Wilson's War - discussion guide

Summary

Charlie Wilson’s War is the story of a man who changed the world. The film opens with a celebration of his extraordinary achievement during which we are told that, ‘without Charlie, history would be hugely and sadly different’. We are then taken back to 6 April 1980 when Congressman Charlie Wilson (Tom Hanks) first learns about the Afghan struggles against occupying communist forces. Charlie is an easy-going man who enjoys whisky, women, and having a good time. However, when he finds out how little his country is doing to oppose the Soviets in the only hot zone of the Cold War, Charlie becomes determined to change things.

Starting with the decision to double the budget for operations in the area, Charlie’s plans become more ambitious until he finds himself running a full-scale covert war. He is aided in his schemes by Joanne Herring (Julia Roberts), a wealthy socialite with right-wing political leanings and an outspoken Christian faith, and Gust Avrakotos (Philip Seymour Hoffman), an oddball CIA agent with a marked lack of respect for authority. The three conspirators, with the help of some witty political dialogue, an entourage of attractive aides and a belly dancer, manage to secure cutting-edge weaponry and a billion dollar budget for the Mujahideen fighters in Afghanistan. The fruit of their labour is the retreat of Soviet forces from the region, which catalyses the collapse of communism across Europe, and the end of the Cold War.

Background

Nominated for five Golden Globe awards, Charlie Wilson’s War boasts an impressive cast as well as celebrated scriptwriter Aaron Sorkin, best known for his work on the witty political drama The West Wing. The film is based on real events, and adapted from a book of the same title. Following the efforts of Congressman Charlie Wilson, the film does not shy away from his rather wild lifestyle. One subplot involves concerns that the congressman will be indicted for drug abuse. However, the real Charlie Wilson gave the film-makers free reign over his private life, asserting that: ‘I don't care what you say about me. Show me doing anything you want to because, chances are, I did it. It's the historical record that I want to be dealt with accurately.’[1] The congressman’s various idiosyncrasies and indiscretions provide a strong vein of comedy to balance the politics in the film.

The historical record, as portrayed in the film, is not, however, without controversy. Charlie Wilson’s War has been criticised for inaccuracies including who first advocated sending Stinger missiles, and who actually received the majority of the American aid.[2] Despite these issues, the film has generally been well received by critics, and provides an insight into a war which many people had previously given very little thought to.

The website for Charlie Wilson’s War (www.charliewilsonswar.net) links to a social action site (www.takepart.com) designed to encourage further engagement with the issues raised by this and other politically or socially interesting films.

Questions for discussion

1. Did you enjoy Charlie Wilson’s War? Which of the characters did you find most likeable, and why?

2. Charlie is told that he is ‘a man of many character flaws’. How do these faults affect the way you feel about him?

3. What kind of reasons and ideas motivate the different characters? Which motives did you feel most sympathy for? To what extent do you think it matters what motives lie behind their actions?

4. ‘How is it possible that this Congressman of no particular importance is doing this by himself?’

Why do you think Charlie’s efforts were so successful? What kind of person and resources do you think it takes to change the world?

5. The characters use films, fundraisers, weaponry and politics in their attempt to change the world. How influential do you think each of these things are in shaping and changing our world? How would you like to change the world, and what methods could you use to do this?

6. Charlie works hard to provide the Afghan resistance with the means to shoot down the Soviet helicopters. There is a great deal of rejoicing when this finally happens. How did you feel when the first helicopters were shot down? What are the problems with using violence to achieve goals, and when might it be necessary to do so?

7. Why do you think the visit to the refugee camp inspired Charlie to action? To what extent do you think it is easier to care about things when we see them personally? What issues do you care about most, and what first aroused your interest in those things?

8. To what extent are ideas of nationhood and patriotism important in the film? Do you think these concepts are integral to all wars? What other factors play a part in the starting and perpetuating of conflict situations?

9. Charlie’s covert war unites Israel, Pakistan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and America in helping the Afghan people fight the Soviets. What motivates these countries to work together? Have you ever found yourself working alongside people you don’t naturally get on well with? What brought you together?

10. At the end of the film it is indicated that the aftermath of the war in Afghanistan might fuel anger against America in the future. Given the current situation in the region, do you think that Charlie’s actions were justifiable? What do you think drives people to become terrorists?

11. ‘I was saved by Jesus Christ and I am not ashamed of it’

‘I talk about God for one reason. We need him on our side’

What did you think of the way Joanne Herring’s faith was presented? To what extent do you think that religious convictions ought to have an influence in the political sphere? How do you feel about the idea of God taking sides in conflicts?

12. Gust tells Charlie a story about a Zen master who refuses to say whether events are good or bad, instead the master simply comments: ‘we’ll see’. What do you think the point of the story was? How can we make decisions when the ultimate consequences of our actions are inevitably unforeseeable?

13. Charlie describes US foreign policy as, ‘we change the world and then we leave.’ How does this differ from the way God interacts with our world? Does the idea that God cares about the world and wants to bring every part of it under Christ’s rule (Ephesians 1:9-10) affect the way you respond to both global issues and personal challenges? In what ways?

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