The Fog of War

A documentary about power and war

The Fog of War is a 2003 documentary by director Errol Morris. The film won the Oscar for Best Documentary. Morris conducted extensive interviews with Robert S. McNamara, the former U.S. Secretary of Defense. McNamara was one of the key figures in American foreign policy during the 20th century. In the film, he speaks candidly about the choices he made and the doubts that continued to haunt him afterward.

Looking back at Vietnam and the Cuban Missile Crisis

McNamara looks back on three pivotal historical events: World War II, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the Vietnam War. He describes how political decisions are made under extreme pressure and what moral questions remain afterward. Morris structures the film around 11 lessons that McNamara himself formulates regarding war, leadership, and human failure.

Style and music

Morris combines sleekly designed interviews with archival footage and a musical score by composer Philip Glass. This combination gives the film a poignant, almost meditative character. You see not only a historical portrait, but also a personal search for guilt and responsibility.

Watch the film at Lab111

Are you interested in political history, ethics, or thought-provoking documentaries? Then The Fog of War is a good choice. You can watch the film at Lab111 in Amsterdam. Use the link on this page to reserve tickets.