Hearts and Minds (1974)

All of the interviewees are allowed to freely express their opinions – Davis never interrupts them with provocative questions or annoying remarks – but the documentary is very carefully edited to create contrasts that slowly yet effectively undermine the arguments of the pro-war supporters. Especially during the second half, where there is an abundance of graphic footage, the strategy becomes painfully obvious.MS-CC

Both sides address different what-if scenarios and the possible role the United States could have had in them. Some of the most interesting comments are produced by J.W. Fulbright (Chairman Foreign Relations Committee), who explains how the United States missed a great opportunity to engage Ho Chi Minh and possibly avoid the war.

A good portion of the documentary is dedicated to the different interrogation methods the Americans used to obtain important information from their enemies. Some of the descriptions are quite graphic and clearly meant to create the impression that just about anything was allowed so long as the crucial information the army needed was delivered.

Davis frequently interviews ordinary soldiers – a few look pleased to be in Vietnam and insist that they enjoy what they do, but many look jaded and even upset that they are stuck fighting someone else's war. Later on there are a series of clips with veterans who have lost arms or legs and are clearly overwhelmed by the fact that their lives will never be the same.

Undoubtedly the most controversial comments in the entire documentary are produced by General William Westmoreland, who became the commander of United States forces in Vietnam in 1964. While discussing different strategies and military operations, the man quickly compromises himself and the cause he defends.

The archival interviews and raw footage are fascinating to behold (General William Westmoreland's racist remarks, for instance, are truly shocking), but the careful editing and the very specific political messages quickly transform Hearts and Minds into a flawed propaganda film. There is too much finger-pointing in it and dangerous half-truths about a war in which the United States was clearly facing multiple enemies.