'Civil War': Depicting an America at war with itself

"Civil War," the latest film by writer-director Alex Garland ("Ex Machina"), imagines an America divided, in which rebel forces from breakaway states try to depose an autocratic president. Turner Classic Movies host Ben Mankiewicz talks with Garland about the hot-button film, told through the eyes of journalists covering a domestic war. Stars Kirsten Dunst, Nick Offerman, Wagner Moura and Cailee Spaeny also discuss what the movie says about a polarized America today, and whether the collapse of democracy could happen here.

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[ciprianogonzalez]

“A great civilization is not conquered from without until it has destroyed itself from within.”
~W. Durant

[Beth-zggb]

The erosion of and apathy towards our democratic process has been occurring at a slow and steady pace over my 67 year lifetime. I visited the Soviet Union in the early 70’s. I was on both sides of the Berlin Wall then. In my arrogance and naïveté, upon returning to the US, I breathed a sigh of relief thinking it could never happen here… I was wrong, I’ve been so wrong. Please, good citizens, take the time to really dig deep and inform yourselves of facts and truth. Listen to and consider what others are feeling. Step back. Think critically. Then step up and get involved. It isn’t too late…yet. 🇺🇸

[arkwill]

I don't hate journalists. I just wish we still had some...and not these mouthpieces-for-politicians that call themselves "journalists".

[jimcypher]

Our enemies want this to happen. Don't let them divide our house against itself.

[bensmith]

The inability of politicians to sit down and actually administrate and compromise. And the inability of the public to elect educated honest politicians and hold them to account via election is condemning this nation.

[kaptainkurt]

Our division and demise is by design. This didn’t happen by accident. Can anyone else see that ?

[phelimoneill]

Was here in fl when a 3-4 hurricane was going to hit…….went to Home Depot and people were acting like animals…….people WILL turn on each other, very quickly….seen it .

[YorktownUSA]

In reality, a civil war wouldn't be between states, but between streets. Your enemies would be all around you, next door even.

[docswatchbox]

Society needs journalists...WHO ARE NOT SERVING A POLITICAL AGENDA. Those are the kinds of journalists we NEED. Also, California and Texas teaming up on anything, is laughable.

[markbeames]

“There is a cult of ignorance in the United States, and there has always been. The strain of anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge.” Isaac Asimov, interview November 1982

[jadw]

This movie Civil War coming out at this time is unsettling to say the least because back in the 80's, 90's, and the first ten years of the 21st Century I could never have imagined that a second U.S. Civil War could occur in our lifetimes. I pray that it doesn't and that we can somehow overcome our own shortcomings.

[coppershark]

This film needed to be made. As an outside observer of America and an infrequent visitor it is obvious that America is fractured and wild. You need to take heed.

[AmolschCowboy]

"Those Who Do Not Learn From History Are Doomed To Repeat It." - George Santayana

[legoslicerfilms]

Remember, the students are not failing the education system.
The education system is failing them.
When the masses are uneducated, they are easier to control. History has shown that educated people have more interest and intelligence when it comes to political choices.

[magoo]

"you will have nothing and be happy"- know who your enemy really is.

[joshuaguste]

History repeats indeed.

"To have fallen so far and learned nothing, that is your failing."- Kreia

[blackoutblue]

We don’t hate journalists. Both sides’ hate propagandists which exists on both sides, including during primaries.

[emotionalideas]

Saw it yesterday. Rattled me to my core. Everyone walked out of the theatre like zombies.

[InfinityDaniel]

“History Doesn't Repeat Itself, but It Often Rhymes.” - Mark Twain
“I think the human race needs to think about killing. How much evil must we do to do good?” — Robert McNamara
“Every tyrant who has lived has believed in freedom - for himself.” — Elbert Hubbard
“Anyone, who truly wants to go to war, has truly never been there before!” — Larry Reeves
“It is fatal to enter any war without the will to win it.” — General Douglas MacArthur

[adriannarobeson]

To start off the MSM needs to start being fair and balanced and not liars and Instigators leaning towards a certain political party, and I'm sure we can all figure that one out, we need to clean up the corruption and criminals in both parties not just one both who abuses their power for control and only to profit for themselves, if you don't want something like this to ever happen.