Alex Garland and Ray Mendoza Immerse Audiences in 'Warfare'

Summary

All Of It Podcast Summary

Episode: Alex Garland and Ray Mendoza Immerse Audiences in 'Warfare'
Host: Alison Stewart
Release Date: April 8, 2025
Duration: Approximately 26 minutes

Introduction to "Warfare"

Alison Stewart opens the episode by introducing "Warfare," a new film co-directed by renowned writer and director Alex Garland and Ray Mendoza, a Navy SEAL and Iraqi war veteran. Unlike traditional war documentaries, "Warfare" strives for an authentic portrayal by closely adhering to the real-life memories of SEALs who endured a harrowing mission in Ramadi, Iraq, in 2006. The film aims to present an unfiltered and factual recounting of combat experiences, avoiding the dramatized narratives commonly seen in cinema.

Formation of the Director Duo

[01:27] Alex Garland:
"Through watching Ray work on set and through talking to him about his past experiences as a SEAL... I approached him and said, do you want to make a sort of 90 to 100 minute movie where we would attempt to sort of forensically recreate combat..."

Alex Garland explains that his collaboration with Ray Mendoza began after observing Ray's expertise in choreographing combat sequences in the film industry. Recognizing Ray's deep reservoir of personal wartime experiences, Garland envisioned a project that would systematically and honestly depict the realities of combat, free from cinematic embellishments.

Commitment to Authenticity

[02:35] Ray Mendoza:
"There wasn't a lot of creative licensing that was going to be had so as long as we could stick to, you know, the facts, exactly what happened and how they happened."

Ray Mendoza emphasizes the project's dedication to factual accuracy, particularly to aid his fellow veteran, Elliot, who lacks core memories of the mission. This commitment meant that the filmmakers avoided artistic liberties, ensuring that every scene faithfully represented actual events and experiences.

[03:06] Alex Garland:
"My role was to have as few obstacles as possible, hopefully no obstacles between Ray and his colleagues, authentic voice and the finished film."

Garland positions himself as a facilitator, removing barriers to allow Ray and other veterans to convey their stories authentically without external pressures typical of studio-driven war movies.

Casting: Balancing Experience and Youthfulness

[09:14] Alex Garland:
"We had to shoot this film in about what, in five weeks? We had 25 days to shoot... we need super experienced actors."

Given the film’s tight shooting schedule, Garland and Mendoza prioritized casting experienced actors capable of delivering intense performances under pressure. They selected actors not only for their skills but also for their ability to embody the youthful energy of the platoon.

[10:54] Ray Mendoza:
"Attitude. Yeah, the willingness to do what Alex was speaking about is it's gonna be long days, stressful... there’s a youthful component of it being that we were all very young."

Mendoza highlights the importance of actors possessing the right attitude and resilience to handle the film’s demanding production environment. Additionally, maintaining the youthful representation of the real-life soldiers was crucial, ensuring authenticity in portraying young men facing extreme situations.

Depiction of Iraqi Characters: Striving for Neutrality

[13:28] Alex Garland:
"Nothing could go in the film... there was no presentation of the Iraqi family or of the individual soldiers... we set rules to ensure reliability."

Garland discusses the deliberate choice to present Iraqi characters without embellishment, adhering strictly to verified accounts. This approach aimed to foster a trustworthy relationship with the audience by avoiding subjective interpretations or constructed narratives.

[17:06] Ray Mendoza:
"Not imposing a message or an agenda. It's just being factual... just conveying what happened that day."

Mendoza reinforces the film’s neutral stance, focusing solely on factual representation to avoid influencing the audience’s perceptions with a particular agenda.

Sound Design: Enhancing Authenticity

[17:43] Alison Stewart:
"The sound design in the film is really interesting..."

The conversation delves into the meticulous sound design crafted to mirror real combat scenarios. By eliminating traditional musical scores, the film foregrounds realistic sounds—gunfire, explosions, and ambient noises—that heighten the immersive experience.

[18:04] Alex Garland:
"If you take music or music out of a film... it makes people notice sound design in a way they wouldn't otherwise."

Garland explains that the absence of music compels the audience to focus intensely on the soundscape, creating a more visceral and unfiltered engagement with the depicted events.

Filming Locations and Production Details

[20:01] Alison Stewart:
"Where did you film Ray?"

[20:04] Ray Mendoza:
"An hour north of London. It's an old World War II airfield there."

The film was shot at a repurposed World War II airfield north of London. Production designers meticulously reconstructed the Ramadi setting using authentic photographs taken shortly after the real mission, ensuring visual accuracy.

[20:55] Alex Garland:
"We were lucky. We had some photographs as well that were taken very shortly... extremely good reference of what the exterior of the house looked like and the interior."

These references were pivotal in recreating the environment authentically, allowing both actors and crew to immerse themselves fully in the setting.

Supporting Veterans Through Filmmaking

[21:05] Ray Mendoza:
"I'm making it for Elliot because he doesn't have that core memory... hitting those notes that I felt veterans could feel hurt or use it as a reference to explain their experience."

Mendoza articulates the film’s purpose as a tribute and a therapeutic medium for veterans like Elliot. By accurately portraying their experiences, the film provides a platform for veterans to express and process their emotions, fostering a sense of acknowledgment and closure.

Addressing Controversial Historical Themes

[22:08] Alex Garland:
"This film is attempting to do something faithful and honest and factual... it's about what we request of soldiers, what they will have to go through."

Garland addresses potential objections from listeners who may have strong feelings about the Iraq War. He emphasizes that "Warfare" transcends specific conflicts, drawing parallels to various historical and contemporary wars to highlight the universal experiences and sacrifices of soldiers. Garland urges viewers to engage with the film as part of a broader quest for understanding the realities of combat.

Closing Remarks: The Lasting Impact of Combat

[24:32] Ray Mendoza:
"It's the cost... know that when they answer that call there should be some sort of a duty to ensure an accountability to ensure that they're being taken care of."

In his closing thoughts, Mendoza underscores the profound and lasting costs of combat on veterans. He advocates for societal responsibility in supporting soldiers beyond their service, highlighting the need for accountability and care to address the enduring emotional and psychological impacts of warfare.

Conclusion

Alison Stewart wraps up the discussion by reiterating the film's release details and expressing gratitude to her guests. The episode provides an in-depth exploration of "Warfare," shedding light on its authentic portrayal of combat, the collaborative efforts behind its creation, and its significance in honoring and understanding the experiences of veterans.

Notable Quotes:

Alex Garland [05:58]:
"Ray described trying to get a tourniquet around Joe Hildebrand's leg... it had, in his description, the quality of a nightmare."
Ray Mendoza [08:36]:
"A lot of questions just about like a mental state... it's hard to explain."
Alex Garland [16:00]:
"You lose something in that respect. But it's something that I want to lose. I'm interested in the idea of narratives that are honest but neutral..."
Ray Mendoza [17:06]:
"It's just being factual... just conveying what happened that day."

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of the podcast episode, highlighting the collaborative spirit between Alex Garland and Ray Mendoza, their unwavering commitment to authenticity, and the film's profound impact on both veterans and audiences.