‘Mr Nelson, Did You Kill People?’ Review: An Assaultive Yet Turgid and Outdated Vietnam PTSD Drama
If Shinya Tsukamoto’s “Mr Nelson, Did You Kill People?” were the first, or even the 51st, movie to litigate the atrocities committed by U.S. troops during the Vietnam War, perhaps on a purely informational level some justification would exist for its crudely simplistic approach.
The latest film from Japanese director Shinya Tsukamoto, "Mr Nelson, Did You Kill People?", attempts to tackle the heavy topic of PTSD and the atrocities committed by U.S. troops during the Vietnam War. However, the execution falls flat, coming across as both assaultive and turgid. The film's simplistic approach to such a complex issue feels outdated, especially considering it's not the first time this topic has been explored in cinema.
Tsukamoto's style, known for its intense and often unsettling qualities, seems misapplied here, as if he's relying on shock value rather than nuanced storytelling. This approach not only does a disservice to the topic but also to the audience, who are likely looking for a more thoughtful exploration of the psychological effects of war. In an era where films like "The Hurt Locker" and "American Sniper" have set a new standard for depicting the psychological toll of conflict, "Mr Nelson, Did You Kill People?" feels like a relic of a bygone era.
As the film industry continues to grapple with representing the complexities of war and its aftermath, it's worth watching how audiences and critics respond to "Mr Nelson, Did You Kill People?". Will Tsukamoto's reputation as a provocative filmmaker be enough to spark a renewed conversation about his work, or will this film be seen as a misstep? What's next for Tsukamoto, and can he reclaim his reputation with a more thoughtful and impactful film?
Originally reported by variety.com. StyleNews adds analysis for culture, style & media readers.