There are countless movies depicting men in war. A Midnight Clear is such a film. It stars Ethan Hawke as Sgt. Will Knott. He commands a small patrol of soldiers. Their mission is to set up an abandoned house, to observe movements of the German army in late 1944. The patrol encounters a small band of Nazi soldiers, who wish to surrender. The patrol and the soldiers stage a fake battle. Unfortunately things go tragically wrong, and they must flee, when the Nazis advance on their position.
The film displays how difficult command is in war. Sgt. Knott must keep calm among his men, Bud Miller, (Peter Berg) Cpl. Mel Avakian, Stan Shutzer, (Arye Gross), Vance (Mother) Wilkins, (Gary Sinise), and Paul (Father) Mundy, (Frank Whaley). It also shows fear and above all courage and determination. Sgt. Knott is told by Lieutenant Ware, (Larry Joshua), to leave as soon as he sees the Nazis advancing. Knott does this, and his patrol is barely ahead of the enemy. This is one of the best scenes in the movie, and the director, Keith Gordon, gives the a good perspective about the stress of war.
This movie is notable for the first screen appearance of Gary Sinise. His character shows how war can make people do crazy things. He is observing the enemy, and suddenly he runs into the woods, and takes off his clothes. He is rescued after some effort. This role was the beginning of good things for Gary Sinise.
The soldiers make the best of their situation, in their temporary home. They enjoy the abandoned food and wine. They even have a fireplace to keep warm. The film takes place around Christmas. One of the soldiers as a gift puts hot water in a tub, so everyone can bathe. In a scene that shows respect for a fallen comrade, the soldiers bathe his body. They take the body with them, so he can be identified.
Many films were made about World War II. Many were good, and many were not. The theme of soldiers affected by war, is a very old Hollywood theme. It goes back to the epic, The Big Parade. A Midnight Clear shows people making decisions that may not be smart. It also reflects the officers disapproval of decisions made. Major Griffin, (John C. McGinley), gives Sgt. Knott, a dressing Down, in front of his men. He is unhappy with Knott’s decision making. He is also unhappy with a civilian’s house being treated like a hotel. McGinley, who would become a successful actor and producer, does well as the by the book officer. Larry Joshua is the other side of the coin as Lieutenant Ware. He helps Sgt. Knott feel better after Major Griffin berated him.
A Midnight Clear does accomplish its goal. That is war is a hard thing, for even the strongest people. The writers, William Wharton and Keith Gordon, have a screenplay that works. It is difficult putting a script together and getting it to the screen. Keith Gordon managed to also direct this movie. The actors in the film were inexperienced at the time of filming. Their lack of screen credits doesn’t hurt the movie. They do keep it moving, and gripping in some parts. This isn’t the best war movie, but it comes at the theme of war differently.