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{{short description|2014 biographical film}} | |||
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2015}} | |||
{{about|the 2014 film|the 2012 book on which the film is based|American Sniper (book){{!}}''American Sniper'' (book)}} | |||
{{Infobox film | {{Infobox film | ||
| name = American Sniper | | name = American Sniper | ||
| image = American Sniper poster.jpg | | image = American Sniper poster.jpg | ||
| alt = Chris Kyle is wearing desert fatigues army |
| alt = Chris Kyle is seen wearing desert fatigues army BDU, while his wife Taya embraces him. They are standing in front of a tattered U.S. flag. | ||
| caption = Theatrical release poster | | caption = Theatrical release poster | ||
| director = ] | | director = ] | ||
| producer = {{ |
| producer = {{Plainlist| | ||
* Clint Eastwood | * Clint Eastwood | ||
* ] | * ] | ||
* ] | * ] | ||
* ] | * ] | ||
* Peter Morgan |
* ] | ||
}} | |||
| writer = ] | |||
| screenplay = ] | |||
| based on = {{based on|'']''|]<br />Scott McEwen<br />Jim DeFelice}} | |||
| based_on = {{Based on|'']''|]<br />Scott McEwen<br />Jim DeFelice}} | |||
| starring = {{Plain list | | |||
| starring = {{Plainlist| | |||
* Bradley Cooper | |||
* Bradley Cooper<!-- Please DON'T add wikilink: already linked above --> | |||
* ]}} | |||
* ] | |||
| music = | |||
}} | |||
| cinematography = ] | | cinematography = ] | ||
| editing = {{ |
| editing = {{Plainlist| | ||
* ] | * ] | ||
* ]}} | * ] | ||
}} | |||
| |
| production_companies = {{Plainlist| | ||
* ] |
* ] | ||
* ] | |||
* Mad Chance Productions | * Mad Chance Productions | ||
* 22nd & Indiana Pictures | * 22nd & Indiana Pictures | ||
* ]}} | * ] | ||
}} | |||
| distributor = ] | | distributor = ] | ||
| released = {{Film date|2014|11|11|]|2014|12|25|United States}} | | released = {{Film date|2014|11|11|]|2014|12|25|United States}}<!-- Dates per ], do not add "wide release" date --> | ||
| runtime = |
| runtime = 132 minutes<!-- Theatrical runtime: 132:29 --><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbfc.co.uk/releases/american-sniper-film|title=''American Sniper'' (15)|work=]|date=December 15, 2014|access-date=December 15, 2014}}</ref><!--Running Time (min): 132 --><ref>{{cite web|title=American Sniper|work=]|url=http://www.ofrb.gov.on.ca/ofrb/OfrbWelcomeAction.do?detailParameter=2000118828|access-date=February 4, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180715011323/http://www.ofrb.gov.on.ca/ofrb/OfrbWelcomeAction.do?detailParameter=2000118828|archive-date=July 15, 2018|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> | ||
| country = United States | | country = United States | ||
| language = English | | language = English | ||
| budget = $ |
| budget = $59 million<ref name="FilmLA">{{cite web|url= https://www.filmla.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/2014_FeatureFilm_study_v10_WEB.pdf |title=Feature Film Study|publisher=Film L.A. Inc.|page=18|date=2014}}</ref> | ||
| gross |
| gross = $547.4 million<ref name="mojo">{{cite web|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt2179136/?ref_=bo_se_r_1|title=American Sniper (2014)|work=]|access-date=August 29, 2015}}</ref> | ||
}} | }} | ||
'''''American Sniper''''' is a 2014 American ] ] ] directed by ] and written by ] |
'''''American Sniper''''' is a 2014 American ] ] ] directed and co-produced by ] and written and executive-produced by ], based on the memoir ] by ] with Scott McEwen and Jim DeFelice. The film follows the life of Kyle, who became the deadliest ] in U.S. military history with 255 kills from four tours in the ], 160 of which were officially confirmed by the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/american-sniper-author-defends-chris-899044|title='American Sniper' Co-Author Defends Chris Kyle's Military Record Over New Controversy|website=] |date=3 June 2016 |quote=We submitted the book for vetting with the DOD ... and certain parts of the manuscript were, at their request, redacted. ertain other figures ... for example the number of Chris' confirmed kills —were agreed upon as something that could be released to the public.}}</ref> While Kyle was celebrated for his military successes, his tours of duty took a heavy toll on his personal and family life. It stars ] as Kyle and ] as his wife ], with ], ], ], ], ], and ] in supporting roles. | ||
''American Sniper'' premiered at the ] Festival on November 11, 2014, and had a limited theatrical release in the United States on December 25, 2014, followed by a wide release on January 16, 2015. It received generally positive reviews, with praise for Cooper's lead performance and Eastwood's direction, although it also attracted some controversy over its portrayal of both the Iraq War and Kyle himself. The film grossed over $547 million worldwide, making it the 13th highest-grossing film of 2014, the highest-grossing film with a wide release during the month of January, and Eastwood's highest-grossing film to date.{{citation needed|date=December 2021|reason=These figures all need citations. I don't know the subject area, but https://www.boxofficemojo.com/year/2014/?grossesOption=totalGrosses shows the film number 1 domestically.}} | |||
At the ], ''American Sniper'' received six nominations, including ], ] and ] for Cooper. | At the ], ''American Sniper'' received six nominations, including ], ], and ] for Cooper, ultimately winning one for ].<ref>{{cite news|last=Chumley|first=Cheryl K.|date=February 23, 2015|title='American Sniper' wins Academy Award — for sound editing|url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2015/feb/23/american-sniper-wins-academy-award-for-sound-editi/|work=]|location=]|access-date=February 23, 2015|quote=Alan Robert Murray and Bub Asman accepted the statue for their work on the Clint Eastwood-directed film. They're two-time Oscar winners and beat out several other top-tier candidates for the award.}}</ref> | ||
==Plot== | ==Plot== | ||
<!-- NOTE: The plot summary does NOT intend to reproduce the experience of watching, nor is it meant to cover EVERY detail. It should serve as an overview of the major plot elements and events. PER WP:FILMPLOT, PLOT SUMMARIES FOR FEATURE FILMS AND TELEVISION SERIES SHOULD BE BETWEEN 400 AND 700 WORDS. See "Misplaced Pages:How to write a plot summary" (WP:PLOTSUM) for general guidelines. --> | <!-- NOTE: The plot summary does NOT intend to reproduce the experience of watching, nor is it meant to cover EVERY detail. It should serve as an overview of the major plot elements and events. PER WP:FILMPLOT, PLOT SUMMARIES FOR FEATURE FILMS AND TELEVISION SERIES SHOULD BE BETWEEN 400 AND 700 WORDS. See "Misplaced Pages:How to write a plot summary" (WP:PLOTSUM) for general guidelines. --> | ||
Growing up in ], Chris Kyle |
Growing up in ], Chris Kyle is taught by his father how to shoot a rifle and hunt deer. Years later, Chris has become a ] and ] cowboy, and returns home early, to find his girlfriend in bed with another man. After telling her to leave, he is mulling it over with his brother when he sees news coverage of the ] and decides to enlist in the Navy. He qualifies for special training and becomes a sniper with the ]. | ||
Chris meets Taya Studebaker at an Irish pub in San Diego, and the two soon marry. He is sent ] after the ]. His first kills are a woman and boy who attacked ] on patrol with a Russian made ]. Chris is visibly upset by the experience, but later earns the nickname "Legend" for his many kills. | |||
Assigned to hunt for the ] leader, ], Chris interrogates a family whose father offers to lead the SEALs to "The Butcher", al-Zarqawi's second-in-command. The plan goes awry when The Butcher captures the father and his son, killing them while Chris is pinned down by a sniper. This sniper goes by the name Mustafa and is an ] medalist from ]. Meanwhile, the insurgents issue a bounty on Chris. | |||
Kyle returns home to his wife and the birth of his son. He is distracted by memories of his war experiences, and argues with Taya over bootleg footage of U.S. Marines shot dead by enemy sniper "savages". Taya expresses her concern for them as a couple and wishes Kyle would focus on his home and family. | |||
Chris returns home to his wife and the birth of his son. He is distracted by memories of his war experiences and by Taya's concern for them as a couple – she wishes he would focus on his home and family. | |||
Kyle leaves for a second tour, promoted to ]. Kyle is involved in a a shoot out with The Butcher who is located operating out of a ground floor restarurant. | |||
Chris leaves for a second tour and is promoted to ]. Involved in a shootout with The Butcher, he helps in killing him. When he returns home to a newborn daughter, Chris becomes increasingly distant from his family. On Chris’s third tour, Mustafa seriously injures a unit member, Ryan "Biggles" Job, and the unit is evacuated back to base. When they decide to return to the field and continue the mission, another SEAL, ], is killed by gunfire. | |||
Guilt compels Chris to undertake a fourth tour, and Taya tells him she may not be there when he returns. Back in Iraq, Chris is shocked to learn Biggles died in surgery to repair the wounds he sustained. Assigned to kill Mustafa, who has been sniping ] combat engineers building a barricade, Chris’s sniper team is placed on a rooftop inside enemy territory. | |||
On tour four the expert insurgent sniper who uses the SVD Dragunov sniper rifle is identified as "Mustafa", and Kyle is assigned to take him out. Mustafa has been sniping U.S. Army combat engineers building a ]. Kyle's sniper team is placed on a rooftop inside enemy territory. Kyle spots Mustafa, takes him out with a risky long distance shot at 2100 yards (adding his name to the ] list), and exposes his team position to a large number of armed insurgents. In the midst of the firefight and low on ammunition, Kyle calls Taya and tells her he is ready to come home. A sandstorm provides cover for their chaotic escape in which Kyle is injured and almost left behind. | |||
Chris spots Mustafa and takes him out with a risky long-distance shot at {{convert|2,100|yd|m|0}}, but this exposes his team's position to numerous armed insurgents. In the midst of the gunfight, and low on ammunition, Chris tearfully calls Taya and tells her he is ready to come home. A sandstorm provides concealment for a chaotic escape in which he is injured and almost left behind. | |||
Kyle returns home, on edge and unable to adjust fully to civilian life. He tells a ] psychiatrist he is "haunted by all the guys he couldn't save". The psychiatrist encourages him to help wounded veterans in the VA hospital. Kyle meets veterans who suffered severe injuries, coaches them at a shooting range in the woods, and gradually begins to adjust to home life. | |||
After Chris gets back stateside, on edge and unable to adjust fully to civilian life, he is asked by a ] psychiatrist if he is haunted by all the things he did in war. When he replies it is "all the guys couldn't save" that haunt him, the psychiatrist encourages him to help severely wounded veterans in the VA hospital. After that, Chris gradually begins to adjust to home life. | |||
Years later, on February 2, 2013, Kyle, playful and happy, says goodbye to his wife and family as he leaves to spend time with a veteran at a shooting range. On-screen subtitles reveal: "Kyle was killed that day by a veteran he was trying to help,"<!-- WARNING trial set for 2015, wording here must be very careful ] --> followed by stock footage of thousands of people standing in line along the highway for his funeral procession. Thousands more are shown<!-- http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2883854/How-Clint-Eastwood-Bradley-Cooper-asked-father-American-Sniper-Chris-Kyle-permission-film-Navy-Seal-hero-s-life-told-Disrespect-son-ll-unleash-Hell.html --> attending ]<!-- older name used on screen --> for his memorial service. | |||
Years later, on February 2, 2013, Chris says goodbye to his wife and family as he leaves in good spirits to spend time with Eddie Ray Routh, a veteran suffering from PTSD at a shooting range. An on-screen subtitle reveals that Chris was ] that day by Routh, followed by archive footage of crowds standing along the highway for his funeral procession. More are shown attending his memorial service. | |||
==Cast== | ==Cast== | ||
<!--- ] - cast and order per Main Cast closing tombstone stand-alone credits, roles per closing credits scroll ---> | |||
* ] as ]<ref name="hollywoodreporter1">{{cite web|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/bradley-cooper-navy-seal-american-sniper-warner-bros-303006 |title=Bradley Cooper Sets Up Navy SEAL Pic 'American Sniper' at Warner Bros. (Exclusive) |publisher=The Hollywood Reporter |date=2012-05-24 |accessdate=2014-04-13}}</ref> | |||
* ] as ] | |||
* ] as ]<ref name="slashfilm1">{{cite web|url=http://www.slashfilm.com/sienna-miller-american-sniper/ |title=Sienna Miller Joins 'American Sniper' With Bradley Cooper - /Film |publisher=Slashfilm.com |date=2014-03-14 |accessdate=2014-04-13}}</ref> | |||
* ] as |
* ] as ] | ||
* ] as ] | |||
* ] as ]<ref name="variety1">{{cite web|url=http://variety.com/2014/film/news/fifty-shades-of-grey-bradley-cooper-american-sniper-exclusive-1201146342/ |title=‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ Actor to Co-star With Bradley Cooper in ‘American Sniper’ (EXCLUSIVE) |publisher=Variety |date=2014-03-25 |accessdate=2014-04-13}}</ref> | |||
* ] as Biggles | |||
* ] as Goat-Winston<ref name="thewrap1">{{cite web|url=http://www.thewrap.com/dear-white-people-star-kyle-gallner-joins-bradley-cooper-american-sniper-exclusive/ |title='Dear White People' Star Kyle Gallner Joins Bradley Cooper in 'American Sniper' (Exclusive) |publisher=TheWrap |date=2014-03-26 |accessdate=2014-04-13}}</ref> | |||
* ] as "D" / Dandridge | |||
* ] as Captain Martens<ref name="deadline1">{{cite web|last=Deadline |first=The |url=http://www.deadline.com/2014/03/sam-jaeger-american-sniper-jon-tenney-the-best-of-me/ |title=Sam Jaeger Enlists For 'American Sniper'; Jon Tenney Joins 'The Best Of Me' |publisher=Deadline.com |date= |accessdate=2014-04-13}}</ref> | |||
* ] as Dauber / himself | |||
* ] as Biggles<ref name="thewrap2">{{cite web|url=http://www.thewrap.com/greek-star-jake-mcdorman-real-navy-seals-join-bradley-coopers-american-sniper-exclusive/ |title='Greek' Star Jake McDorman, Real Navy SEALs Join Bradley Cooper's 'American Sniper' (Exclusive) |publisher=TheWrap |date=2014-03-20 |accessdate=2014-04-13}}</ref> | |||
* ] as Sheikh Al-Obodi | |||
* ] as 'D' / Dandridge<ref name="deadline2">{{cite web|last=Deadline |first=The |url=http://www.deadline.com/2014/03/daniel-bernhardt-term-life-american-sniper-cory-hardrict/ |title=Daniel Bernhardt Joins 'Term Life'; 'American Sniper' Adds Cory Hardrict |publisher=Deadline.com |date= |accessdate=2014-04-13}}</ref> | |||
* ] as Sheikh Al-Obodi<ref name="deadline3">{{cite web|last=Deadline |first=The |url=http://www.deadline.com/2014/03/american-sniper-navid-negahban-eric-close-eric-ladin-rey-gallegos/ |title=4 Join Clint Eastwood's 'American Sniper' |publisher=Deadline.com |date= |accessdate=2014-04-13}}</ref> | |||
* ] as DIA Agent Snead<ref name="deadline3" /> | |||
* ] as Squirrel<ref name="deadline3" /> | |||
* Rey Gallegos as Tony<ref name="deadline3" /> | |||
* Kevin Lacz as Dauber<ref name="fredericksburg1">{{cite web|last=Hedelt |first=Rob |url=http://news.fredericksburg.com/newsdesk/2014/04/23/king-george-ex-seal-helping-keep-film-on-target/ |title=King George: Ex-SEAL helping keep film on target; The News Desk |publisher=News.fredericksburg.com |date=2014-04-23 |accessdate=2014-04-25}}</ref> | |||
* ] as Captain Gillespie | |||
* Ben Reed as Wayne Kyle | |||
* Elise Robertson as Debby Kyle | |||
* ] as Jeff Kyle | * ] as Jeff Kyle | ||
* ] as ] Agent Snead. | |||
* ] as Sarah | |||
* ] as Instructor Roll | |||
In addition, ] appears as Mustafa, a character partially based on Iraqi sniper ],<ref name="JubaMustafa">{{cite news|last=Taylor|first=Adam|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2015/01/22/iraqi-sniper-the-legendary-insurgent-who-claimed-to-have-killed-scores-of-american-soldiers/|title=Iraqi Sniper: The Legendary Insurgent Who Claimed to Have Killed Scores of American Troops|newspaper=]|date=January 22, 2015|access-date=March 6, 2015}}</ref> while ] portrays The Butcher, a character possibly based on ].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2015/jan/20/why-american-snipers-historical-dishonesty-misleads|title=Is American Sniper historically accurate?|last=Von Tunzelmann|first=Alex|work=]|date=January 20, 2015|access-date=January 31, 2015}}</ref> | |||
* ] as Mustafa | |||
* ] as The Butcher | |||
==Production== | ==Production== | ||
===Development=== | |||
On May 24, 2012, it was announced that ] had acquired the rights to the book with ] set to produce and star in the screen adaptation.<ref name="hollywoodreporter1" /> Cooper had thought of ] to play Kyle but WB agreed to buy it only if Cooper would star.<ref>http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-american-sniper-cooper-hall-20141226-story.html#page=2 </ref> September 2012, ] stated that he was interested in directing the film.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://collider.com/bradley-cooper-david-o-russell-american-sniper/ |title=Bradley Cooper and David O. Russell May Re-team for AMERICAN SNIPER |publisher=Collider.com |date=2013-11-20 |accessdate=2014-04-13}}</ref> On May 2, 2013, it was announced that ] would direct.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/steven-spielbergs-next-movie-american-451011 |title=Steven Spielberg's Next Movie: 'American Sniper' |publisher=Hollywood Reporter |date=2013-02-05 |accessdate=2014-04-13}}</ref> Spielberg had read Kyle's book, though he desired to have a more psychological conflict present in the screenplay so an "enemy sniper" character can serve as the insurgent sharpshooter who was trying to track down and kill Kyle. Spielberg's ideas contributed to the development of a lengthy screenplay approaching 160 pages. Due to Warner Bros.' budget constraints, Spielberg felt he could not bring his vision of the story to the screen.<ref name="makingof">{{cite web | url = http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/making-american-sniper-how-an-760963 | title = The Making of 'American Sniper': How an Unlikely Friendship Kickstarted the Clint Eastwood Film | last=Ben Block | first=Alex | publisher = '']'' | date = January 2, 2015 |quote= a slender $60 million | accessdate = January 5, 2015}}</ref> On August 5, 2013, Spielberg dropped out of directing.<ref>{{cite web|last=Fleming |first=Mike |url=http://www.deadline.com/2013/08/steven-spielberg-drops-out-of-directing-american-sniper/ |title=Steven Spielberg Drops Out of Directing 'American Sniper' |publisher=Deadline.com |date= |accessdate=2014-04-13}}</ref> On August 21, 2013, it was reported that ] would instead direct the film.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/clint-eastwood-talks-direct-american-611186 |title=Clint Eastwood in Talks to Direct 'American Sniper' |publisher=The Hollywood Reporter |date=2013-08-21 |accessdate=2014-04-13}}</ref> | |||
] | |||
On May 24, 2012, it was announced that ] had acquired the rights to the book with ] set to produce and star in the screen adaptation.<ref name="hollywoodreporter1">{{cite news|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/bradley-cooper-navy-seal-american-sniper-warner-bros-303006|title=Bradley Cooper Sets Up Navy SEAL Pic 'American Sniper' at Warner Bros. (Exclusive)|work=]|date=May 24, 2012|access-date=April 13, 2014}}</ref> Cooper had thought of ] to play Kyle, but Warner Bros. agreed to buy it only if Cooper would star.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-american-sniper-cooper-hall-20141226-story.html#page=2|title=Makers of 'American Sniper' press ahead to tell a tale of war and home|date=December 25, 2014|work=]}}</ref> In September 2012, ] said he was interested in directing the film.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://collider.com/bradley-cooper-david-o-russell-american-sniper/|title=Bradley Cooper and David O. Russell May Re-team for American Sniper|work=]|publisher=Collider.com|date=November 20, 2013|access-date=April 13, 2014}}</ref> On February 2, 2013, ]. On May 2, 2013, it was announced that ] would direct.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/steven-spielbergs-next-movie-american-451011|title=Steven Spielberg's Next Movie: 'American Sniper' (Exclusive)|work=]|date=February 5, 2013|access-date=April 13, 2014}}</ref> Spielberg had read Kyle's book, though he desired to have a more psychological conflict present in the screenplay so an "enemy sniper" character could serve as the insurgent sharpshooter who was trying to track down and kill Kyle. Spielberg's ideas contributed to the development of a lengthy screenplay approaching 160 pages. Due to Warner Bros.' budget constraints, Spielberg felt he could not bring his vision of the story to the screen.<ref name="makingof">{{cite news|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/making-american-sniper-how-an-760963|title=The Making of 'American Sniper': How an Unlikely Friendship Kickstarted the Clint Eastwood Film|last=Ben Block|first=Alex|work=]|date=January 2, 2015|quote=a slender $60 million|access-date=January 5, 2015}}</ref> On August 5, 2013, Spielberg dropped out of directing.<ref>{{cite web|last=Fleming|first=Mike|url=https://deadline.com/2013/08/steven-spielberg-drops-out-of-directing-american-sniper-557150/|title=Steven Spielberg Drops Out of Directing 'American Sniper'|website=]|date=5 August 2013 |access-date=April 13, 2014}}</ref> On August 21, 2013, it was reported that ] would instead direct the film.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/clint-eastwood-talks-direct-american-611186|title=Clint Eastwood in Talks to Direct 'American Sniper'|work=]|date=August 21, 2013|access-date=April 13, 2014}}</ref> | |||
===Casting=== | ===Casting=== | ||
On March 14, 2014, ] joined the cast.<ref name="slashfilm1" / |
On March 14, 2014, ] joined the cast.<ref name="slashfilm1">{{cite web|url=https://www.slashfilm.com/sienna-miller-american-sniper/|title=Sienna Miller Joins 'American Sniper' With Bradley Cooper - /Film|publisher=Slashfilm.com|date=March 14, 2014|access-date=April 13, 2014}}</ref> On March 16, 2014, ] was cast,<ref name="thewrap1">{{cite web|url=https://www.thewrap.com/dear-white-people-star-kyle-gallner-joins-bradley-cooper-american-sniper-exclusive/|title='Dear White People' Star Kyle Gallner Joins Bradley Cooper in 'American Sniper' (Exclusive)|website=TheWrap|date=March 26, 2014|access-date=April 13, 2014}}</ref> as was ] on March 18, 2014.<ref name="deadline2">{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2014/03/daniel-bernhardt-term-life-american-sniper-cory-hardrict-701118/|title=Daniel Bernhardt Joins 'Term Life'; 'American Sniper' Adds Cory Hardrict|website=]|date=19 March 2014 |access-date=April 13, 2014}}</ref> On March 20, 2014, ], ], ], Rey Gallegos, and ] also joined the cast,<ref name="thewrap2">{{cite web|url=https://www.thewrap.com/greek-star-jake-mcdorman-real-navy-seals-join-bradley-coopers-american-sniper-exclusive/|title='Greek' Star Jake McDorman, Real Navy SEALs Join Bradley Cooper's 'American Sniper' (Exclusive)|website=TheWrap|date=March 20, 2014|access-date=April 13, 2014}}</ref> | ||
<ref name="deadline3">{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2014/03/american-sniper-navid-negahban-eric-close-eric-ladin-rey-gallegos-702438/|title=4 Join Clint Eastwood's 'American Sniper'|website=]|date=21 March 2014 |access-date=April 13, 2014}}</ref> as did ] and ] on March 25, 2014.<ref name="variety1">{{cite news|url=https://variety.com/2014/film/news/fifty-shades-of-grey-bradley-cooper-american-sniper-exclusive-1201146342/|title='Fifty Shades of Grey' Actor to Co-star With Bradley Cooper in 'American Sniper'|work=]|date=March 25, 2014|access-date=April 13, 2014|first=Justin|last=Kroll}}</ref><ref name="deadline1">{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2014/03/sam-jaeger-american-sniper-jon-tenney-the-best-of-me-704337/|title=Sam Jaeger Enlists For 'American Sniper'; Jon Tenney Joins 'The Best Of Me'|website=]|date=26 March 2014 |access-date=April 13, 2014}}</ref> Kevin Lacz, a former ], was also cast and served as a technical advisor.<ref name="fredericksburg1">{{cite web|last=Hedelt|first=Rob|url=http://news.fredericksburg.com/newsdesk/2014/04/23/king-george-ex-seal-helping-keep-film-on-target/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140426232314/http://news.fredericksburg.com/newsdesk/2014/04/23/king-george-ex-seal-helping-keep-film-on-target/|archive-date=April 26, 2014|title=King George: Ex-SEAL helping keep film on target; The News Desk|publisher=News.fredericksburg.com|date=April 23, 2014|access-date=April 25, 2014}}</ref> Another former Navy SEAL, Joel Lambert, also joined the film, portraying a ] sniper.<ref name="Joel">{{cite news|title=Joel Lambert Books 'American Sniper'|url=https://deadline.com/2014/05/brett-dalton-robin-tunney-tessa-thompson-american-sniper-731883/|access-date=May 17, 2014|work=]|date=May 16, 2014}}</ref> On June 3, ] was added to the cast to portray Kyle's son, Colton Kyle.<ref name="Charles">{{cite news|last1=Sneider|first1=Jeff|title='Amazing Spider-Man' Actor to Play Bradley Cooper's Son in 'American Sniper'|url=https://www.thewrap.com/young-spider-man-actor-to-play-bradley-coopers-son-in-american-sniper-exclusive/|access-date=June 9, 2014|publisher=thewrap.com|date=June 3, 2014}}</ref> | |||
===Filming=== | ===Filming=== | ||
] began on March 31, 2014 in ] |
] began on March 31, 2014, in ],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.studiosystemnews.com/on-the-set-for-33114-paul-feig-melissa-mccarthy-start-spy-michael-fassbender-wraps-macbeth/|title=On The Set For 3/31/14: Paul Feig and Melissa McCarthy Start 'Spy' and Michael Fassbender Wraps 'Macbeth'|publisher=Studiosystemnews.com|access-date=April 13, 2014}}</ref> witih additional filming in ].<ref>{{cite news|title='American Sniper', starring Bradley Cooper, filming in Los Angeles this week|url=http://www.onlocationvacations.com/2014/04/19/american-sniper-starring-bradley-cooper-filming-in-los-angeles-this-week/|access-date=April 20, 2014|work=onlocationvacations.com|date=April 19, 2014|archive-date=February 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210201125907/https://onlocationvacations.com/2014/04/19/american-sniper-starring-bradley-cooper-filming-in-los-angeles-this-week/|url-status=dead}}</ref> On April 23, the '']'' reported that ten days of filming set in an Afghan village was set to begin at the Blue Cloud Movie Ranch in the ] area.<ref>{{cite news|last=Verrier|first=Richard|title=Eastwood starts shooting 'American Sniper' at Santa Clarita ranch|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-on-location-american-sniper-20140423,0,5378053.story#axzz2zlWV6xOW|access-date=April 26, 2014|work=Los Angeles Times|date=April 23, 2014}}</ref> On May 7, shooting of the film was spotted around ]; a milk factory was used as the abandoned ] factory which insurgents close in on from all directions at the climax of the film.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Rubio|first1=Heric|title=Bradley Cooper and Clint Eastwood set their sights on El Centro for "American Sniper"|url=http://www.ivpressonline.com/open/bradley-cooper-and-clint-eastwood-set-their-sights-on-el/article_0e11c9c0-05f5-525c-ae8c-384233e668c1.html|access-date=January 18, 2015|work=Imperial Valley Press|date=May 9, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Christine|title=Bradley Cooper filming 'American Sniper' in El Centro, CA this week|url=http://www.onlocationvacations.com/2014/05/08/bradley-cooper-filming-american-sniper-in-el-centro-ca-this-week/|access-date=May 9, 2014|work=onlocationvacations.com|date=May 8, 2014|archive-date=February 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210202062447/https://onlocationvacations.com/2014/05/08/bradley-cooper-filming-american-sniper-in-el-centro-ca-this-week/|url-status=dead}}</ref> The pier and bar scenes were filmed in ].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Boessenkool|first1=Antonie|title=Orange County, please report to the set|work=]|date=January 18, 2015|page=News 1}}</ref> | ||
] ] shot the film with ] ]s and ] |
] ] shot the film with ] ]s and ] C-, E- and G-Series ]es.<ref name="PV">{{cite news|url=http://www.panavision.com/academy-award-nominee-american-sniper-hits-theaters| title=Academy Award Nominee American Sniper Hits Theaters|work=]|access-date=January 19, 2015}}</ref> The film is Eastwood's second to be shot digitally, after '']''.<ref name="AC">{{cite journal|first=Michael|last=Goldman|title=Capturing All 4 Seasons|journal=]|publisher=]|volume=95|issue=8|page=43|location=], United States|date=August 1, 2014|issn=0002-7928}}</ref> | ||
== |
===Music=== | ||
There is no "Music by" credit on this film. Clint Eastwood, who has composed the ] for most of his films since '']'' (2003), is credited as the composer of "Taya's Theme". Joseph S. DeBeasi is credited as composer of additional music and as music editor.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2179136/combined|title=American Sniper (2014)|work=IMDb}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bmi.com/news/entry/joseph_debeasi_adds_poignant_dimension_to_american_sniper|title=Joseph DeBeasi Adds Poignant Dimension to 'American Sniper'|work=BMI.com|date=21 January 2015 }}</ref> The film also features the song ] by ], which plays during the wedding scene, and "The Funeral" by ].<ref>{{cite web|title=American Sniper (2014) - Song Credits|url=http://www.soundtrack.net/movie/american-sniper/|publisher=]|access-date=February 23, 2015}}</ref> | |||
{{anchor|Controversies}} | |||
==Reception== | |||
===Box office=== | ===Box office=== | ||
{{quotebox | |||
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|quote="The movie has become a cultural phenomenon...It tore apart the record book and not by a little. By an enormous amount." | |||
|source=Dan Fellman, head of domestic distribution at ], commenting on the film's massive box office success.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://variety.com/2015/film/news/box-office-american-sniper-shatters-records-with-90-2-million-weekend-1201408252/ | title = Box Office: ‘American Sniper’ Shatters Records With $90.2 Million Weekend | author = Brent Lang | publisher = '']'' | date = January 18, 2015 | accessdate = January 18, 2015}}</ref> | |||
}} | |||
<!--Please update the specific box office figure--> | <!--Please update the specific box office figure--> | ||
''American Sniper'' grossed $350.1 million in North America and $197 million in other territories for a worldwide total of $547.1 million, against a budget of around $58 million.<ref name="mojo"/> Calculating in all expenses and revenues, '']'' estimated that the film made a profit of $243 million, making it the second-most profitable film of 2014 only behind ]'s '']''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2015/03/american-sniper-profit-box-office-2014-1201391240/|title=No. 2 'American Sniper' – 2014 Most Valuable Blockbuster Movie Tournament | |||
As of January 25, 2015, ''American Sniper'' had grossed $200,137,000 in North America the first weekend and $47,500,000 in other territories for a worldwide total of $247,637,000, against a budget of $60 million. | |||
|author=Mike Fleming Jr|website=]|date=March 13, 2015|access-date=March 14, 2015}}</ref> Worldwide, it is the highest-grossing war film of all time (breaking '']''{{'s}} record)<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/box-office-milestone-american-sniper-779977|title=Box Office Milestone: 'American Sniper' Hits $500M Globally, Becomes Top 2014 Title in U.S.|first=Pamela|last=McClintock|work=]|date=March 8, 2015|access-date=March 9, 2015}}</ref> and Eastwood's highest-grossing film to date. It is the seventh ] film to gross over $500 million.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2015/03/05/box-office-fifty-shades-becomes-6th-r-rated-film-to-top-500m/|title=Box Office: 'Fifty Shades Of Grey' Becomes 6th R-Rated Film To Top $500M|first=Scott|last=Mendelson|work=]|date=March 5, 2015|access-date=March 6, 2015}}</ref> | |||
==== |
====North America==== | ||
In North America, it was the highest-grossing film of 2014,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/yearly/chart/?yr=2014|title=2014 Domestic Grosses|website=]|access-date=December 5, 2014}}</ref> the highest-grossing war film unadjusted for inflation (and, on an adjusted basis, second to '']'' with $379 million),<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2015/02/01/box-office-american-sniper-sets-super-bowl-record-game-of-thrones-scores-in-imax/|title=Box Office: 'American Sniper' Sets Super Bowl Record, 'Game Of Thrones' Scores IMAX Touchdown|first=Scott|last=Mendelson|work=]|date=February 1, 2015|access-date=February 1, 2015}}</ref> the fourth-highest-grossing R-rated film of all time (behind '']'', '']'', and '']''),<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/alltime/domestic/mpaa.htm?page=R&p=.htm|title=Domestic grosses by MPAA rating|website=]|access-date=February 17, 2015}}</ref> ]' fourth-highest-grossing film (behind '']'', '']'' and '']''),<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/studio/chart/?studio=warnerbros.htm|title=Box Office by Studio - Warner Bros.|website=]|access-date=February 17, 2015}}</ref> and the eighth-highest-grossing ] nominee film (behind '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'' and '']'').<ref name="SM"/> It became the seventh Warner Bros.' film to earn over $300 million in the U.S. and Canada and the 50th film to reach the mark.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://deadline.com/2015/02/american-sniper-300-million-box-office-record-1201374139/|title='American Sniper' Crosses $300M, Warner's No. 5 Best Domestic Run: Pic's Road To Success|first=Anthony|last=D'Alessandro|work=]|date=February 15, 2015|access-date=February 16, 2015}}</ref> It earned as much as the combined earnings of all of the other ].<ref name="earn"/> On March 8, 2015, it surpassed '']'' to become the highest-grossing film of 2014,<ref name="SM">{{cite news|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2015/03/08/american-sniper-is-now-the-biggest-box-office-smash-of-2014/|title=Clint Eastwood's 'American Sniper' Is Now The Biggest Box Office Smash Of 2014|first=Scott|last=Mendelson|work=]|date=March 8, 2015|access-date=March 8, 2015}}</ref> making it the first R-rated film since '']'' (1998) and the first non-franchise film since '']'' (2009) to top the year-end rankings.<ref name="SM"/> | |||
In North America, the film is set to have | |||
resonated with audiences in almost every demographic.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/box-office-american-sniper-quickly-765693 | title = Box Office: 'American Sniper' Quickly Becoming No. 1 War Film of All Time | author = Pamela McClintock, Ryan Gajewski | publisher = '']'' | date = January 25, 2015 | accessdate = January 26, 2015}}</ref> | |||
''American Sniper'' ]d at the ] on November 11, 2014, just after a screening of '']'' at ] in ].<ref>{{cite news|title='American Sniper' Is AFI Fest's Secret Screening|url=https://deadline.com/2014/11/american-sniper-afi-fest-2014-secret-screening-1201280743/|access-date=November 11, 2014|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=November 10, 2014}}</ref> In North America, the film opened to a ] on December 25, 2014, playing at four theaters—two in New York, one in Los Angeles, and one in Dallas—and earned $610,000 in its opening weekend ($850,000 including Christmas Day) at an average of $152,500 per venue debuting at #22.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.boxofficemojo.com/news/?id=3987&p=.htm| title = Weekend Report (cont.): Huge Limited Debuts for 'American Sniper', 'Selma'| first = Ray| last = Subers| website = Box Office Mojo| date = December 28, 2014| access-date = January 17, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.boxofficemojo.com/news/?id=3999&p=.htm| title = Lowest-Grossing Best Picture Nominees Since Category Expansion| first = Ray| last = Subers| website = Box Office Mojo| date = January 15, 2015| access-date = January 17, 2015}}</ref> The following week the film earned $676,909 playing at the same number of locations at an average of $169,277 per theater, which is the second-biggest weekend average ever for a live-action movie (previously held by 2001's '']'').<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.boxofficemojo.com/news/?id=3991&p=.htm| title = Weekend Report: 'Hobbit' Finale Three-Peats on First Weekend of 2015| first = Ray| last = Subers| work = ]| date = January 4, 2015| access-date = January 5, 2015}}</ref> ''American Sniper'' holds the record for the most entries in the top 20 Top Weekend Theater Averages with 3 entries (at #12, #14 and #17). It earned a total of $3.4 million from limited release in three weekends.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.boxofficemojo.com/alltime/weekends/theateravg.htm?page=THTRAVG&p=.htm| title = Top weekend theater averages| website = Box Office Mojo| access-date = January 15, 2015}}</ref> | |||
===== Premiere and limited release ===== | |||
''American Sniper'' ] at the ] on November 11, 2014, just after a screening of '']'' at ] in ].<ref>{{cite news|title='American Sniper' Is AFI Fest's Secret Screening|url=http://deadline.com/2014/11/american-sniper-afi-fest-2014-secret-screening-1201280743/|accessdate=November 11, 2014|publisher=deadline.com|date=November 10, 2014}}</ref> In North America, the film opened to a ] on December 25, 2014, playing at four theaters — two in New York, one in Los Angeles, and one in Dallas — and earned $610,000 in its opening weekend ($850,000 including Christmas Day) at an average of $152,500 per venue debuting at #22.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.boxofficemojo.com/news/?id=3987&p=.htm | title = Weekend Report (cont.): Huge Limited Debuts for 'American Sniper,' 'Selma' | author = Ray Subers | publisher = Box Office Mojo | date = December 28, 2014 | accessdate = January 17, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.boxofficemojo.com/news/?id=3999&p=.htm | title = Lowest-Grossing Best Picture Nominees Since Category Expansion | author = Ray Subers | publisher = Box Office Mojo | date = January 15, 2015 | accessdate = January 17, 2015}}</ref> The following week the film earned $676,909 playing at the same number of locations at an average of $169,277 per theater, which is the second-biggest weekend average ever for a live-action movie (previously held by 2001's '']'').<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.boxofficemojo.com/news/?id=3991&p=.htm | title = Weekend Report: 'Hobbit' Finale Three-Peats on First Weekend of 2015 | author = Ray Subers | work = ] | date = January 4, 2015 | accessdate = January 5, 2015}}</ref> ''American Sniper'' holds the record for the most entries in the top 20 Top Weekend Theater Averages with 3 entries. It earned a total of $3.4 million from limited release in three weekends.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.boxofficemojo.com/alltime/weekends/theateravg.htm?page=THTRAVG&p=.htm | title = TOP WEEKEND THEATER AVERAGES | publisher = Box Office Mojo | accessdate = January 15, 2015}}</ref> | |||
The film began its wide debut across North American theaters on January 16, 2015 (Thursday night showings began at 7:00 pm).<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.boxofficemojo.com/news/?id=4000&p=.htm| title = Forecast: 'Sniper' Sets Sights on January Record| first = Ray| last = Subers| website = Box Office Mojo| date = January 15, 2015| access-date = January 17, 2015}}</ref> It set an all-time-highest Thursday night opening record for an R-rated drama with $5.3 million (previously held by ''Lone Survivor'').<ref>{{cite magazine| url = https://deadline.com/2015/01/weekend-box-office-american-sniper-kevin-hart-the-wedding-ringer-paddington-blackhat-martin-luther-king-jr-1201349929/| title = 'American Sniper' Hits A Mighty $5.3M, Biggest R-Rated Drama Preview Ever – Thursday B.O.| first = Anthony| last = D'Alessandro| magazine = ]| date = January 16, 2015| access-date = January 16, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://variety.com/2015/film/news/box-office-american-sniper-scores-solidly-with-5-3-million-on-thursday-night-1201407013/|title=Box Office: 'American Sniper' Scores Hit with $5.3 Million on Thursday Night|first=Dave|last=McNary|work=]|date=January 16, 2015|access-date=January 16, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/box-office-american-sniper-scores-764330|title=Box Office: 'American Sniper' Scores Record $5.3M Thursday Night|first=Pamela|last=McClintock|work=]|date=January 16, 2015|access-date=January 16, 2015}}</ref> The film topped the box office on its opening day grossing $30.5 million (including Thursday previews) from 3,555 theaters setting January records for both biggest debut opening (previously held by '']'') and single-day gross (previously held by '']'').<ref>{{cite magazine| url = https://deadline.com/2015/01/weekend-box-office-american-sniper-kevin-hart-the-wedding-ringer-paddington-blackhat-martin-luther-king-jr-1201349929/| title = 'American Sniper' Makes Eastwood's Friday With $30.5M, Can It Hit $80M By Monday? – Saturday Update| first = Anthony| last = D'Alessandro| magazine = ]| date = January 17, 2015| access-date = January 18, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine| url = https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/box-office-shocker-american-sniper-764330| title = Box-Office Shocker: 'American Sniper' Tops Friday With $30.5M, Could Approach $80M| first = Pamela| last = McClintock| magazine = ]| date = January 16, 2015| access-date = January 18, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine| url = https://variety.com/2015/film/news/american-sniper-earns-record-breaking-30-5-mil-friday-shoots-for-80-mil-plus-weekend-1201407861/| title = 'American Sniper' Earns Record-Breaking $30.5 Mil Friday, Shoots for $80 Mil-Plus Weekend| first = Maana| last = Khatchatourian| magazine = ]| date = January 17, 2015| access-date = January 18, 2015}}</ref> In its traditional three-day opening the film earned $89.2 million which was double than expected and broke the record for the largest January opening (previously held by '']'')<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.boxofficemojo.com/alltime/weekends/month/?mo=01&p=.htm| title = Top opening weekends by month| website = Box Office Mojo| access-date = January 24, 2015}}</ref> and the largest winter opening,<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.boxofficemojo.com/alltime/weekends/byseason.htm?season=Winter&p=.htm| title = Top opening weekends by season| website = Box Office Mojo| access-date = January 24, 2015}}</ref> which is also Eastwood's top opening as a director (breaking '']''{{'}}s opening).<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.boxofficemojo.com/news/?id=4003&p=.htm| title = Weekend Report: 'Sniper' Sets January Record with Stunning $90 Million Debut| first = Ray| last = Subers| website = Box Office Mojo| date = January 18, 2015| access-date = January 19, 2015}}</ref> The three-day opening is also the biggest opening weekend for a drama film (previously held by '']''),<ref>{{cite magazine| url = https://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2015/01/18/box-office-clint-eastwoods-american-sniper-breaks-r-rated-record-with-93-6m-weekend/| title = Box Office: Clint Eastwood's 'American Sniper' Earns Massive $90.2M Weekend| first = Scott| last = Mendelson| magazine = ]| date = January 18, 2015| access-date = January 19, 2015}}</ref> the second-biggest debut for a Best Picture Oscar nominee (behind '']''),<ref name="Forbes">{{cite magazine| url = https://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2015/01/19/why-the-american-sniper-box-office-blowout-is-even-bigger-than-you-think/| title = Why The 'American Sniper' Box Office Blowout Is Even Bigger Than You Think| first = Scott| last = Mendelson| magazine = ]| date = January 19, 2015| access-date = January 20, 2015}}</ref> the second-biggest debut for an R-rated film (behind '']''), and the third-biggest for a non-comic book, non-fantasy/sci-fi film (behind '']'' and '']'').<ref name="Forbes"/><ref>{{cite magazine| url = https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/box-office-shocker-american-sniper-764330| title = Box-Office Shocker: 'American Sniper' Now Targeting $105M Debut| first = Pamela| last = McClintock| magazine = ]| date = January 18, 2015| access-date = January 18, 2015}}</ref> It also set an ] January opening and single weekend record with $10.6 million (previously held by ''Avatar'' in its fourth weekend) and an R-rated IMAX debut record (previously held by '']'').<ref>{{cite magazine| url = https://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2015/01/19/american-sniper-went-to-imax/| title = Thoughts On 'American Sniper: The IMAX Experience'| first = Scott| last = Mendelson| magazine = ]| date = January 19, 2015| access-date = February 7, 2015}}</ref> It earned $107.2 million during its four-day ] setting a record for the biggest R-rated four-day gross.<ref>{{cite magazine| url = https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/final-box-office-american-sniper-764627| title = Final Box Office: 'American Sniper' Even Bigger, Hits $107.2M Over MLK Weekend| first = Pamela| last = McClintock| magazine = ]| date = January 20, 2015| access-date = January 22, 2015}}</ref> | |||
===== Wide release ===== | |||
Prior to its North American ], various critics and box office insiders predicted that the film would be a significant hit at the box office in its opening weekend, earning a solid score of A+ in CinemaScore, ] status of the memoir, acclaimed leading star Bradley Cooper, and the prominence of Middle Eastern wartime topics in the headlines at that time, such as the ] and the ]. ] reported that the film accounted for more than 70% of their pre-ticket sales. The film was also outselling 2013's '']'', a similar war drama based film.<ref name="Deadline">{{cite web | url = http://deadline.com/2015/01/weekend-box-office-american-sniper-kevin-hart-the-wedding-ringer-paddington-blackhat-martin-luther-king-jr-1201349929/ | title = ‘American Sniper’ Targeting $50M+ Record Bow For Clint Eastwood: Box Office Preview | author = Anthony D'Alessandro | publisher = Deadline.com | date = January 14, 2015 | accessdate = January 15, 2015}}</ref> Preliminary reports indicated that the film could open to $45 million to $50 million over the four-day ] weekend.<ref name="THR">{{cite web | url = http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/box-office-preview-american-sniper-763586 | title = Box-Office Preview: 'American Sniper' Set to Beat 'Wedding Ringer,' 'Blackhat' | author = Pamela McClintock | publisher = '']'' | date = January 14, 2015 | accessdate = January 15, 2015}}</ref><ref name="Variety">{{cite web | url = http://variety.com/2015/film/news/box-office-american-sniper-aims-for-biggest-weekend-of-clint-eastwoods-career-1201404206/ | title = Box Office: 'American Sniper' Aims for Biggest Weekend of Clint Eastwood's Career | author = Brent Lang | publisher = '']'' | date = January 14, 2015 | accessdate = January 15, 2015}}</ref> Following the announcement that the film was nominated for six Oscars at the ] (including Best Picture and Best actor for Cooper), critics raised their projection to a $55—$61 million three day opening and a $70+ million four day opening.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://deadline.com/2015/01/weekend-box-office-american-sniper-kevin-hart-the-wedding-ringer-paddington-blackhat-martin-luther-king-jr-1201349929/ | title = ‘American Sniper’ Eyeing $55M Weekend – Friday Afternoon Update | author = Anthony D'Alessandro | publisher = Deadline.com | date = January 16, 2015 | accessdate = January 17, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/box-office-american-sniper-soars-764330 | title = Box-Office Shocker: 'American Sniper' Targeting Massive $75M-Plus Debut | author = Pamela McClintock | publisher = '']'' | date = January 16, 2015 | accessdate = January 17, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://variety.com/2015/film/news/american-sniper-shooting-for-massive-60-million-plus-weekend-1201407375/ | title = ‘American Sniper’ Shooting for Record $60 Million-Plus Weekend | author = Dave McNary | publisher = '']'' | date = January 16, 2015 | accessdate = January 17, 2015}}</ref> | |||
In its ], the film expanded to 3,705 theaters making it the second-widest launch for an R-rated movie (behind the film itself).<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.boxofficemojo.com/news/?id=4006&p=.htm| title = Forecast: 'Sniper' to Easily Fight Off Weak Competition This Weekend| first = Ray| last = Subers| website = Box Office Mojo| date = January 22, 2015| access-date = January 24, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.boxofficemojo.com/alltime/widestmpaareleases.htm?page=R&p=.htm| title = Widest releases by MPAA rating| website = Box Office Mojo| access-date = January 24, 2015}}</ref> It grossed an estimated $64.6 million in its second weekend, declining only by 28%—and set the record for the second-best hold ever for a movie opening to more than $85 million and also set the record for the eighth-largest second-weekend gross.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.boxofficemojo.com/news/?id=4009&p=.htm| title = Weekend Report: 'Sniper' Scores Stunning $64 Million in Second Weekend| first = Ray| last = Subers| website = Box Office Mojo| date = January 25, 2015| access-date = January 27, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine| url = https://deadline.com/2015/01/american-sniper-to-take-out-new-films-by-jennifer-lopez-johnny-depp-george-lucas-box-office-preview-1201354871/| title = 'American Sniper' Higher In Actuals With $200.4M, Oscar Fare Surging – Monday Final Box Office| first = Anthony| last = D'Alessandro| magazine = ]| date = January 26, 2015| access-date = January 27, 2015}}</ref> In just 10 days of release, the film surpassed '']'' ($198.5 million) to become the second-highest-grossing war film in North America.<ref>{{cite magazine| url = https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/box-office-american-sniper-hits-765695| title = Box Office: 'American Sniper' Hits Stunning $200M; Johnny Depp Fizzles| first = Pamela| last = McClintock| magazine = ]| date = January 25, 2015| access-date = January 16, 2015}}</ref> By its second weekend, ] had already reported that the film was on poise to become the highest-grossing film of 2014 in North America, a record that was, at the time held by '']'' ($334 million), judging from its gradual decline and strong holdovers.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.boxofficemojo.com/news/?id=4009&p=.htm| title = Weekend Report: 'Sniper' Scores Stunning $64 Million in Second Weekend| first = Ray| last = Subers| website = ]| date = January 25, 2015| access-date = January 27, 2015}}</ref> It became the highest-grossing IMAX film of January grossing $18.8 million from 333 IMAX theaters.<ref>{{cite magazine| url = https://deadline.com/2015/01/imax-stock-mission-impossible-1201360464/| title = IMAX Stock Buoyed by 'Mission: Impossible' Switch And Box Office Sales| first = David| last = Lieberman| magazine = ]| date = January 27, 2015| access-date = January 30, 2015}}</ref> On Thursday, January 29, 2015–35 days after its initial release, the film surpassed '']'' ($216.5 million) to become the highest-grossing war film in North America, unadjusted for inflation.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.thewrap.com/american-sniper-overtakes-saving-private-ryan-as-no-1-war-movie-of-all-time/| title = 'American Sniper' Overtakes 'Saving Private Ryan' as No. 1 Domestic Grossing War Movie of All Time| author = Linda Ge| publisher = ]| date = January 30, 2015| access-date = January 31, 2015}}</ref> | |||
The film began its wide debut across North American theaters on January 16, 2015 (Thursday night showings began at 7:00 pm).<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.boxofficemojo.com/news/?id=4000&p=.htm | title = Forecast: 'Sniper' Sets Sights on January Record | author = Ray Subers | publisher = Box Office Mojo | date = January 15, 2015 | accessdate = January 17, 2015}}</ref> It set an all-time highest Thursday night opening record for a R-rated drama with $5.3 million (previously held by ''Lone Survivor'' with $1.9 million).<ref>{{cite web | url = http://deadline.com/2015/01/weekend-box-office-american-sniper-kevin-hart-the-wedding-ringer-paddington-blackhat-martin-luther-king-jr-1201349929/ | title = ‘American Sniper’ Hits A Mighty $5.3M, Biggest R-Rated Drama Preview Ever – Thursday B.O. | author = Anthony D'Alessandro | publisher = Deadline.com | date = January 16, 2015 | accessdate = January 16, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://variety.com/2015/film/news/box-office-american-sniper-scores-solidly-with-5-3-million-on-thursday-night-1201407013/ | title = Box Office: ‘American Sniper’ Scores Hit with $5.3 Million on Thursday Night | author = Dave McNary | publisher = '']'' | date = January 16, 2015 | accessdate = January 16, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/box-office-american-sniper-scores-764330 | title = Box Office: 'American Sniper' Scores Record $5.3M Thursday Night | author = Pamela McClintock | publisher = '']'' | date = January 16, 2015 | accessdate = January 16, 2015}}</ref> The film topped the box office on its opening day grossing $30.5 million (including Thursday previews) from 3,555 theaters setting January records for both biggest debut opening (previously held by '']'') and single-day gross (previously held by '']'').<ref>{{cite web | url = http://deadline.com/2015/01/weekend-box-office-american-sniper-kevin-hart-the-wedding-ringer-paddington-blackhat-martin-luther-king-jr-1201349929/ | title = ‘American Sniper’ Makes Eastwood’s Friday With $30.5M, Can It Hit $80M By Monday? – Saturday Update | author = Anthony D'Alessandro | publisher = Deadline.com | date = January 17, 2015 | accessdate = January 18, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/box-office-shocker-american-sniper-764330 | title = Box-Office Shocker: 'American Sniper' Tops Friday With $30.5M, Could Approach $80M | author = Pamela McClintock | publisher = '']'' | date = January 16, 2015 | accessdate = January 18, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://variety.com/2015/film/news/american-sniper-earns-record-breaking-30-5-mil-friday-shoots-for-80-mil-plus-weekend-1201407861/ | title = ‘American Sniper’ Earns Record-Breaking $30.5 Mil Friday, Shoots for $80 Mil-Plus Weekend | author = Maana Khatchatourian | publisher = '']'' | date = January 17, 2015 | accessdate = January 18, 2015}}</ref> In its traditional three-day opening the film earned $89.2 million which was double than expected and broke the record for the largest January opening (previously held by '']'' with $41.5 million)<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.boxofficemojo.com/alltime/weekends/month/?mo=01&p=.htm | title = TOP OPENING WEEKENDS BY MONTH | publisher = ''Box Office Mojo'' | accessdate = January 24, 2015}}</ref> and the largest winter opening,<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.boxofficemojo.com/alltime/weekends/byseason.htm?season=Winter&p=.htm | title = TOP OPENING WEEKENDS BY SEASON | publisher = ''Box Office Mojo'' | accessdate = January 24, 2015}}</ref> which is also Eastwood's top opening as a director surpassing '']''{{'}}s $29.5 million opening.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.boxofficemojo.com/news/?id=4003&p=.htm | title = Weekend Report: 'Sniper' Sets January Record with Stunning $90 Million Debut | author = Ray Subers | publisher = Box Office Mojo | date = January 18, 2015 | accessdate = January 19, 2015}}</ref> The three-day opening is also the biggest opening weekend for a drama film (previously held by '']'' with $83 million),<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2015/01/18/box-office-clint-eastwoods-american-sniper-breaks-r-rated-record-with-93-6m-weekend/ | title = Box Office: Clint Eastwood's 'American Sniper' Earns Massive $90.2M Weekend | author = Scott Mendelson | publisher = '']'' | date = January 18, 2015 | accessdate = January 19, 2015}}</ref> the second biggest debut for a Best Picture Oscar nominee (behind '']'' with $109 million),<ref name="Forbes">{{cite web | url = http://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2015/01/19/why-the-american-sniper-box-office-blowout-is-even-bigger-than-you-think/ | title = Why The 'American Sniper' Box Office Blowout Is Even Bigger Than You Think | author = Scott Mendelson | publisher = '']'' | date = January 19, 2015 | accessdate = January 20, 2015}}</ref> the second biggest debut for an R-rated film (behind '']'' with $91.8 million), and the second biggest for a non-comic book, non-fantasy/sci-fi film (behind '']'' with $97.3 million).<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/box-office-shocker-american-sniper-764330 | title = Box-Office Shocker: 'American Sniper' Now Targeting $105M Debut | author = Pamela McClintock | publisher = '']'' | date = January 18, 2015 | accessdate = January 18, 2015}}</ref><ref name="Forbes"/> It also set an IMAX opening record with $9.5 million ($11.5 million from Friday to Monday) beating ]'s '']'', which made $9 million in 2012.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://deadline.com/2015/01/weekend-box-office-american-sniper-kevin-hart-the-wedding-ringer-paddington-blackhat-martin-luther-king-jr-1201349929/ | title = Eastwood’s Fistful Of Dollars: ‘American Sniper’ Targets Record Jan. $105.2M Four-Day Bow – Final Update | author = Anthony D'Alessandro | publisher = Deadline.com | date = January 18, 2015 | accessdate = January 19, 2015}}</ref> It earned $107.2 million during its four-day ] weekend setting a record for the biggest R-rated four day gross.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/final-box-office-american-sniper-764627 | title = Final Box Office: 'American Sniper' Even Bigger, Hits $107.2M Over MLK Weekend | author = Pamela McClintock | publisher = '']'' | date = January 20, 2015 | accessdate = January 22, 2015}}</ref> | |||
By its third weekend of wide release, the film expanded to 3,885 theaters (180 additional theaters added), breaking its own record of being the widest R-rated film ever released.<ref>{{cite magazine| url = https://variety.com/2015/film/news/box-office-american-sniper-to-dominate-super-bowl-weekend-with-35-million-1201417558/| title = Box Office: 'American Sniper' to Dominate Super Bowl Weekend with $35 Million| first = Dave| last = McNarry| magazine = ]| date = January 28, 2015| access-date = January 29, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine| url = https://deadline.com/2015/02/american-sniper-project-almanac-super-bowl-box-office-1201361696/| title = Super Bowl Won't Sideline 'American Sniper': Box Office Preview| first = Anthony| last = D'Alessandro| magazine = ]| date = January 28, 2015| access-date = January 29, 2015}}</ref> The film topped the box office through its third weekend earning $30.66 million, which is the second-highest ] weekend gross (behind '']'').<ref>{{cite magazine| url = https://deadline.com/2015/02/american-sniper-project-almanac-super-bowl-box-office-1201361696/| title = 'American Sniper' Misses Super Bowl Record; Most Top 10 Films Off – Monday B.O. Actuals| first = Anthony| last = D'Alessandro| magazine = ]| date = February 2, 2015| access-date = February 3, 2015}}</ref> After topping the box office for three consecutive weekends, the film was overtaken by '']'' in its fourth weekend.<ref name="earn">{{cite web| url = https://www.boxofficemojo.com/news/?id=4018&p=.htm| title = Weekend Report: 'Jupiter Ascending' Crushed By Super 'SpongeBob'| first = Ray| last = Subers| website = ]| date = February 8, 2015| access-date = February 10, 2015}}</ref> | |||
==== |
====Outside North America==== | ||
The film had the biggest debut weekend for a Clint Eastwood film, and went on to become the director's top-grossing film of all time in each of the countries in which it was released.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2015/03/american-sniper-500-million-box-office-eastwood-warner-1201388425/|title='American Sniper' Shoots Past $500M At Global B.O.; More Eastwood Records Set|first=Nancy|last=Tartaglione|website=]|date=March 8, 2015|access-date=March 9, 2015}}</ref> In Italy the film opened at number two with $7.1 million, Eastwood's best opening of all time, and Warner Bros.' second-biggest opening for a non-franchise U.S. film there;<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2015/01/international-box-office-hobbit-taken-3-american-sniper-pk-angel-of-death-1201340651/|title='Sniper' Hits Bullseye For Eastwood In Italy, 'Hobbit' Grows: Intl BO Update|first=Nancy|last=Tartaglione|website=]|date=January 6, 2015|access-date=March 7, 2015}}</ref> it went on to top the box office the following weekend as well.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2015/01/international-box-office-night-at-the-museum-tomb-taken-3-american-sniper-unbroken-1201347113/|title=Strong Frame For Fox, Eastwood, Local Pics At International Box Office: Update|first=Nancy|last=Tartaglione|website=]|date=January 13, 2015|access-date=March 7, 2015}}</ref> Its other largest openings occurred in France ($6.3 million),<ref name="ot">{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2015/02/fifty-shades-of-grey-crosses-400-million-kingsman-american-sniper-international-box-office-1201378699/|title='Fifty Shades' Still Sexy At Overseas Box Office; Chinese New Year Festive For 'Kingsman' – In'tl B.O.Update|first=Nancy|last=Tartaglione|website=]|date=February 24, 2015|access-date=March 7, 2015}}</ref> where it topped the box office for four consecutive weekends,<ref>{{cite web| url=https://deadline.com/2015/03/cinderella-box-office-international-1201393027/|title='Cinderella' Tops International Box Office As 'Fifty Shades' Joins Uni's Top 10|first=Nancy|last=Tartaglione|website=]|date=March 15, 2015|access-date=March 15, 2015}}</ref> Australia ($4.3 million, $4.6 million including previews),<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2015/01/international-box-office-hobbit-five-armies-china-american-sniper-record-eastwood-mortdecai-boy-next-door-results-1201358036/|title='Sniper', 'Boy Next Door', 'Mortdecai' Up In Actuals; 'Taken 3′ Cume Shifts: Intl BO|first=Nancy|last=Tartaglione|website=]|date=January 27, 2015|access-date=March 7, 2015}}</ref> the UK, Ireland and Malta ($3.8 million),<ref name="UKK">{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2015/01/international-box-office-seventh-son-blackhat-taken-3-american-sniper-vikram-imitation-game-boyhood-1201352742/|title='Sniper' Hits Eastwood Highs; 'Taken', 'Son' Top International Box Office: Final|first=Nancy|last=Tartaglione|website=]|date=January 21, 2015|access-date=March 7, 2015}}</ref> Spain ($3.2 million), Japan ($2.8 million), Mexico ($2.6 million), Brazil ($1.8 million), and South Korea ($1.2 million).<ref name="ot"/> In total earnings, its largest market outside of the U.S. are Italy ($23 million) and France ($22.8 million).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2015/06/european-box-office-summer-outlook-chart-1201451153/|title=Euro Summer Box Office's Rosy Outlook: Admissions Up, Soccer Off – Chart|first=Nancy|last=Tartaglione|work=]|publisher=(])|date=June 22, 2015|access-date=June 22, 2015}}</ref> | |||
In Italy, the film was released on December 31, 2014 and earned $6.72 million (] reported $7.1 million) in its opening weekend.<ref name="$500million">{{cite web | url = https://deadline.com/2015/01/international-box-office-hobbit-taken-3-american-sniper-pk-angel-of-death-1201340651/ | title = ‘Hobbit’ Passes $500M; ‘American Sniper’, ‘Taken 3′ Skillful: Intl Box Office Update | author = Nancy Tartaglione | publisher = Deadline.com | date = January 4, 2015 | accessdate = January 5, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.boxofficemojo.com/news/?id=3993&p=.htm | title = Around-the-World Roundup: 'Hobbit' Marches To $500 Million Overseas | author = Ray Subers | publisher = Box Office Mojo | date = January 4, 2015 | accessdate = January 5, 2015}}</ref><ref name="international">{{cite web | url=http://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?page=intl&view=bycountry&id=americansniper.htm | title=American Sniper International Box Office | publisher=IMDB | work=boxofficemojo.com | accessdate=January 22, 2015}}</ref> | |||
For the weekend of January 16, 2015, the film expanded in to seven new markets and earned an estimated $9.3 million.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://boxofficemojo.com/news/?id=4005&p=.htm | title=Around-the-World Roundup: 'Taken' Repeats, 'Hobbit' Hits $800 Million | publisher=IMDB | work=boxofficemojo.com | accessdate=January 22, 2015}}</ref> This includes $3.8 million in United Kingdom, which is Clint Eastwood's biggest debut ever in that region, $1.2 million in South Korea and $291,149 in New Zealand.<ref name="international"/> | |||
===Critical response=== | ===Critical response=== | ||
On ], ''American Sniper'' holds an approval rating of 72%, based on 294 reviews, with an average rating of 6.90/10. The website's critical consensus states, "Powered by Clint Eastwood's sure-handed direction and a gripping central performance from Bradley Cooper, ''American Sniper'' delivers a tense, vivid tribute to its real-life subject."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/american_sniper/|title=American Sniper (2015)|work=]|publisher=]|access-date=July 29, 2020}}</ref> On ], the film has a weighted average score of 73 out of 100, based on 48 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".<ref>{{cite web| url= https://www.metacritic.com/movie/american-sniper| title=American Sniper Reviews| work=]| publisher= ]| access-date= January 29, 2015}}</ref> In ] polls conducted during the opening weekend, audiences gave ''American Sniper'' a rare grade of "A+" on an A+ to F scale.<ref>{{cite magazine| url = https://variety.com/2015/film/awards/can-box-office-performance-help-sniper-unbroken-win-academy-voters-1201393975/| title = Can Box Office Help 'American Sniper', 'Unbroken' Win Over Academy Voters?| first = Jenelle| last = Riley| magazine = ]| date = January 8, 2015| access-date = January 17, 2015}}</ref> | |||
Todd McCarthy of '']'' |
] of '']'' called the film "A taut, vivid and sad account of the brief life of the most accomplished marksman in American military annals."<ref>{{cite news|url= https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movie/american-sniper/review/748460|title='American Sniper': AFI Fest Review|first=Todd|last=McCarthy|work=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=December 26, 2014}}</ref> Justin Chang of '']'' gave the film a positive review, saying: "an excellent performance from a bulked-up Bradley Cooper, this harrowing and intimate character study offers fairly blunt insights into the physical and psychological toll exacted on the front lines".<ref name="variety-chang">{{cite news|date= November 12, 2014|first= Justin|last= Chang|url= https://variety.com/2014/film/reviews/film-review-american-sniper-1201354123/|title='American Sniper' Review: Bradley Cooper Stars in Clint Eastwood's Powerful War Movie|work=Variety|access-date=December 26, 2014}}</ref> ] of '']'' gave the film a positive review, saying "Both a devastating war movie and a devastating antiwar movie, a subdued celebration of a warrior's skill and a sorrowful lament over his alienation and misery."<ref>{{cite magazine|first= David|last= Denby|url= https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2014/12/22/living-history|title='Selma' and 'American Sniper' Reviews|date=December 22, 2014|magazine=The New Yorker|access-date=December 26, 2014}}</ref> Keith Phipps of '']'' wrote that the film, while well made, missed a chance to explore the toll that such service exacts on soldiers.<ref name=Dissolve>. Phipps, Keith. '']'', December 23, 2014</ref> ] of '']'' gave the film a C+, saying "The film's just a repetition of context-free combat missions and one-dimensional targets."<ref>{{cite magazine|date=December 25, 2014|first=Chris|last=Nashawaty|url=https://ew.com/article/2014/12/25/american-sniper/|title=American Sniper Review|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|access-date=December 26, 2014|archive-date=January 28, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150128111715/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20883931,00.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Elizabeth Weitzman of '']'' gave the film four out of five stars, saying "The best movies are ever-shifting, intelligent and open-hearted enough to expand alongside an audience. ''American Sniper'' ... is built on this foundation of uncommon compassion."<ref>{{cite news|date= December 22, 2014|first= Elizabeth|last= Weitzman|url= http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/american-sniper-movie-review-article-1.2053729|title='American Sniper': Movie review|work=NY Daily News|access-date=December 26, 2014|location=New York}}</ref> | ||
] of '']'' gave the film three |
] of '']'' gave the film three-and-a-half stars out of four, saying "Bradley Cooper, as Navy SEAL Chris Kyle, and director Eastwood salute Kyle's patriotism best by not denying its toll. Their targets are clearly in sight, and their aim is true."<ref>{{cite magazine|first= Peter|last= Travers|url= https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/reviews/american-sniper-20141223|title='American Sniper' Movie Review|magazine=Rolling Stone|date= 23 December 2014|access-date=December 26, 2014}}</ref> ] of '']'' gave the film a B, saying "''American Sniper'' is imperfect and at times a little corny, but also ambivalent and complicated in ways that are uniquely Eastwoodian."<ref>{{cite news|first= Ignatiy|last= Vishnevetsky|url= https://www.avclub.com/review/clint-eastwoods-american-sniper-war-movie-s-tenses-212968|title=Review: Clint Eastwood's American Sniper is a war movie that's tensest on the home front|newspaper=The A.V. Club|access-date=December 26, 2014}}</ref> ] of ''ReelViews'' gave the film three-and-a-half stars out of four, saying "''American Sniper'' lifts director Clint Eastwood out of the doldrums that have plagued his last few films."<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.reelviews.net/php_review_template.php?identifier=2846|title=Reelviews Movie Reviews|first=James|last=Berardinelli|publisher=ReelViews|access-date=December 26, 2014}}</ref> Rafer Guzman of '']'' gave the film three out of four stars, saying "Cooper nails the role of an American killing machine in Clint Eastwood's clear-eyed look at the Iraq War."<ref>{{cite web|first = Rafer|last = Guzman|url= http://www.newsday.com/entertainment/movies/american-sniper-review-bradley-cooper-nails-the-role-1.9740058|title='American Sniper' review: Bradley Cooper nails the role|work=Newsday}}</ref> ] of the '']'' gave the film a positive review, saying "Eastwood's impeccably crafted action sequences so catch us up in the chaos of combat we are almost not aware that we're watching a film at all."<ref>{{cite news|url= https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-american-sniper-review-20141225-column.html|title=Review: 'American Sniper' goes above and beyond war-hero tradition |first= Kenneth|last= Turan|date=December 24, 2014|work= ]|access-date=December 26, 2014}}</ref> Claudia Puig of '']'' gave the film three out of four stars, saying "It's clearly Cooper's show. Substantially bulked up and affecting a believable Texas drawl, Cooper embodies Kyle's confidence, intensity and vulnerability."<ref>{{cite news|url= https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/movies/2014/12/23/american-sniper-review/19157153/|title=Bradley Cooper's aim is true in 'American Sniper'|first=Claudia|last=Puig|date=December 23, 2014|newspaper=USA Today|access-date=December 26, 2014}}</ref> Joshua Rothkopf of '']'' gave the film four out of five stars, saying "Only Clint Eastwood could make a movie about an Iraq War veteran and infuse it with doubts, mission anxiety and ruination."<ref>{{cite web|first= Joshua|last= Rothkopf|url= https://www.timeout.com/us/film/american-sniper|title=American Sniper|work=Time Out New York|date= 23 December 2014|access-date=December 26, 2014}}</ref> ] praised the film, saying "His focus was not on whom we were fighting, but the unbearably high price Americans pay for waging war regardless of its target. The film is a cautionary tale for Americans about why we must avoid war. It is not a celebration of waging it."<ref>{{cite web|first=Dean|last=Obeidallah|url=http://www.cnn.com/2015/01/27/opinion/obeidallah-american-sniper/|title='American Sniper' a powerful anti-war film|work=CNN|date=January 27, 2015|access-date=May 14, 2016}}</ref> | ||
The film drew some negative reviews. ], in '']'', wrote that the movie turned the complicated moral questions and mass-bloodshed of the Iraq war into a black and white fairy tale, without presenting the historical context.<ref>{{cite magazine|url= https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/american-sniper-is-almost-too-dumb-to-criticize-20150121#ixzz3PsK4QE4Q|title='American Sniper' is almost too dumb to criticize|last=Taibbi|first=Matt|magazine= Rolling Stone |date=January 21, 2015|access-date=February 6, 2015}}</ref> ] of '']'' argued that the film presented a simplified black and white portrayal of the Iraq war, and that it features the distortion of facts into unreliable myths based upon previous legends.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2015/jan/20/why-american-snipers-historical-dishonesty-misleads|title=Is American Sniper historically accurate?|last=Von Tunzelmann|first=Alex|newspaper= The Guardian|date=January 20, 2015|access-date=January 31, 2015}}</ref> David Masciotra of '']'' criticized the movie's focus on physical rather than moral courage as the ultimate manly virtue.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.salon.com/2015/02/01/american_sniper_selma_and_the_macho_cowardice_of_chris_kyle_partner/|title=Civil war at the cineplex: 'American Sniper', 'Selma' and the battle over American masculinity|last=Masciotra|first=David|work= Salon|date=February 1, 2015|access-date=February 2, 2015}}</ref> ] sniper Garett Reppenhagen stated that he did not view Iraqi civilians as savages, but as part of a friendly culture for which the movie has furthered ignorance, fear, and bigotry.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.salon.com/2015/02/01/i_was_an_american_sniper_and_chris_kyle%E2%80%99s_war_was_not_my_war/|title=I was an American sniper, and Chris Kyle's war was not my war|last=Reppenhagen|first=Garett|work= Salon|date=February 1, 2015|access-date=February 2, 2015}}</ref> Inkoo Kang of '']'' gave the film a negative review, saying "Director Clint Eastwood's focus on Kyle is so tight that no other character, including wife Taya (Sienna Miller), comes through as a person, and the scope so narrow that the film engages only superficially with the many moral issues surrounding the Iraq War."<ref>{{cite web|first= Inkoo|last= Kang|url= https://www.thewrap.com/american-sniper-review-bradley-cooper-clint-eastwood-sienna-miller/|title='American Sniper' Review: War Plays Out Like a Video Game in Clint Eastwood's Navy SEAL Biopic|work=TheWrap|date= 12 November 2014|access-date=December 26, 2014}}</ref> Several other articles have also been critical of the movie.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.truthdig.com/articles/killing-ragheads-for-jesus/|title= Killing Ragheads for Jesus|last=Hedges|first=Chris|publisher=Truthdig|date=January 25, 2015|access-date=January 26, 2015|author-link=Chris Hedges}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/religion/heres-the-faith-in-the-american-sniper-you-wont-see-in-the-film/2015/01/14/f7c33bd6-9c0a-11e4-86a3-1b56f64925f6_story.html|title=Here's the faith in the 'American Sniper' you won't see in the film|last=Pulliam Bailey|first=Sarah|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=January 14, 2015|access-date=February 1, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vox.com/2015/1/21/7641189/american-sniper-history|title=American Sniper is a dishonest whitewash of the Iraq war|last=Beauchamp|first=Zack|publisher=Vox|date=January 21, 2015|access-date=January 28, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://lareviewofbooks.org/essay/trauma-hero-wilfred-owen-redeployment-american-sniper|title=The Trauma Hero: From Wilfred Owen to 'Redeployment' and 'American Sniper'|last=Scranton|first=Roy|publisher= Los Angeles Review Of Books|date=January 25, 2015|access-date=February 8, 2015}}</ref> | |||
===Criticism=== | |||
The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination committee said that the release of the movie coincided with increased threats against Arabs and Muslims.<ref>http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/01/24/american-sniper-anti-muslim-threats_n_6537950.html</ref> It has also accused Eastwood of dishonestly linking the ] with Iraq.<ref>http://www.vox.com/2015/1/21/7641189/american-sniper-history</ref> | |||
Responding to critics, Eastwood said that ''American Sniper'' shows "what does to the people left behind",<ref>{{cite news|last=Haithman|first=Diane|title=Eastwood Talks Impact Of 'American Sniper' At PGA Nominees Breakfast|url= https://deadline.com/2015/01/clint-eastwood-american-sniper-producers-guild-awards-nominees-breakfast-1201357485/|work=]|date=January 24, 2015}}</ref> and that presenting "the fact of what does to the family and the people who have to go back into civilian life like Chris Kyle did" is the "biggest ] statement any film" can make.<ref name=BiggestAntiwarStatement>{{cite news|last=Kilday|first=Gregg|title=Clint Eastwood on 'American Sniper's' 'Biggest Antiwar Statement'|url=https://www.yahoo.com/movies/clint-eastwood-on-american-snipers-biggest-109039032327.html|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=January 24, 2015}}</ref> He stated: "One of my favorite war movies that I've been involved with is '']'' and that was about family, about being taken away from life, being sent someplace. In World War II, everybody just sort of went home and got over it. Now there is some effort to help people through it."<ref name=BiggestAntiwarStatement/> He also said: "I was a child growing up during ]. That was supposed to be the one to end all wars. And four years later, I was standing at the ] being drafted during the ], and then after that there was Vietnam, and it goes on and on forever ... I just wonder ... does this ever stop? And no, it doesn't. So each time we get in these conflicts, it deserves a lot of thought before we go wading in or wading out. Going in or coming out. It needs a better thought process, I think."<ref>{{cite news|last=Howell|first=Peter|title=Think before you shoot, Clint Eastwood says of war: interview|url=https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/movies/2015/01/13/think_before_you_shoot_clint_eastwood_says_of_war_interview.html|work=The Star|date=January 16, 2015|location=Toronto}}</ref> | |||
John Wight, writing for '']'', strongly criticized the film and its reception to date. He said, "The moral depravity into which the US is sinking is shown by American Sniper glorifying the exploits of a racist killer receiving six Oscar nominations, whereas ] depicting ]'s struggle against racism has been largely ignored."<ref>. John Wight, 23 January 2015. ] Op Edge.</ref> | |||
Bradley Cooper stated that much of the criticism ignores that the film was about widespread neglect of returning veterans, and that people who take issue with Kyle should redirect their attention to the leaders who put the troops there in the first place. He said: "We looked at hopefully igniting attention about the lack of care that goes to vets. discussion that has nothing to do with vets, or what we did or did not do , every conversation in those terms is moving farther and farther from what our soldiers go through, and the fact that 22 veterans commit suicide each day." Cooper said that an increasing number of soldiers are returning from conflict psychologically damaged, only to be more or less discarded.<ref>{{cite news|last=Buckley|first=Cara|title=Bradley Cooper Says 'American Sniper' Debate Ignores Plight of Veterans|url=http://carpetbagger.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/02/02/bradley-cooper-says-american-sniper-debate-ignores-plight-of-veterans/?_r=0|work=]|date=February 2, 2015}}</ref> | |||
] wrote that "''Sniper'' is a movie whose politics are so ludicrous and idiotic that under normal circumstances it would be beneath criticism" and that "Eastwood plays for cheap applause and goes super-dumb even by Hollywood standards."<ref> (2015-01-23), '']''</ref> | |||
Former First Lady ] and former ] vice presidential nominee ] also spoke out in support of the movie.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2015/01/30/remarks-first-lady-got-your-six-screenwriters-event-conversation-power-t|title=Remarks by the First Lady at Got Your Six Screenwriters Event – Conversation on the Power of Telling Veterans' Stories|date=January 30, 2015|via=]|work=]|access-date=January 31, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://variety.com/2015/film/news/first-lady-michelle-obama-offers-praise-for-american-sniper-1201419881/|title=First Lady Michelle Obama Offers Praise for 'American Sniper'|work=]|date=January 30, 2015|access-date=January 31, 2015|first=Ted|last=Johnson}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/sarah-palin-american-sniper-critics |title=Sarah Palin To Critics Of 'American Sniper' Movie: God Bless Our Snipers |first=Ahiza |last=Garcia |date=January 21, 2015 |work=] |access-date=February 13, 2021}}</ref> | |||
], writing for ], among other issues, criticises that the film attempts to glorify a man who refered to everyone he fought as “savage, despicable” evil, combined with statements such as: “I only wish I had killed more.” As well as: “I loved what I did. I still do. If circumstances were different – if my family didn’t need me – I’d be back in a heartbeat. I’m not lying or exaggerating to say it was fun. I had the time of my life being a SEAL."<ref></ref> He also writes that the film has incited a massive outpouring of hatred towards Muslims in social media, and frequent death threats towards critics of the film.<ref></ref> | |||
===Historical accuracy=== | |||
Several major news sources commented on the accuracy of the film and how it differs from Chris Kyle's written accounts. The enemy sniper Mustafa is a major character in the film but receives only a small mention in the memoir; Kyle noted: "I never saw him, but other snipers later killed an Iraqi sniper we think was him."<ref name="guardian">{{cite news|author=Alex von Tunzelmann|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2015/jan/20/why-american-snipers-historical-dishonesty-misleads|title=Is American Sniper historically accurate? | Film|website=]|date=20 January 2015 |access-date=May 14, 2016}}</ref><ref name="slate">{{cite web|last=Duckworth|first=Courtney|url=http://www.slate.com/blogs/browbeat/2015/01/23/american_sniper_fact_vs_fiction_how_accurate_is_the_chris_kyle_movie.html|title=American Sniper fact vs. fiction: How accurate is the Chris Kyle movie?|publisher=Slate.com|date=January 23, 2015|access-date=May 14, 2016}}</ref> According to the memoir, Kyle's 2100-yard shot was taken against an insurgent holding a rocket launcher, not Mustafa.<ref name="slate" /><ref name="wapo">{{cite news|last=Lamothe|first=Dan|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/checkpoint/wp/2015/02/18/fact-checking-american-sniper-as-the-oscars-near/|title=Fact-checking 'American Sniper' as the Oscars near|newspaper=]|date=February 18, 2015|access-date=May 14, 2016}}</ref> '']'' notes that according to screenwriter Jason Hall, Kyle said of Mustafa: "He shot my friend. I'm not going to put his name in my book."<ref name="time">{{cite magazine|url=https://time.com/3672295/american-sniper-fact-check/|magazine=]|first=Eliana|last=Dockterman|title=The True Story Behind American Sniper|date=January 16, 2015}}</ref> The first combat scene in the film has Kyle killing a boy and mother who try to attack U.S. troops with a grenade; the boy was added for the film.<ref name="guardian" /><ref name="slate" /><ref name="time" /> The film's narrative has Navy SEAL Ryan "Biggles" Job dying from surgical complications from an operation on his face relatively soon after being shot in Iraq, but in reality it was several years later.<ref name="slate" /><ref name="wapo" /> The character "the Butcher" was created for the film,<ref name="guardian" /><ref name="time" /> although this character may have been based on the real-life ] or ].<ref name="guardian" /> The visual blog '']'' stated that, while taking creative licence into account, the film was 56.9% accurate when compared to real-life events, summarizing: "a lot of the events in the movie did happen, although Kyle's involvement in them was repeatedly exaggerated".<ref>{{cite web|title=Based on a True True Story? Scene-by-scene Breakdown of Hollywood Films|url=https://www.informationisbeautiful.net/visualizations/based-on-a-true-true-story/|publisher=Information Is Beautiful|access-date=July 28, 2019}}</ref> | |||
In the film, Kyle decides to join the navy after watching the ] on TV, in reality this did not contribute to his decision.<ref>{{cite news |last1=von Tunzelmann |first1=Alex |title=Is American Sniper historically accurate? |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2015/jan/20/why-american-snipers-historical-dishonesty-misleads |work=]}}</ref> | |||
===Prop baby=== | |||
One aspect of the film that received negative comment was its use of a fake baby doll in one scene, which was said to look obviously artificial and that it was a distraction to critics and viewers.<ref>{{cite web|last=McWeeny|first=Drew|url=http://www.hitfix.com/motion-captured/the-real-star-of-american-sniper-is-a-creepy-robot-baby|title=The Real Star of ''American Sniper'' is a Creepy Robot Baby|work=Hitfix|date=December 1, 2014|access-date=July 4, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141227212929/http://www.hitfix.com/motion-captured/the-real-star-of-american-sniper-is-a-creepy-robot-baby|archive-date=2014-12-27}}</ref> In at least one media screening of the film, the audience laughed out loud at how artificial the doll appeared.<ref name=THR>{{cite news|last=Galuppo|first=Mia|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/american-snipers-fake-baby-mocked-764702|title=''American Sniper''{{'}}s Fake Baby Mocked by Critics, Moviegoers|work=]|date=January 19, 2015|access-date=July 4, 2015}}</ref> When discussing the film's prospects for winning an Academy Award, ] critic Dave Karger said, "The reason why ''American Sniper'' is not going to win is because of the plastic baby."<ref>{{cite news|last=Respers France|first=Lisa|url=http://www.cnn.com/2015/02/20/entertainment/feat-american-sniper-fake-baby-academy-award/index.html|title='American Sniper', the Oscars, and that Fake Baby|work=]|date=February 22, 2015|access-date=July 4, 2015}}</ref> In '']'', journalist Mark Harris said, "That plastic baby is going to be rationalised by Eastwood ''auteur'' cultists until the end of days."<ref name=TelegraphBaby>{{cite news|last=Vincent|first=Alice|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/film/american-sniper/bradley-cooper-plastic-babies-mystery/|title=The Mystery of ''American Sniper''{{'}}s Plastic Babies|work=]|date=January 19, 2015|access-date=July 4, 2015|location=London}}</ref> In response, screenwriter ] replied, "Hate to ruin the fun but real baby #1 showed up with a fever. Real baby #2 was no show. 'Gimme the doll, kid.{{'"}}<ref name=TelegraphBaby/><ref name=THR /> | |||
===Top ten lists=== | |||
''American Sniper'' was listed on many critics' top ten lists.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/feature/film-critic-top-10-lists-best-movies-of-2014|title=Film Critic Top 10 Lists - Best Movies of 2014|website=Metacritic|access-date=May 14, 2016|archive-date=March 2, 2022|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220302145851/https://www.metacritic.com/feature/film-critic-top-10-lists-best-movies-of-2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> | |||
{{Div col|colwidth=100em}} | |||
* 1st – ], '']'' | |||
* 3rd – ], '']'' | |||
* 6th – ], '']'' | |||
* 6th – James Verniere, '']'' | |||
* 7th – ], Reelviews | |||
* 8th – Mara Reinstein, '']'' | |||
* 9th – Scott Feinberg, '']'' | |||
* 9th – Elizabeth Weitzman, '']'' | |||
* 10th – Scott Foundas, '']'' | |||
* 10th – '']'' | |||
* Top 10 (ranked alphabetically) – ], '']'' | |||
* Best of 2014 (listed alphabetically, not ranked) – ], '']'' | |||
* Best of 2014 (listed alphabetically, not ranked) – ], '']'' | |||
{{Div col end}} | |||
===Home media=== | |||
''American Sniper'' was released on ] and ] on May 19, 2015 by ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=16495|title=American Sniper Blu-ray|publisher=Blu-ray.com|access-date=April 11, 2015}}</ref> | |||
Upon its first week of release on home media in the United States, the film topped both the Nielsen VideoScan First Alert chart, which tracks overall disc sales, as well as the Blu-ray Disc sales chart in the week ending May 24, 2015.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://variety.com/2015/film/news/american-sniper-shoots-to-the-top-of-the-home-video-charts-1201507617/|title='American Sniper' Shoots to the Top of the Home-Video Charts|author=Thomas K. Arnold|work=]|publisher=(])|date=May 28, 2015|access-date=May 29, 2015}}</ref> | |||
==Accolades== | ==Accolades== | ||
{{Anchor|Awards|Accolades}} | {{Anchor|Awards|Accolades}} | ||
{| class="wikitable sortable" | {| class="wikitable sortable" style="width:99%;" | ||
|- style="text-align:center;" | |- style="background:#ccc; text-align:center;" | ||
! Organizations | |||
! colspan=4 style="background:#B0C4DE;" | List of Accolades | |||
! Category | |||
|- style="text-align:center;" | |||
! Recipient(s) | |||
! style="background:#ccc;" width="30%"| Award / Film Festival | |||
! Result | |||
! style="background:#ccc;" width="35%"| Category | |||
! class="unsortable"| {{Abbr|Ref(s)|Reference(s)}} | |||
! style="background:#ccc;" width="25%"| Recipients | |||
! style="background:#ccc;" width="10%"| Result | |||
|- style="border-top:2px solid gray;" | |||
|- | |- | ||
! scope=row rowspan=6| ] | |||
| rowspan=6 | ]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://deadline.com/2015/01/oscar-nominations-2015-full-list-academy-award-nominees-1201350619/ |title=Oscar Nominations: 'Grand Budapest Hotel' & 'Birdman' Lead Way With 9 Noms; 'Imitation Game' Scores 8 |publisher=Deadline.com |date=January 15, 2015 |accessdate=January 15, 2015 }}</ref> | |||
| ] | | ] | ||
| ], ], ], ] |
| ], ], ], ] and ] | ||
| {{ |
| {{nom}} | ||
| style="text-align:center;" rowspan="6"|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2015/01/oscar-nominations-2015-full-list-academy-award-nominees-1201350619/|title=Oscar Nominations: 'Grand Budapest Hotel' & 'Birdman' Lead Way With 9 Noms; 'Imitation Game' Scores 8|website=]|date=January 15, 2015|access-date=January 15, 2015}}</ref> | |||
|- | |- | ||
| ] | | ] | ||
| Bradley Cooper | | Bradley Cooper | ||
| {{ |
| {{nom}} | ||
|- | |- | ||
| ] | | ] | ||
| ] | | ] | ||
| {{ |
| {{nom}} | ||
|- | |- | ||
| ] | | ] | ||
| ] and ] | | ] and ] | ||
| {{ |
| {{nom}} | ||
|- | |- | ||
| ] | | ] | ||
| ] and ] | | ] and ] | ||
| {{ |
| {{won}} | ||
|- | |- | ||
| ] | | ] | ||
| ], ] and ] | | ], ] and ] | ||
| {{ |
| {{nom}} | ||
|- | |- | ||
! scope="row"| ] | |||
| ]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://deadline.com/2015/01/birdman-foxcatcher-among-art-directors-guild-nominees-1201341121/ |title='Birdman', 'Foxcatcher' Among Art Directors Guild Nominees |publisher=Deadline.com |date=January 5, 2015 |accessdate=January 5, 2015 }}</ref> | |||
| ] | | ] | ||
| James J. Murakami, Charisse Cardenas | | James J. Murakami, Charisse Cardenas | ||
| {{ |
| {{nom}} | ||
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2015/01/birdman-foxcatcher-among-art-directors-guild-nominees-1201341121/|title='Birdman', 'Foxcatcher' Among Art Directors Guild Nominees|website=]|date=January 5, 2015|access-date=January 5, 2015 }}</ref> | |||
|- | |- | ||
! scope="row"| ] | |||
| ]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://variety.com/2015/artisans/news/american-sniper-boyhood-gone-girl-among-ace-eddie-award-nominees-full-list-1201390870/ |title=‘American Sniper,’ ‘Boyhood,’ ‘Gone Girl’ Among ACE Eddie Award Nominees (FULL LIST) |publisher=''Variety'' |date=January 2, 2015 |accessdate=January 2, 2015 }}</ref> | |||
| ] | | ] | ||
| Joel Cox and Gary D. Roach | | Joel Cox and Gary D. Roach | ||
| {{ |
| {{nom}} | ||
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref>{{cite news|url=https://variety.com/2015/artisans/news/american-sniper-boyhood-gone-girl-among-ace-eddie-award-nominees-full-list-1201390870/|title='American Sniper', 'Boyhood', 'Gone Girl' Among ACE Eddie Award Nominees (FULL LIST)|work=]|date=January 2, 2015|access-date=January 2, 2015|first=Dave|last=McNary}}</ref> | |||
|- | |- | ||
! scope="row"| ] | |||
| ]<ref name="AFI">{{cite web|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/afi-list-top-ten-films-754933|title=AFI List of Top Ten Films Expands to Include 11 Movies|publisher=]|date=December 9, 2014|accessdate=December 9, 2014}}</ref> | |||
| Top Ten Films of the Year | | Top Ten Films of the Year | ||
| | | | ||
| {{won}} | | {{won}} | ||
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref name="AFI">{{cite news|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/afi-list-top-ten-films-754933|title=AFI List of Top Ten Films Expands to Include 11 Movies|work=]|date=December 9, 2014|access-date=December 9, 2014}}</ref> | |||
|- | |- | ||
! scope=row rowspan="2"| ] | |||
| rowspan="2" |]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://deadline.com/2015/01/bafta-nominations-2015-baftas-nominees-full-list-1201344262/ |title=BAFTA Nominations: ‘Grand Budapest Hotel’ Leads With 11 – Full List |publisher=Deadline.com |date=January 8, 2015 |accessdate=January 9, 2015 }}</ref> | |||
| ] | | ] | ||
| Jason Hall | | Jason Hall | ||
| {{ |
| {{nom}} | ||
| style="text-align:center;" rowspan="2"|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2015/01/bafta-nominations-2015-baftas-nominees-full-list-1201344262/|title=BAFTA Nominations: 'Grand Budapest Hotel' Leads With 11 – Full List|website=]|date=January 8, 2015|access-date=January 9, 2015}}</ref> | |||
|- | |- | ||
| ] | | ] | ||
| Walt Martin, John Reitz, Gregg Rudloff, Alan Robert Murray, Bub Asman | | Walt Martin, John Reitz, Gregg Rudloff, Alan Robert Murray, Bub Asman | ||
| {{ |
| {{nom}} | ||
|- | |- | ||
! scope="row"| ] | |||
| ]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.indiewire.com/thompsononhollywood/cinema-audio-society-nominates-american-sniper-true-detective-and-more-20150113 |title=Cinema Audio Society Nominates 'American Sniper,' 'True Detective' and More |publisher=Indiewire |date=January 13, 2015 |accessdate=January 13, 2015 }}</ref> | |||
| Outstanding Achievement in Sound Mixing for a Motion Picture – Live Action | | Outstanding Achievement in Sound Mixing for a Motion Picture – Live Action | ||
| Walt Martin, Gregg Rudloff, John Reitz, Robert Fernandez, Thomas J. |
| Walt Martin, Gregg Rudloff, John Reitz, Robert Fernandez, Thomas J. O'Connell, James Ashwell | ||
| {{ |
| {{nom}} | ||
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.indiewire.com/thompsononhollywood/cinema-audio-society-nominates-american-sniper-true-detective-and-more-20150113|title=Cinema Audio Society Nominates 'American Sniper', 'True Detective' and More|website=]|date=January 13, 2015|access-date=January 13, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150130141225/http://blogs.indiewire.com/thompsononhollywood/cinema-audio-society-nominates-american-sniper-true-detective-and-more-20150113|archive-date=January 30, 2015|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> | |||
|- | |- | ||
! scope=row rowspan="2"| ] | |||
| ] | | ] | ||
| ''American Sniper'' | | ''American Sniper'' | ||
| {{nom}} | | {{nom}} | ||
| style="text-align:center;" rowspan="2"|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2015/01/critics-choice-awards-winners-2015-list-movie-1201351280/|title=Critics' Choice Awards Winners 2015 — Full List: 'Boyhood', 'Birdman' - Deadline|first=Erik|last=Pedersen|website=]|date=16 January 2015 }}</ref> | |||
|- | |- | ||
| ] | | ] | ||
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| {{won}} | | {{won}} | ||
|- | |- | ||
! scope=row rowspan="6"| Denver Film Critics Society | |||
| rowspan=6 |]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hitfix.com/in-contention/denver-critics-nominate-american-sniper-birdman-and-inherent-vice |title=Denver critics nominate 'American Sniper,' 'Birdman' and 'Inherent Vice' |publisher=Hitfix |date=January 7, 2015|accessdate=January 9, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hitfix.com/in-contention/denver-critics-name-clint-eastwoods-american-sniper-the-years-best-film |title=Denver critics name Clint Eastwood's 'American Sniper' the year's best film |publisher=Hitfix |date=January 12, 2015 |accessdate=January 12, 2015 }}</ref> | |||
| Best Picture | | Best Picture | ||
| ''American Sniper'' | | ''American Sniper'' | ||
| {{won}} | | {{won}} | ||
| style="text-align:center;" rowspan="6"|<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hitfix.com/in-contention/denver-critics-nominate-american-sniper-birdman-and-inherent-vice|title=Denver critics nominate 'American Sniper', 'Birdman' and 'Inherent Vice'|work=Hitfix|date=January 7, 2015|access-date=January 9, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hitfix.com/in-contention/denver-critics-name-clint-eastwoods-american-sniper-the-years-best-film|title=Denver critics name Clint Eastwood's 'American Sniper' the year's best film|work=Hitfix|date=January 12, 2015|access-date=January 12, 2015}}</ref> | |||
|- | |- | ||
| Best Director | | Best Director | ||
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| {{nom}} | | {{nom}} | ||
|- | |- | ||
! scope="row"| ] | |||
| ]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://deadline.com/2015/01/dga-awards-film-nominations-2015-directors-movies-full-list-1201348569/ |title=DGA Awards Film Nominations: Anderson, Eastwood, Inarritu, Linklater, Tyldum |publisher=Deadline.com |date=January 13, 2015 |accessdate=January 13, 2015 }}</ref> | |||
| ] | | ] | ||
| Clint Eastwood | | Clint Eastwood | ||
| {{ |
| {{nom}} | ||
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2015/01/dga-awards-film-nominations-2015-directors-movies-full-list-1201348569/|title=DGA Awards Film Nominations: Anderson, Eastwood, Inarritu, Linklater, Tyldum|website=]|date=January 13, 2015|access-date=January 13, 2015}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
! scope="row"| ] | |||
| ] | |||
| Bradley Cooper | |||
| {{nom}} | |||
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.empireonline.com/awards2015/|title=Vote Now For The Jameson Empire Awards 2015|work=empireonline.com}}</ref> | |||
|- | |- | ||
! scope="row"| Iowa Film Critics | |||
| ]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hitfix.com/in-contention/boyhood-is-iowa-critics-best-picture-of-2014|title='Boyhood' is Iowa Critics' Best Picture of 2014|publisher=Hitfix|date=January 7, 2015|accessdate=January 9, 2015}}</ref> | |||
| Best Movie Yet to Open in Iowa | | Best Movie Yet to Open in Iowa | ||
| ''American Sniper'' <small>(tied with '']'') | | ''American Sniper'' <small>(tied with '']'')</small> | ||
| {{won}} | | {{won}} | ||
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hitfix.com/in-contention/boyhood-is-iowa-critics-best-picture-of-2014|title='Boyhood' is Iowa Critics' Best Picture of 2014|work=Hitfix|date=January 7, 2015|access-date=January 9, 2015}}</ref> | |||
|- | |- | ||
! scope="row"| ] | |||
| ]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://deadline.com/2015/01/birdman-dawn-of-the-planet-of-the-apes-motion-picture-sound-editor-awards-nominations-1201350012/ |title='Birdman,' 'Apes' Top 2015 Golden Reel Nominations |publisher=Deadline.com |date=January 14, 2015 |accessdate=January 14, 2015 }}</ref> | |||
| Feature English Language - Effects/Foley | | Feature English Language - Effects/Foley | ||
| Bub Asman, Alan Robert Murray | | Bub Asman, Alan Robert Murray | ||
| {{ |
| {{won}} | ||
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2015/01/birdman-dawn-of-the-planet-of-the-apes-motion-picture-sound-editor-awards-nominations-1201350012/|title='Birdman', 'Apes' Top 2015 Golden Reel Nominations|website=]|date=January 14, 2015|access-date=January 14, 2015}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
! scope=row rowspan="2"| ] | |||
| Movie of the Year | |||
| ''American Sniper'' | |||
| {{nom}} | |||
| style="text-align:center;" rowspan="2"|<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2095540/mtv-movie-awards-nominations-2015/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150305125454/http://www.mtv.com/news/2095540/mtv-movie-awards-nominations-2015/|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 5, 2015|title=Here Are Your 2015 MTV Movie Awards Nominees|work=MTV News}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
| Best Male Performance | |||
| Bradley Cooper | |||
| {{won}} | |||
|- | |- | ||
! scope=row rowspan="2"| ] | |||
| rowspan="2" |]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nationalboardofreview.org/2014/12/national-board-review-announces-2014-award-winners/|title=National Board of Review Announces 2014 Award Winners|publisher=]|date=December 2, 2014|accessdate=December 2, 2014}}</ref> | |||
|] | | ] | ||
| | | | ||
|{{won}} | | {{won}} | ||
| style="text-align:center;" rowspan="2"|<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nationalboardofreview.org/2014/12/national-board-review-announces-2014-award-winners/|title=National Board of Review Announces 2014 Award Winners|publisher=]|date=December 2, 2014|access-date=December 2, 2014}}</ref> | |||
|- | |- | ||
|] | | ] | ||
|Clint Eastwood | | Clint Eastwood | ||
|{{won}} | | {{won}} | ||
|- | |- | ||
! scope="row"| ] | |||
| ]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://deadline.com/2015/01/american-sniper-birdman-boyhood-pga-awards-nominees-full-list-1201341195/ |title='American Sniper,' 'Birdman' & 'Boyhood' Among PGA Awards Nominees |publisher=Deadline.com|date=January 5, 2015|accessdate=January 5, 2015}}</ref> | |||
| ] | | ] | ||
| Bradley Cooper, Clint Eastwood, Andrew Lazar, Robert Lorenz, Peter Morgan | | Bradley Cooper, Clint Eastwood, Andrew Lazar, Robert Lorenz, Peter Morgan | ||
| {{nom}} | | {{nom}} | ||
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2015/01/american-sniper-birdman-boyhood-pga-awards-nominees-full-list-1201341195/|title='American Sniper', 'Birdman' & 'Boyhood' Among PGA Awards Nominees|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=January 5, 2015|access-date=January 5, 2015}}</ref> | |||
|- | |- | ||
! scope=row rowspan="2"| ] | |||
| ]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2015/01/writers-guild-awards-nominations-2015-full-list-1201342591/ |title=Writers Guild Awards Nominations: 'Whiplash', 'Gone Girl', 'Guardians' On Diverse List |publisher=Deadline.com |date=January 7, 2015 |accessdate=January 7, 2015 }}</ref> | |||
| ] | | ] | ||
| Jason Hall | | Jason Hall | ||
| {{ |
| {{nom}} | ||
| style="text-align:center;" rowspan="2"| | |||
|- | |- | ||
| ] | |||
| ] and ] | |||
| {{nom}} | |||
|- | |||
! scope="row"| ]s | |||
| Best Thriller Film | |||
| ''American Sniper'' | |||
| {{nom}} | |||
| style="text-align:center;"| | |||
|- | |||
! scope="row"| ] | |||
| ] | |||
| Jason Hall | |||
| {{nom}} | |||
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2015/01/writers-guild-awards-nominations-2015-full-list-1201342591/|title=Writers Guild Awards Nominations: 'Whiplash', 'Gone Girl', 'Guardians' On Diverse List|website=]|date=January 7, 2015|access-date=January 7, 2015}}</ref> | |||
|} | |} | ||
== |
==See also== | ||
* ] | * ] | ||
* '']'' | |||
* '']'' | |||
{{Portal bar|Film|United States|Texas}} | |||
== |
==References== | ||
{{Reflist |
{{Reflist}} | ||
== |
==External links== | ||
{{Wikiquote}} | |||
{{Library resources box}} | |||
* {{Official website|http://www.americansnipermovie.com}} | * {{Official website|http://www.americansnipermovie.com}} | ||
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* {{IMDb title}} | ||
* {{ |
* {{Mojo title|americansniper}} | ||
* {{Metacritic film}} | |||
* {{Mojo title|americansniper|American Sniper}} | |||
* {{Rotten Tomatoes}} | |||
* {{Metacritic|american-sniper|American Sniper}} | |||
* {{Rotten Tomatoes|american_sniper|American Sniper}} | |||
{{Clint Eastwood}} | {{Clint Eastwood}} | ||
{{Bradley Cooper}} | |||
{{Navboxes | |||
|title = Awards for ''American Sniper'' | |||
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Latest revision as of 14:36, 30 December 2024
2014 biographical film This article is about the 2014 film. For the 2012 book on which the film is based, see American Sniper (book).American Sniper | |
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Theatrical release poster | |
Directed by | Clint Eastwood |
Screenplay by | Jason Hall |
Based on | American Sniper by Chris Kyle Scott McEwen Jim DeFelice |
Produced by |
|
Starring |
|
Cinematography | Tom Stern |
Edited by | |
Production companies |
|
Distributed by | Warner Bros. Pictures |
Release dates |
|
Running time | 132 minutes |
Country | United States |
Language | English |
Budget | $59 million |
Box office | $547.4 million |
American Sniper is a 2014 American biographical war drama film directed and co-produced by Clint Eastwood and written and executive-produced by Jason Hall, based on the memoir of the same name by Chris Kyle with Scott McEwen and Jim DeFelice. The film follows the life of Kyle, who became the deadliest marksman in U.S. military history with 255 kills from four tours in the Iraq War, 160 of which were officially confirmed by the Department of Defense. While Kyle was celebrated for his military successes, his tours of duty took a heavy toll on his personal and family life. It stars Bradley Cooper as Kyle and Sienna Miller as his wife Taya, with Luke Grimes, Jake McDorman, Cory Hardrict, Kevin Lacz, Navid Negahban, and Keir O'Donnell in supporting roles.
American Sniper premiered at the American Film Institute Festival on November 11, 2014, and had a limited theatrical release in the United States on December 25, 2014, followed by a wide release on January 16, 2015. It received generally positive reviews, with praise for Cooper's lead performance and Eastwood's direction, although it also attracted some controversy over its portrayal of both the Iraq War and Kyle himself. The film grossed over $547 million worldwide, making it the 13th highest-grossing film of 2014, the highest-grossing film with a wide release during the month of January, and Eastwood's highest-grossing film to date.
At the 87th Academy Awards, American Sniper received six nominations, including Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Actor for Cooper, ultimately winning one for Best Sound Editing.
Plot
Growing up in Texas, Chris Kyle is taught by his father how to shoot a rifle and hunt deer. Years later, Chris has become a ranch hand and rodeo cowboy, and returns home early, to find his girlfriend in bed with another man. After telling her to leave, he is mulling it over with his brother when he sees news coverage of the 1998 U.S. embassy bombings and decides to enlist in the Navy. He qualifies for special training and becomes a sniper with the U.S. Navy SEALs.
Chris meets Taya Studebaker at an Irish pub in San Diego, and the two soon marry. He is sent to Iraq after the September 11 attacks. His first kills are a woman and boy who attacked U.S. Marines on patrol with a Russian made RKG-3 anti-tank grenade. Chris is visibly upset by the experience, but later earns the nickname "Legend" for his many kills.
Assigned to hunt for the al-Qaeda leader, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, Chris interrogates a family whose father offers to lead the SEALs to "The Butcher", al-Zarqawi's second-in-command. The plan goes awry when The Butcher captures the father and his son, killing them while Chris is pinned down by a sniper. This sniper goes by the name Mustafa and is an Olympic Games medalist from Syria. Meanwhile, the insurgents issue a bounty on Chris.
Chris returns home to his wife and the birth of his son. He is distracted by memories of his war experiences and by Taya's concern for them as a couple – she wishes he would focus on his home and family.
Chris leaves for a second tour and is promoted to chief petty officer. Involved in a shootout with The Butcher, he helps in killing him. When he returns home to a newborn daughter, Chris becomes increasingly distant from his family. On Chris’s third tour, Mustafa seriously injures a unit member, Ryan "Biggles" Job, and the unit is evacuated back to base. When they decide to return to the field and continue the mission, another SEAL, Marc Lee, is killed by gunfire.
Guilt compels Chris to undertake a fourth tour, and Taya tells him she may not be there when he returns. Back in Iraq, Chris is shocked to learn Biggles died in surgery to repair the wounds he sustained. Assigned to kill Mustafa, who has been sniping U.S. Army combat engineers building a barricade, Chris’s sniper team is placed on a rooftop inside enemy territory.
Chris spots Mustafa and takes him out with a risky long-distance shot at 2,100 yards (1,920 m), but this exposes his team's position to numerous armed insurgents. In the midst of the gunfight, and low on ammunition, Chris tearfully calls Taya and tells her he is ready to come home. A sandstorm provides concealment for a chaotic escape in which he is injured and almost left behind.
After Chris gets back stateside, on edge and unable to adjust fully to civilian life, he is asked by a Veterans Affairs psychiatrist if he is haunted by all the things he did in war. When he replies it is "all the guys couldn't save" that haunt him, the psychiatrist encourages him to help severely wounded veterans in the VA hospital. After that, Chris gradually begins to adjust to home life.
Years later, on February 2, 2013, Chris says goodbye to his wife and family as he leaves in good spirits to spend time with Eddie Ray Routh, a veteran suffering from PTSD at a shooting range. An on-screen subtitle reveals that Chris was killed that day by Routh, followed by archive footage of crowds standing along the highway for his funeral procession. More are shown attending his memorial service.
Cast
- Bradley Cooper as Chris Kyle
- Sienna Miller as Taya
- Luke Grimes as Marc Lee
- Jake McDorman as Biggles
- Cory Hardrict as "D" / Dandridge
- Kevin Lacz as Dauber / himself
- Navid Negahban as Sheikh Al-Obodi
- Keir O'Donnell as Jeff Kyle
- Eric Close as DIA Agent Snead.
In addition, Sammy Sheik appears as Mustafa, a character partially based on Iraqi sniper Juba, while Mido Hamada portrays The Butcher, a character possibly based on Abu Deraa.
Production
Development
On May 24, 2012, it was announced that Warner Bros. had acquired the rights to the book with Bradley Cooper set to produce and star in the screen adaptation. Cooper had thought of Chris Pratt to play Kyle, but Warner Bros. agreed to buy it only if Cooper would star. In September 2012, David O. Russell said he was interested in directing the film. On February 2, 2013, Chris Kyle was murdered. On May 2, 2013, it was announced that Steven Spielberg would direct. Spielberg had read Kyle's book, though he desired to have a more psychological conflict present in the screenplay so an "enemy sniper" character could serve as the insurgent sharpshooter who was trying to track down and kill Kyle. Spielberg's ideas contributed to the development of a lengthy screenplay approaching 160 pages. Due to Warner Bros.' budget constraints, Spielberg felt he could not bring his vision of the story to the screen. On August 5, 2013, Spielberg dropped out of directing. On August 21, 2013, it was reported that Clint Eastwood would instead direct the film.
Casting
On March 14, 2014, Sienna Miller joined the cast. On March 16, 2014, Kyle Gallner was cast, as was Cory Hardrict on March 18, 2014. On March 20, 2014, Navid Negahban, Eric Close, Eric Ladin, Rey Gallegos, and Jake McDorman also joined the cast, as did Luke Grimes and Sam Jaeger on March 25, 2014. Kevin Lacz, a former Navy SEAL, was also cast and served as a technical advisor. Another former Navy SEAL, Joel Lambert, also joined the film, portraying a Delta sniper. On June 3, Max Charles was added to the cast to portray Kyle's son, Colton Kyle.
Filming
Principal photography began on March 31, 2014, in Los Angeles, witih additional filming in Morocco. On April 23, the Los Angeles Times reported that ten days of filming set in an Afghan village was set to begin at the Blue Cloud Movie Ranch in the Santa Clarita area. On May 7, shooting of the film was spotted around El Centro; a milk factory was used as the abandoned date factory which insurgents close in on from all directions at the climax of the film. The pier and bar scenes were filmed in Seal Beach, California.
Cinematographer Tom Stern shot the film with Arri Alexa XT digital cameras and Panavision C-, E- and G-Series anamorphic lenses. The film is Eastwood's second to be shot digitally, after Jersey Boys.
Music
There is no "Music by" credit on this film. Clint Eastwood, who has composed the scores for most of his films since Mystic River (2003), is credited as the composer of "Taya's Theme". Joseph S. DeBeasi is credited as composer of additional music and as music editor. The film also features the song "Someone Like You" by Van Morrison, which plays during the wedding scene, and "The Funeral" by Ennio Morricone.
Reception
Box office
American Sniper grossed $350.1 million in North America and $197 million in other territories for a worldwide total of $547.1 million, against a budget of around $58 million. Calculating in all expenses and revenues, Deadline Hollywood estimated that the film made a profit of $243 million, making it the second-most profitable film of 2014 only behind Paramount's Transformers: Age of Extinction. Worldwide, it is the highest-grossing war film of all time (breaking Saving Private Ryan's record) and Eastwood's highest-grossing film to date. It is the seventh R-rated film to gross over $500 million.
North America
In North America, it was the highest-grossing film of 2014, the highest-grossing war film unadjusted for inflation (and, on an adjusted basis, second to Saving Private Ryan with $379 million), the fourth-highest-grossing R-rated film of all time (behind The Passion of the Christ, Deadpool, and Deadpool & Wolverine), Warner Bros.' fourth-highest-grossing film (behind The Dark Knight, The Dark Knight Rises and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2), and the eighth-highest-grossing Best Picture nominee film (behind Avatar, Titanic, Star Wars, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Toy Story 3, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King and The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers). It became the seventh Warner Bros.' film to earn over $300 million in the U.S. and Canada and the 50th film to reach the mark. It earned as much as the combined earnings of all of the other 2014 Best Picture nominees. On March 8, 2015, it surpassed The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 to become the highest-grossing film of 2014, making it the first R-rated film since Saving Private Ryan (1998) and the first non-franchise film since Avatar (2009) to top the year-end rankings.
American Sniper premiered at the AFI Fest on November 11, 2014, just after a screening of Selma at Grauman's Egyptian Theatre in Los Angeles. In North America, the film opened to a limited release on December 25, 2014, playing at four theaters—two in New York, one in Los Angeles, and one in Dallas—and earned $610,000 in its opening weekend ($850,000 including Christmas Day) at an average of $152,500 per venue debuting at #22. The following week the film earned $676,909 playing at the same number of locations at an average of $169,277 per theater, which is the second-biggest weekend average ever for a live-action movie (previously held by 2001's Moulin Rouge!). American Sniper holds the record for the most entries in the top 20 Top Weekend Theater Averages with 3 entries (at #12, #14 and #17). It earned a total of $3.4 million from limited release in three weekends.
The film began its wide debut across North American theaters on January 16, 2015 (Thursday night showings began at 7:00 pm). It set an all-time-highest Thursday night opening record for an R-rated drama with $5.3 million (previously held by Lone Survivor). The film topped the box office on its opening day grossing $30.5 million (including Thursday previews) from 3,555 theaters setting January records for both biggest debut opening (previously held by Cloverfield) and single-day gross (previously held by Avatar). In its traditional three-day opening the film earned $89.2 million which was double than expected and broke the record for the largest January opening (previously held by Ride Along) and the largest winter opening, which is also Eastwood's top opening as a director (breaking Gran Torino's opening). The three-day opening is also the biggest opening weekend for a drama film (previously held by The Passion of the Christ), the second-biggest debut for a Best Picture Oscar nominee (behind Toy Story 3), the second-biggest debut for an R-rated film (behind The Matrix Reloaded), and the third-biggest for a non-comic book, non-fantasy/sci-fi film (behind Furious 7 and Fast & Furious 6). It also set an IMAX January opening and single weekend record with $10.6 million (previously held by Avatar in its fourth weekend) and an R-rated IMAX debut record (previously held by Prometheus). It earned $107.2 million during its four-day Martin Luther King weekend setting a record for the biggest R-rated four-day gross.
In its second weekend, the film expanded to 3,705 theaters making it the second-widest launch for an R-rated movie (behind the film itself). It grossed an estimated $64.6 million in its second weekend, declining only by 28%—and set the record for the second-best hold ever for a movie opening to more than $85 million and also set the record for the eighth-largest second-weekend gross. In just 10 days of release, the film surpassed Pearl Harbor ($198.5 million) to become the second-highest-grossing war film in North America. By its second weekend, Box Office Mojo had already reported that the film was on poise to become the highest-grossing film of 2014 in North America, a record that was, at the time held by The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 ($334 million), judging from its gradual decline and strong holdovers. It became the highest-grossing IMAX film of January grossing $18.8 million from 333 IMAX theaters. On Thursday, January 29, 2015–35 days after its initial release, the film surpassed Saving Private Ryan ($216.5 million) to become the highest-grossing war film in North America, unadjusted for inflation.
By its third weekend of wide release, the film expanded to 3,885 theaters (180 additional theaters added), breaking its own record of being the widest R-rated film ever released. The film topped the box office through its third weekend earning $30.66 million, which is the second-highest Super Bowl weekend gross (behind Hannah Montana and Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert). After topping the box office for three consecutive weekends, the film was overtaken by The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water in its fourth weekend.
Outside North America
The film had the biggest debut weekend for a Clint Eastwood film, and went on to become the director's top-grossing film of all time in each of the countries in which it was released. In Italy the film opened at number two with $7.1 million, Eastwood's best opening of all time, and Warner Bros.' second-biggest opening for a non-franchise U.S. film there; it went on to top the box office the following weekend as well. Its other largest openings occurred in France ($6.3 million), where it topped the box office for four consecutive weekends, Australia ($4.3 million, $4.6 million including previews), the UK, Ireland and Malta ($3.8 million), Spain ($3.2 million), Japan ($2.8 million), Mexico ($2.6 million), Brazil ($1.8 million), and South Korea ($1.2 million). In total earnings, its largest market outside of the U.S. are Italy ($23 million) and France ($22.8 million).
Critical response
On Rotten Tomatoes, American Sniper holds an approval rating of 72%, based on 294 reviews, with an average rating of 6.90/10. The website's critical consensus states, "Powered by Clint Eastwood's sure-handed direction and a gripping central performance from Bradley Cooper, American Sniper delivers a tense, vivid tribute to its real-life subject." On Metacritic, the film has a weighted average score of 73 out of 100, based on 48 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews". In CinemaScore polls conducted during the opening weekend, audiences gave American Sniper a rare grade of "A+" on an A+ to F scale.
Todd McCarthy of The Hollywood Reporter called the film "A taut, vivid and sad account of the brief life of the most accomplished marksman in American military annals." Justin Chang of Variety gave the film a positive review, saying: "an excellent performance from a bulked-up Bradley Cooper, this harrowing and intimate character study offers fairly blunt insights into the physical and psychological toll exacted on the front lines". David Denby of The New Yorker gave the film a positive review, saying "Both a devastating war movie and a devastating antiwar movie, a subdued celebration of a warrior's skill and a sorrowful lament over his alienation and misery." Keith Phipps of The Dissolve wrote that the film, while well made, missed a chance to explore the toll that such service exacts on soldiers. Chris Nashawaty of Entertainment Weekly gave the film a C+, saying "The film's just a repetition of context-free combat missions and one-dimensional targets." Elizabeth Weitzman of New York Daily News gave the film four out of five stars, saying "The best movies are ever-shifting, intelligent and open-hearted enough to expand alongside an audience. American Sniper ... is built on this foundation of uncommon compassion."
Peter Travers of Rolling Stone gave the film three-and-a-half stars out of four, saying "Bradley Cooper, as Navy SEAL Chris Kyle, and director Eastwood salute Kyle's patriotism best by not denying its toll. Their targets are clearly in sight, and their aim is true." Ignatiy Vishnevetsky of The A.V. Club gave the film a B, saying "American Sniper is imperfect and at times a little corny, but also ambivalent and complicated in ways that are uniquely Eastwoodian." James Berardinelli of ReelViews gave the film three-and-a-half stars out of four, saying "American Sniper lifts director Clint Eastwood out of the doldrums that have plagued his last few films." Rafer Guzman of Newsday gave the film three out of four stars, saying "Cooper nails the role of an American killing machine in Clint Eastwood's clear-eyed look at the Iraq War." Kenneth Turan of the Los Angeles Times gave the film a positive review, saying "Eastwood's impeccably crafted action sequences so catch us up in the chaos of combat we are almost not aware that we're watching a film at all." Claudia Puig of USA Today gave the film three out of four stars, saying "It's clearly Cooper's show. Substantially bulked up and affecting a believable Texas drawl, Cooper embodies Kyle's confidence, intensity and vulnerability." Joshua Rothkopf of Time Out New York gave the film four out of five stars, saying "Only Clint Eastwood could make a movie about an Iraq War veteran and infuse it with doubts, mission anxiety and ruination." Dean Obeidallah praised the film, saying "His focus was not on whom we were fighting, but the unbearably high price Americans pay for waging war regardless of its target. The film is a cautionary tale for Americans about why we must avoid war. It is not a celebration of waging it."
The film drew some negative reviews. Matt Taibbi, in Rolling Stone, wrote that the movie turned the complicated moral questions and mass-bloodshed of the Iraq war into a black and white fairy tale, without presenting the historical context. Alex von Tunzelmann of The Guardian argued that the film presented a simplified black and white portrayal of the Iraq war, and that it features the distortion of facts into unreliable myths based upon previous legends. David Masciotra of Salon criticized the movie's focus on physical rather than moral courage as the ultimate manly virtue. Cavalry scout sniper Garett Reppenhagen stated that he did not view Iraqi civilians as savages, but as part of a friendly culture for which the movie has furthered ignorance, fear, and bigotry. Inkoo Kang of TheWrap gave the film a negative review, saying "Director Clint Eastwood's focus on Kyle is so tight that no other character, including wife Taya (Sienna Miller), comes through as a person, and the scope so narrow that the film engages only superficially with the many moral issues surrounding the Iraq War." Several other articles have also been critical of the movie.
Responding to critics, Eastwood said that American Sniper shows "what does to the people left behind", and that presenting "the fact of what does to the family and the people who have to go back into civilian life like Chris Kyle did" is the "biggest antiwar statement any film" can make. He stated: "One of my favorite war movies that I've been involved with is Letters from Iwo Jima and that was about family, about being taken away from life, being sent someplace. In World War II, everybody just sort of went home and got over it. Now there is some effort to help people through it." He also said: "I was a child growing up during World War II. That was supposed to be the one to end all wars. And four years later, I was standing at the draft board being drafted during the Korean conflict, and then after that there was Vietnam, and it goes on and on forever ... I just wonder ... does this ever stop? And no, it doesn't. So each time we get in these conflicts, it deserves a lot of thought before we go wading in or wading out. Going in or coming out. It needs a better thought process, I think."
Bradley Cooper stated that much of the criticism ignores that the film was about widespread neglect of returning veterans, and that people who take issue with Kyle should redirect their attention to the leaders who put the troops there in the first place. He said: "We looked at hopefully igniting attention about the lack of care that goes to vets. discussion that has nothing to do with vets, or what we did or did not do , every conversation in those terms is moving farther and farther from what our soldiers go through, and the fact that 22 veterans commit suicide each day." Cooper said that an increasing number of soldiers are returning from conflict psychologically damaged, only to be more or less discarded.
Former First Lady Michelle Obama and former Republican Party vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin also spoke out in support of the movie.
Historical accuracy
Several major news sources commented on the accuracy of the film and how it differs from Chris Kyle's written accounts. The enemy sniper Mustafa is a major character in the film but receives only a small mention in the memoir; Kyle noted: "I never saw him, but other snipers later killed an Iraqi sniper we think was him." According to the memoir, Kyle's 2100-yard shot was taken against an insurgent holding a rocket launcher, not Mustafa. Time notes that according to screenwriter Jason Hall, Kyle said of Mustafa: "He shot my friend. I'm not going to put his name in my book." The first combat scene in the film has Kyle killing a boy and mother who try to attack U.S. troops with a grenade; the boy was added for the film. The film's narrative has Navy SEAL Ryan "Biggles" Job dying from surgical complications from an operation on his face relatively soon after being shot in Iraq, but in reality it was several years later. The character "the Butcher" was created for the film, although this character may have been based on the real-life Abu Deraa or Ahmad Hashim Abd al-Isawi. The visual blog Information is Beautiful stated that, while taking creative licence into account, the film was 56.9% accurate when compared to real-life events, summarizing: "a lot of the events in the movie did happen, although Kyle's involvement in them was repeatedly exaggerated".
In the film, Kyle decides to join the navy after watching the 1998 United States embassy bombings on TV, in reality this did not contribute to his decision.
Prop baby
One aspect of the film that received negative comment was its use of a fake baby doll in one scene, which was said to look obviously artificial and that it was a distraction to critics and viewers. In at least one media screening of the film, the audience laughed out loud at how artificial the doll appeared. When discussing the film's prospects for winning an Academy Award, Fandango critic Dave Karger said, "The reason why American Sniper is not going to win is because of the plastic baby." In The Telegraph, journalist Mark Harris said, "That plastic baby is going to be rationalised by Eastwood auteur cultists until the end of days." In response, screenwriter Jason Hall replied, "Hate to ruin the fun but real baby #1 showed up with a fever. Real baby #2 was no show. 'Gimme the doll, kid.'"
Top ten lists
American Sniper was listed on many critics' top ten lists.
- 1st – Kyle Smith, New York Post
- 3rd – Ty Burr, Boston Globe
- 6th – Richard Brody, The New Yorker
- 6th – James Verniere, Boston Herald
- 7th – James Berardinelli, Reelviews
- 8th – Mara Reinstein, Us Weekly
- 9th – Scott Feinberg, The Hollywood Reporter
- 9th – Elizabeth Weitzman, New York Daily News
- 10th – Scott Foundas, Variety
- 10th – People
- Top 10 (ranked alphabetically) – David Denby, The New Yorker
- Best of 2014 (listed alphabetically, not ranked) – Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times
- Best of 2014 (listed alphabetically, not ranked) – Manohla Dargis, The New York Times
Home media
American Sniper was released on Blu-ray and DVD on May 19, 2015 by Warner Home Video.
Upon its first week of release on home media in the United States, the film topped both the Nielsen VideoScan First Alert chart, which tracks overall disc sales, as well as the Blu-ray Disc sales chart in the week ending May 24, 2015.
Accolades
Organizations | Category | Recipient(s) | Result | Ref(s) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Academy Awards | Best Picture | Clint Eastwood, Robert Lorenz, Andrew Lazar, Bradley Cooper and Peter Morgan | Nominated | |
Best Actor | Bradley Cooper | Nominated | ||
Best Adapted Screenplay | Jason Hall | Nominated | ||
Best Film Editing | Joel Cox and Gary D. Roach | Nominated | ||
Best Sound Editing | Alan Robert Murray and Bub Asman | Won | ||
Best Sound Mixing | John T. Reitz, Gregg Rudloff and Walt Martin | Nominated | ||
Art Directors Guild Awards | Excellence in Production Design for a Contemporary Film | James J. Murakami, Charisse Cardenas | Nominated | |
ACE Eddie Awards | Best Edited Feature Film – Dramatic | Joel Cox and Gary D. Roach | Nominated | |
American Film Institute Awards 2014 | Top Ten Films of the Year | Won | ||
British Academy Film Awards | Best Adapted Screenplay | Jason Hall | Nominated | |
Best Sound | Walt Martin, John Reitz, Gregg Rudloff, Alan Robert Murray, Bub Asman | Nominated | ||
Cinema Audio Society Awards | Outstanding Achievement in Sound Mixing for a Motion Picture – Live Action | Walt Martin, Gregg Rudloff, John Reitz, Robert Fernandez, Thomas J. O'Connell, James Ashwell | Nominated | |
Critics' Choice Award | Best Action Movie | American Sniper | Nominated | |
Best Actor in an Action Movie | Bradley Cooper | Won | ||
Denver Film Critics Society | Best Picture | American Sniper | Won | |
Best Director | Clint Eastwood | Nominated | ||
Best Actor | Bradley Cooper (tied with Ralph Fiennes in The Grand Budapest Hotel) | Won | ||
Best Supporting Actress | Sienna Miller | Nominated | ||
Best Adapted Screenplay | Jason Hall | Nominated | ||
Best Cinematography | Tom Stern | Nominated | ||
Directors Guild of America Award | Outstanding Directing – Feature Film | Clint Eastwood | Nominated | |
Empire Awards | Best Actor | Bradley Cooper | Nominated | |
Iowa Film Critics | Best Movie Yet to Open in Iowa | American Sniper (tied with A Most Violent Year) | Won | |
MPSE Golden Reel Awards | Feature English Language - Effects/Foley | Bub Asman, Alan Robert Murray | Won | |
MTV Movie Awards | Movie of the Year | American Sniper | Nominated | |
Best Male Performance | Bradley Cooper | Won | ||
National Board of Review | Top Ten Film | Won | ||
Best Director | Clint Eastwood | Won | ||
Producers Guild of America Awards | Best Theatrical Motion Picture | Bradley Cooper, Clint Eastwood, Andrew Lazar, Robert Lorenz, Peter Morgan | Nominated | |
Satellite Awards | Best Adapted Screenplay | Jason Hall | Nominated | |
Best Editing | Gary Roach and Joel Cox | Nominated | ||
Saturn Awards | Best Thriller Film | American Sniper | Nominated | |
Writers Guild of America Awards | Best Adapted Screenplay | Jason Hall | Nominated |
See also
Portals:References
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External links
Library resources aboutAmerican Sniper
- Official website
- American Sniper at IMDb
- American Sniper at Box Office Mojo
- American Sniper at Metacritic
- American Sniper at Rotten Tomatoes
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- 2014 films
- 2014 action drama films
- 2014 biographical drama films
- 2014 war drama films
- American biographical drama films
- American action drama films
- American war drama films
- Biographical action films
- Anti-war films about the Iraq War
- Biographical films about military personnel
- Action drama films based on actual events
- Dune Entertainment films
- 2010s English-language films
- English-language biographical drama films
- Films about snipers
- Films about United States Navy SEALs
- Films about veterans
- Films about post-traumatic stress disorder
- Films based on memoirs
- Films directed by Clint Eastwood
- Films produced by Bradley Cooper
- Films produced by Clint Eastwood
- Films set in 1998
- Films set in 2013
- Films set in Texas
- Films set in the 1980s
- Films set in the 2000s
- Films shot in Los Angeles
- Films shot in Morocco
- Films shot in Santa Clarita, California
- Films that won the Best Sound Editing Academy Award
- IMAX films
- Iraq War films
- Malpaso Productions films
- Village Roadshow Pictures films
- War films based on actual events
- Warner Bros. films
- English-language action drama films
- English-language war drama films