Film Review: Under Fire (USA 1983) with Gene Hackman

In memory of Gene Hackman(1930-2025)  Content:  In this podcast we talk about Roger Spottiswoode's film “Under Fire” (USA 1983) with Gene Hackman. It’s about a photographer in the Nicaraguan conflict in the late 1970s.  The film sheds light on the moral dilemmas of journalism, in particular the question of neutrality in the midst of a civil war. We emphasize the complexity of the film, which portrays not only journalists but also other actors such as dictators and secret service agents.  We highlight the continuing relevance of the film as it addresses the problem of moral bias in journalism. Finally, we praise the musical score and declare “Under Fire” one of the 100 best films of all time.  Plot:  In the late 1970s, photographer Russell Price (Nick Nolte) reports on the civil war against President Somoza in Nicaragua. Faced with the brutal fighting between the residents and the army, he often finds it difficult to remain neutral. When the guerrillas persuade him to take a photo of their leader, Rafael, he becomes drawn into the events and is forced to take sides.  As if all that weren’t enough, there’s also a love triangle involving the photographer, a journalist (Joanna Cassidy), and her journalist husband (Gene Hackman).