Hearts and Minds
United States • 1974
Director
#156Criterion Collection →Synopsis
Many times during his presidency, Lyndon B. Johnson said that ultimate victory in the Vietnam War depended upon the U.S. military winning the "hearts and minds" of the Vietnamese people. Filmmaker Peter Davis uses Johnson's phrase in an ironic context in this anti-war documentary, filmed and released while the Vietnam War was still under way, juxtaposing interviews with military figures like U.S. Army Chief of Staff William C. Westmoreland with shocking scenes of violence and brutality.
Synopsis
Many times during his presidency, Lyndon B. Johnson said that ultimate victory in the Vietnam War depended upon the U.S. military winning the "hearts and minds" of the Vietnamese people. Filmmaker Peter Davis uses Johnson's phrase in an ironic context in this anti-war documentary, filmed and released while the Vietnam War was still under way, juxtaposing interviews with military figures like U.S. Army Chief of Staff William C. Westmoreland with shocking scenes of violence and brutality.
Credits
Crew
DirectorPeter Davis
CinematographerLennart Malmer
EditorSusan Martin, Lynzee Klingman
ProducerBert Schneider, Peter Davis
Cast
Clark Cliffordas Self - Aide to President Truman 1946-50
John Foster Dullesas Self (archive footage)
Georges Bidaultas Self - French Foreign Minister in 1954
Harry S. Trumanas Self (archive footage)
Dwight D. Eisenhoweras Self (archive footage)