Kathryn Bigelow Hits Back at Pentagon Criticism of ‘House of Dynamite’: ‘I Simply Speak the Truth’

Kathryn Bigelow, the director of the gripping Netflix film House of Dynamite, has responded to criticism from the Pentagon regarding the portrayal of U.S. defense systems. The film depicts government officials reacting to a nuclear strike on Chicago, and Bigelow emphasized her commitment to realism. She stated, “I just state the truth. This piece is all about realism and authenticity.”

In a recent conversation with writer Noah Oppenheim, Bigelow compared her latest work to her past films, like Zero Dark Thirty and The Hurt Locker. She noted that while these stories are fictional, they are based heavily on realistic scenarios.

In House of Dynamite, ground-based interceptor missiles launched from Alaska fail to thwart the impending strike. The Pentagon’s Missile Defense Agency (MDA) sent an internal memo, claiming that the fictional missile failures are a dramatic plot element. They argued that real-world tests of U.S. interceptors have shown a 100% success rate for over a decade. However, this claim has faced skepticism. Bigelow and Oppenheim expressed their disagreement with the MDA’s assertion.

Nuclear physicist Laura Grego from the Union of Concerned Scientists shared her insights on the film. She pointed out that the type of threat shown is among the simplest the U.S. might face. She stressed the need for a robust defense system capable of handling complicated scenarios, which weren’t included in the film’s plot.

Bigelow hopes the film will spark discussions about nuclear weapons. “If culture can drive policy, that’s a win,” she said. The film quickly topped Netflix’s charts, reaching over 20 million views within the first three days. Bigelow believes the secrecy around nuclear arsenals resonates with viewers. “We live in a combustible environment,” she pointed out.

Bigelow clarified that House of Dynamite was produced independently of the Pentagon, allowing her creative freedom. She acknowledged the hard work of those involved in maintaining the nuclear arsenal but highlighted that even skilled personnel can make mistakes.

Currently, the U.S. has 44 ground-based interceptors located in Alaska and California. The Pentagon is also investing in a new generation of missiles, scheduled for delivery in 2029, costing $13.3 billion. This funding underscores the ongoing efforts to enhance the nation’s defense capabilities.

With ongoing debates about nuclear weapons, House of Dynamite aims to stir not just conversation but awareness about a pressing global issue that many prefer to overlook.

Source link