Theater of War

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Go behind the scenes of the Public Theater's 2006 production of Bertolt Brecht's Mother Courage and Her Children, starring the legendary Meryl Streep and translated by Pulitzer Prize winner Tony Kushner. In addition to offering a rare window into Streep's process, the documentary also examines how Brecht's own tumultuous life experiences informed his remarkable play. Other interviewees include Streep's co-star Kevin Kline.
Netflix Rating: 3.5
NYT Critics' Pick: In his inspired, inspiring essayistic documentary "Theater of War," the filmmaker John Walter jumps from art to history and politics and back again. Read the review
Top Rotten Tomatoes Critics: Engrossing and timely, this crackles with ideas about art, politics, religion, and the terrible costs of war. full review

Andrea Gronvall, Chicago Reader

For theater lovers in general, this documentary -- a look at a high-powered production of a modern classic and a chance to watch Meryl Streep build a character -- is intriguing and educational. For partisans of Bertolt Brecht, it's mandatory. full review

Walter V. Addiego, San Francisco Chronicle

All of this makes an interesting, if not gripping, film about the play, the playwright and the lead-up work to a stage production. It also leaves me wanting a great deal more. full review

Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

Theater of War, Walter's invigorating film, asserts the value of Brecht -- and the power of art -- for our troubled times. full review

Wesley Morris, Boston Globe

As a onetime dramaturg and Brechtian, I enjoyed the chin-wags and the glimpses of Streep in rehearsal -- especially her quivering admission that she can't bear the thought of anyone seeing her process. full review

David Edelstein, New York Magazine

Theater of War, while informative, feels more like a trailer for Mother Courage than a film of its own. full review

V.A. Musetto, New York Post

In his inspired, inspiring essayistic documentary Theater of War the filmmaker John Walter jumps from art to history and politics and back again.

Manohla Dargis, New York Times

[A] must-see docu for theater lovers could reach wider auds. full review

Ronnie Scheib, Variety