The Thin Red Line- To Have A Plot or to Not?

The Thin Red Line is an American war film which tells a fictional story of United States forces during the Battle of Guadalcanal in World War II and it portrays men in C Company. Malick’s interpretation of the novel was not critically acclaimed by many at the North American box office but the film still stands to be a good source for critique and analysis. One of the main aspects of a good film is its quality to be believable. The characters do not have to be exactly like a potential viewer, or the setting does not have to be relatable as long as something concrete is present.

It is highly unlikely that everyone who has watched Silence of The Lambs can find parts of themselves within Hannibal Lecter’s character but it is still an incredible film. However, Silence of the Lambs does rely heavily on plot and a definitive story line. Thin Red Line seems to fall short and it stands to question if it is still approachable as a good film. Details of a narrative make the film credible and relatable. If our audience can't share with a story of a movie, than it is unfeasible to really call a film a “good film”.

In retrospect, I don't believe that there must be a plot but the central idea or theme must be strong enough to carry the entire piece and create a working picture. Although Thin Red Line attempts to do that with the displays of humanity, stress, and fear during the war, it did not stand to be a great film, in my opinion. From the director’s point of view, I do not seem to thin that feel Malick was exceptionally deceptive or tricky in developing his plot but it just was lacking. It was delving into the personal hardships of war but it just did not work. I do believe it is a case-by-case situation and plots are not necessary in all film. In this case, however, I deem it necessary.