Based on a non-fiction book by Jon Ronson of the same name, The Men Who Stare at Goats explores and examines the U.S. Military’s research and experimentation with psychic and paranormal powers over the last three decades, carrying over into the present situation in Iraq. Much like Steven Soderbergh’s The Informant!, the film, adapted by Peter Straughan, takes an unbelievable true-life account and turns into a farcical comedy with a big-name cast. The title is to be taken literally – referring to attempts by so-called psychic soldiers (aka “Jedi Warriors”) to kill goats by simply staring at them.
The Men Who Stare at Goats also reunites frequent collaborators and Smoke House production company co-founders George Clooney and Grant Heslov, who have worked together on Leatherheads and Good Night and Good Luck, both directed by Clooney himself. Now, the director’s chair belongs to Heslov, who is helming his first feature film since the golf comedy, Par 6, went undistributed in 2002.
George Clooney plays Lyn Cassidy, a self-anointed "Jedi Warrior."
Clooney receives top billing as Lyn Cassidy, a former U.S. military psychic soldier who has recently been reactivated before running into Bob Wilton, a reporter stumbling onto the story of a lifetime, played by Ewan McGregor. The two then join forces in a crazed and comical “adventure” across the Iraq War landscape. Jeff Bridges plays Bill Django, the founder of the psychic program, while Larry Hooper, a former psychic soldier who now runs an Iraqi prison camp, is portrayed by Kevin Spacey. It’s also worth mentioning a supporting role by the great Stephen Lang (Public Enemies, Avatar), who now feels synonymous with the name Michael Mann, at least in my eyes.
Among many firsts, The Men Who Stare at Goats has got to be the first Iraq War-set comedy. The film is also shot by Oscar-winning cinematographer Robert Elswit (“There Will Be Blood”), who will attempt to substitute the landscapes of New Mexico, California and Puerto Rico for the Iraq-set locations. Following strong, solid buzz from the Venice and Toronto Film Festivals in early September, The Men Who Stare at Goats should provide smart, escapist adult entertainment for those queasy of Vince Vaughn’s recent output when it releases through Overture Films on November 6th.