Shortly after its release, Kathryn Bigelow’s movie “House of Dynamite,” which serves as a nuclear warning, received attention from the Pentagon. Instead of praise or award nominations, the Pentagon issued an internal memo dated Oct. 16 to address misconceptions presented in the film. “House of Dynamite” portrays America’s hypothetical response to an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) heading towards the country with less than 20 minutes of warning.
The movie, developed with input from scientists and former administration members, depicts a scenario where the government’s missile defense systems have a success rate slightly above 60%, causing concern for the defense secretary character portrayed by Jared Harris. The Pentagon’s memo aimed to clarify that real-world testing results differ significantly from the movie’s portrayal, emphasizing the effectiveness of current systems in intercepting ICBMs.
U.S. Senator Edward J. Markey criticized the film, highlighting the flaws in the country’s long-range missile defense system. Experts like nuclear physicist Laura Grego and writer Tom Nichols have also disputed the Pentagon’s claims of 100% effectiveness, suggesting that the actual success rate might be lower than depicted in the movie.
The release of “House of Dynamite” coincides with President Trump’s plans to invest in military defense projects like the Golden Dome and resume nuclear testing, marking a significant moment for nuclear discussions. Despite government objections, the filmmakers defend the movie, with Kathryn Bigelow expressing satisfaction in sparking conversations about nuclear proliferation through their work.
The movie’s themes of nuclear warnings align with a history of films like “The War Game,” “Threads,” and “Dirty War,” which have sought to shed light on the grim realities of nuclear conflict. Similarly, past productions like “WarGames” and “The Day After” have influenced public perception and even policy decisions on nuclear security. These cinematic portrayals have played a role in raising awareness about the catastrophic consequences of nuclear warfare and the need for international cooperation in preventing such events.
Overall, the impact of films like “House of Dynamite” extends beyond entertainment, serving as a catalyst for discussions on nuclear threats and the importance of effective defense strategies in today’s world.