How to Fold a Flag (2009)
Directed by Michael Tucker / Petra Epperlein
Genres - War |
Sub-Genres - Biography, Military & War, Sociology |
Run Time - 85 min. |
Countries - United States |
MPAA Rating - NR
Share on
Synopsis by Mark Deming
In 2003, filmmakers Michael Tucker and Petra Epperlein traveled to Iraq and spent several months with 2/3 Field Artillery unit as young soldiers simultaneously tried to fight a war and keep peace shortly after George W. Bush had publicly announced major combat operations in Iraq were over. The result was the acclaimed documentary Gunner Palace, and six years later, Tucker and Epperlein catch up with some of the men of the 2/3 FA and find out what's become of them since returning home in How To Fold A Flag. Michael Goss is still dealing with the violence he witnessed in Iraq and has taken up a career as a wrestler as he tries to satisfy his need to somehow stay in battle. Javorn Drummond came from a poor family and planned to use his G.I. benefits to attend college. But getting the aid he deserves proves difficult, and now he has to help his mother who is living with cancer but has no medical insurance. Stuart Wilf was a wild kid into heavy metal when he joined the Army, and for all his high spirits and profane humor it's clear that he still hasn't put his demons to rest; at the same time he tries to support his mother, who now has another son in Iraq. And Jon Powers came home with a desire to serve his community and decided to run for office, only to become the victim of attack ads questioning his conduct while in uniform. How To Fold A Flag was an official selection at the 2009 Toronto International Film Festival.
Characteristics
Themes
Keywords
home, Iraq, mother, post-traumatic-stress, soldier, war