Is it possible for a movie about war to be funny, even absurd, while still acknowledging the very real trauma of conflict? Robert Altman’s 1970 film M*A*S*H says yes. Set during the Korean War, the film follows the antics of a team of surgeons at the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital. But this is no standard war picture. Altman throws away the rule book and adopts a loose, improvisational style. We witness the surgeons, particularly the trio of Hawkeye Pierce (Donald Sutherland), Duke Forrest (Tom Skerritt), and Trapper John McIntyre (Elliott Gould) as they cope with the horrors of their work by engaging in increasingly outrageous pranks, black humor, and a general disregard for military authority.
The movie’s strength lies in its characters. The three surgeons’ constant banter, fueled by equal parts cynicism and a need to keep their sanity intact, is endlessly entertaining. We see the ways they push boundaries, not just with the military but with each other. The supporting cast, including Sally Kellerman as Major Margaret ‘Hot Lips’ Houlihan, and Robert Duvall as Major Frank Burns, provide perfect foils to the surgeons’ irreverence, creating conflicts that are both ridiculous and surprisingly poignant.
However, M*A*S*H isn’t just a comedy. Amidst the laughs, the film presents some stark realities. The surgeons are constantly dealing with a never-ending stream of wounded soldiers. The movie doesn’t shy away from the graphic nature of their work, reminding the audience of the human cost of war. This contrast between the absurd and the serious creates a unique emotional experience, one that doesn’t let the audience forget the gravity of the situation while still allowing space for laughter and release.
The film’s open ending, lacking any big resolution, speaks to the ongoing, unending nature of war, leaving us with questions about the nature of conflict and the cost of human suffering. M*A*S*H is definitely not a perfect movie. It can feel disjointed and chaotic at times. However, that’s also part of its charm. It’s a messy, human, and unforgettable portrayal of individuals doing their best, or worst, under pressure. It is a movie that still resonates powerfully today.
M*A*S*H is a 20th Century Fox production.
Release Date: 1970
Director: Robert Altman
Cast: Donald Sutherland, Tom Skerritt, Elliott Gould, Sally Kellerman, Robert Duvall
