Breather Rough Draft

"Behind Enemy Lines" is a classic example of media's glorified portrayal of actual military events. A navy fighter pilot is shot down in war-torn Bosnia right as NATO forces were beginning to withdraw. A classic struggle is born between Lieutenant Reigart of the U.S. Navy and commander of the U.S.S. Carl Vinson, and General Pacquet, the Special Relations Officer assigned by NATO to oversee activity in that region. In an attempt to create national pride toward an American-geared audience, the film effectively uses this head-to-head power struggle. As the action in the film heats up, this symbolic battle of America versus the rest of the world powerfully plays out, in the background, in the form of two strong figures.
Lieutenant Leslie Reigart is played by famous American actor Gene Hackman. Hackman's character is built early on in the first few scenes of the movie. Reigart calls in Navy Pilot Burnett, the star of the film played by Owen Wilson, to discuss Burnett's resignation letter. In this scene Reigart comes across as a hard-nosed, no-nonsense lieutenant. He sternly accuses Burnett of not having any idea what it means to sacrifice for your country. This short discussion helps the viewer to see Reigart as experienced, someone who has dedicated his life to serving his country. This is further expressed when the camera scans the wall of his office, examining pictures of a younger fighter pilot and numerous military awards including the Purple Heart, awarded for courage in battle. The building of Reigart's character is crucial to this film, as he will later become a symbol of American resolve.
When Burnett and his co-pilot are shot down, we are introduced to Reigart's antagonist, NATO official Pacquet. Pacquet is played by a short, dark actor who speaks english with a heavy accent. Pacquet comes across as cocky and arrogant. In the first scent he appears, he quickly lays a heavy hand over the top of Reigart's power and control. He is established as someone that the American audience can aim their anger and disgust.
The battle between Reigart and Pacquet pursues. The struggle is epic. Power against power, America against the world. Early on Pacquet seems to have the upper hand, as Reigart feels forced to bow to the control of NATO and Pacquet. As the navy red-tape becomes more and more evident because of NATO's intervention, the viewer becomes more and more perturbed, destined to feel more pride for America and more animosity toward NATO, almost wanting to scream, "We are America, nobody tells us what to do!" In one scent Pacquet splits the divide further when he exclaims, "You Americans, all you care about is your own damn pilots."
As the struggle progresses, Reigart becomes more defiant to the control of Pacquet. Just as America doesn't take a back seat to anyone, in the end, Reigart completely disregards orders from NATO, and does the right thing. He bravely, with no regard for his safety or his career, takes command the leads his forces to save his pilot.