The Way It Is
"The Way It Is," a Sunday night one-hour show, aired from September 1967 to June 1969. Under the executive production of Ross McLean, following the success of similar CBC programs, it attracted up to 60 contributors, aiming to challenge viewers with compelling content. Hosted by John Saywell and Barbara Frum, who honed her interviewing style here, it featured Patrick Watson, Warren Davis, Percy Saltzman, Ken Lefolii, Peter Desbarats, and Moses Znaimer. Segment producers like Perry Rosemond and Peter Herrndorf worked on the show, which covered diverse topics via studio interviews, music, commentary, panels, and documentaries. While not pushing controversy, it contributed to national dialogue. Notable productions included documentaries on airline safety and Vietnam, setting a serious tone for its era. Its influence extended to later CBC shows like the fifth estate and The Journal.
Insights
Plot Summary
This documentary delves into the experiences of American soldiers during the Vietnam War, capturing their daily lives, their struggles, and their evolving perspectives amidst the conflict. It offers a raw and unfiltered look at the realities of combat and the psychological toll it took on those involved. The film aims to present an unvarnished portrayal of the war from the ground level.
Critical Reception
Critically, 'The Way It Is' received attention for its cinéma vérité style and its unflinching depiction of the Vietnam War. While lauded by some for its authenticity and raw portrayal of soldiers' lives, it also faced criticism for its length and sometimes disjointed narrative. It is often viewed as a significant, albeit challenging, piece of Vietnam War cinema.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its gritty realism and direct access to soldiers.
- Some critics found the film's pacing and structure to be uneven.
- A powerful, though often bleak, representation of the Vietnam War experience.
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Fun Fact
The film was shot over a period of several months, with director Curt Erler living alongside the soldiers to gain their trust and capture authentic moments.
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