‘Taking Chance’ a hymn of praise to a fallen soldier featured in ‘Faces of Freedom’
Monday, February 23, 2009 at 7:57AM The film starring Kevin Bacon tells the story of Lance Cpl. Chance Phelps. An essay about Chance is also included in the book ‘Faces of Freedom.’
Lance Cpl. Chance Phelps, USMC, is also the subject of an essay in the book 'Faces of Freedom.' Click the photo to learn more about the book.I had my doubts when I saw announcements about another war film, because they almost always come up short. But those doubts were relieved by an outstanding performance in the closest thing I’ve ever seen to a poem on film—HBO’s ‘Taking Chance.’ The main character Lance Cpl. Chance Phelps is a 20 year old U.S. Marine killed in a battle in Iraq. Although you never hear him speak, by the end of the film you will come to admire him, and it is likely you will mourn him.
From start to finish, the film will move you. Kevin Bacon plays Lieutenant Colonel Michael Strobl, USMC, who volunteers to escort Chance to his family in Wyoming. Strobl is a Desert Storm veteran with 17 years of service, and for him the journey with Chance is also a journey into his own soul. Strobl’s conflict arises as he weighs his commitments to his family and to his country.
The film is based on Strobl’s official report, first recorded in his personal journal. ‘Taking Chance’ is actually a hymn of praise to a fallen warrior. Set up with an epic structure, the scenes are like stanzas, each making a small statement about the man, coming together at the end with a communication between viewer and filmmaker—the meaning of honor, dignity, generosity of spirit, loyalty. Those qualities are called forth in stories told by Chance’s fellow Marines, his family and friends. The action in the movie grows from seeing complete strangers react to Chance. A subtheme in the movie sheds light on how the military cares for a fallen soldier—from those who prepare the body for the long trip home to those who escort the soldier home for burial.
If this film were a poem, it would be an elegy—not only because of its language but because of the way the film is presented.
Bacon’s performance is superb, and the director’s deft touch results in respect for a fallen hero and respect for the country he fought for. It’s a classic and it will stand the test of time. ‘Taking Chance’ is a movie you should watch with your children so they will understand the value of what we are and what we as a country defend.
Story also told in ‘Faces of Freedom’
Chance was also the subject of an essay in the anthology ‘Faces of Freedom,’ edited by Fox TV (Tri-Cities , Tenn.) co-anchor Rebecca Pepin. The anthology tells the story of a fallen soldier from each state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. It’s a beautiful tribute, hardcover and very creatively done. I had the pleasure of accepting an invitation from Pepin to write the story of a fallen warrior from Missouri, Sgt. 1st Class Michael Fuga, who died fighting in Afghanistan. All contributors to the anthology—professional journalists and others in media—donated their services. Profits go to charities that benefit military and their families.
The ultimate sacrifice
In Al AnBar Province, Iraq, during a battle, Chance acted as a target, drawing fire so the rest of his convoy could regroup. By sacrificing himself he saved the lives of many.
The film brought to mind words written by a warrior-poet, the late James Dickey. Dickey flew combat missions during WWII and he trained troops during the Korean War. He wrote the poem ‘Strength of Fields’ and read it at Jimmy Carter’s inauguration. The poem is an all-over-the-place sonnet in my opinion—Dickey loved to bend form to his own will. It’s technically not a poem about war; it’s a poem about service.
Lines 4 and 5 in the poem are a plea: “Lord, let me shake with purpose.” The end of the poem is an affirmation: “My life belongs to the world. I will do what I can.” [L14] Dickey’s poem is a journey into the realm of dark vs. light, a commitment to something greater than himself.
‘Taking Chance’ does the same thing, telling the story of a young fallen warrior, lifting us to a place we all admire, a place few of us are brave enough to journey to.
Ed. Note: The Chance Phelps Foundation was formed to improve the quality of life for those in the military. It’s a fitting tribute to a man who gave his life for others, a man who in every way demonstrated the meaning of ‘Semper Fidelis.’
Kevin Bacon as Lt. Col. Michael Strobl, Nicholas Reese Art as Bacon's son Nate. Photo from HBO website.
Reader Comments (2)
Great post, Kay! Thanks so much for sharing this with me!
Becky, I'm really glad you liked it. I was profoundly moved by the film. best, Kay