War and Recovery: Tompkins on American Sniper
What I kind of find fascinating about both the real life and movie versions of Chris Kyle is that you're seeing someone who, in a lot of ways, is like heavily resisting recovery and doing the things that they would need to recover, and I think that would be really interesting to talk about.
When you think of addiction, war might not be the first thing that comes to mind. In this gripping episode of 'Sobriety Sucks', hosts Jack and Meredith are joined by Tompkins, a veteran with firsthand experience. Together, they dive into the 2014 film 'American Sniper', directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Bradley Cooper. The trio doesn't just talk about the movie; they unravel the complex layers of addiction that soldiers face, both during deployment and after returning home.
Tompkins shares his personal journey, shedding light on the often-overlooked 'addiction of war' and the harrowing impact of PTSD. This episode isn't just about discussing a film—it's about understanding the real-life struggles behind the screen. They tackle tough questions: How does war become an addiction? What does it take to make amends after such intense experiences? And how do media portrayals shape our perceptions of these issues?
Jack, Meredith, and Tompkins also explore the ethical dilemmas of altering true stories for dramatic effect, offering a nuanced perspective on honesty in storytelling. They don't shy away from critiquing the film's depiction of Middle Eastern countries and its influence on public opinion. By the end, listeners are left with a powerful message about finding common ground in shared values and the importance of honesty in recovery.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of addiction, media, and military life.