“War Dogs Unveiled: Navigating the Divide Between Cinematic Drama and Reality”
The 2016 film “War Dogs” delves into the captivating true story of two unconventional arms dealers, David Packouz and Efraim Diveroli, who clinch a staggering $300 million contract with the Pentagon. While the movie takes creative liberties for dramatic effect, it remains tethered to the core narrative of real events. This exploration peels back the layers of cinematic embellishment to uncover where reality and fiction converge in the billion-dollar arms deal.
The Authentic Core:
At the heart of “War Dogs” lies the true story of Efraim Diveroli and David Packouz, low-level arms dealers thrust into the high-stakes world of international arms trade. The movie accurately portrays their backgrounds and how they leveraged their expertise to secure a lucrative Pentagon contract. The government’s role in scrutinizing their dealings and the pressure to level the playing field are depicted with fidelity to reality.
Creative Liberties and Dramatic Flourishes:
While grounded in truth, “War Dogs” employs creative embellishments for cinematic flair. The action-packed sequences and perilous situations faced by the characters are a product of artistic license; the real-life events were less adventurous. Notably, the kidnapping of Packouz by Bradley Cooper’s character is entirely fictional. Despite these embellishments, the film maintains the essence of the remarkable narrative and characters.
What the Film Gets Right:
The movie draws from Guy Lawson’s detailed Rolling Stone article, later expanded into the book “Arms and the Dudes,” providing a solid foundation for accuracy. The backstories of Packouz and Diveroli are faithfully portrayed, capturing the essence of their unconventional paths into arms dealing. The film successfully navigates the complexities of government scrutiny, portraying subtle details like the characters getting high before crucial meetings, adding to the absurdity of the narrative.
Distinguishing Fact from Fiction:
While “War Dogs” captures the spirit of its source material, it does take liberties to heighten the drama. The film’s portrayal of dangerous situations and intense confrontations goes beyond the reality faced by Packouz and Diveroli. The on-screen depiction of Diveroli firing a gun in frustration after a deal fell through and the characters facing life-threatening scenarios abroad is a departure from the more subdued reality of their operations.
The Imagined Kidnapping and Other Fictional Elements:
One notable departure from reality is the film’s portrayal of Packouz’s kidnapping by Bradley Cooper’s character, Henry Girard. This dramatic sequence, while adding tension to the narrative, is entirely fictional. In actuality, the characters never faced such a life-threatening event. Additionally, certain actions and events depicted in the movie, like traversing Iraq’s infamous Triangle of Death, were artistic embellishments for cinematic effect.
Post-“War Dogs” Realities:
Contrary to the film’s portrayal of enduring camaraderie, Packouz and Diveroli have since distanced themselves. Packouz, now a musician, collaborated with the filmmakers and even made a cameo in the movie. His life has taken a turn away from arms dealing, focusing on music, travel, and family. Diveroli, in contrast, embraced his past, documenting his life in the memoir “Once A Gun Runner” and pursuing legal action against the film’s producers for allegedly stealing his story without consent.
Financial Fortunes:
While no longer embroiled in hundred-million-dollar government contracts, both Packouz and Diveroli have found financial success post-War Dogs. Packouz, with a net worth of around $2.9 million, thrives in the music business. Diveroli’s net worth, estimated between $15 to $25 million, reflects his ventures and legal pursuits. Despite the film’s dramatization, the real-life War Dogs are navigating post-arms dealing life with substantial financial stability.
Unveiling Lawsuits and Reactions:
The real-life counterparts, Packouz and Diveroli, have not directly commented on the film. However, Diveroli’s attempt to sue Warner Bros. for defamation suggests discontent with his portrayal. The lawsuit contends that the movie, marketed as Diveroli’s ‘true story,’ deviates significantly from reality. Warner Bros., invoking First Amendment protection, counters the claims, emphasizing the inherent creative license in cinematic adaptations.
Conclusion:
“War Dogs” masterfully weaves a gripping narrative based on true events, balancing authenticity with cinematic allure. While certain liberties were taken to amplify the drama, the film succeeds in capturing the essence of Packouz and Diveroli’s unconventional journey into the arms trade. The post-War Dogs lives of the real protagonists unfold with financial stability and varied pursuits, adding another layer to the intriguing legacy of the War Dogs’ billion-dollar deal.