No goats. No glory.
"The Men Who Stare at Goats" is a satirical film that follows Bob Wilton, a reporter played by Ewan McGregor, who encounters Lyn Cassady, portrayed by George Clooney. Lyn claims to be part of the U.S. Army's New Earth Army, a secret unit using paranormal abilities such as mind control and psychic warfare during military missions. As Bob delves deeper into this bizarre world, he uncovers a mix of humor, skepticism, and genuine oddity that challenges conventional perceptions of military operations.
The film explores themes of the absurdity of war and the military's experimentation with unconventional methods. It blends comedy with critique, showcasing how belief in paranormal powers can be both a source of hope and a reflection of desperation in extreme circumstances. Additionally, it touches on the human desire for peace and a more compassionate approach to conflict, questioning the traditional reliance on violence.
Upon release, "The Men Who Stare at Goats" garnered mixed reviews but has since achieved a cult status for its unique storytelling and offbeat humor. Its strange yet entertaining take on real military experiments sparked discussions about the boundaries of warfare and the psychology behind it. The film remains a notable example of blending fact with fiction to create poignant social commentary wrapped in comedic elements.
Main Cast of The Men Who Stare at Goats
George Clooney
Lyn Cassady
Fans of George Clooney may enjoy his role in 'The Men Who Stare at Goats' because it showcases his knack for blending humor with a laid-back, charismatic presence, differing from his more intense and dramatic performances like in 'Erin Brockovich,' which is often considered one of his most iconic roles. In 'The Men Who Stare at Goats,' Clooney plays Lyn Cassady, a psychic soldier who is part of a secret U.S. military unit investigating paranormal phenomena, allowing him to explore a quirky and unconventional character far from his usual serious roles. An interesting and unexpected detail is that Clooney's character was inspired by real-life interviews with members of the military's psychic research program, adding a unique layer of authenticity and intrigue to the comedic portrayal.
Ewan McGregor
Bob Wilton
Ewan McGregor played the role of Bob Wilton in the 2009 film 'The Men Who Stare at Goats'. His performance was widely praised for blending straight-faced earnestness with quirky comedic timing, capturing the absurd yet intriguing tone of the film. What made his portrayal unique was his ability to embody a skeptical journalist gradually drawn into the bizarre world of psychic soldiers, balancing humor and curiosity effectively. A lesser-known fact about McGregor's involvement is that he did extensive research on unconventional military practices and even trained in basic meditation techniques to authentically portray his character's transformation throughout the story.
Jeff Bridges
Bill Django
Jeff Bridges starred as Lyn Cassady, an eccentric and charismatic psychic soldier in the 2009 comedy-war film 'The Men Who Stare at Goats.' His performance was widely praised for its quirky blend of humor and sincerity, which added a unique charm to the film's satirical take on military experimentation and New Age spirituality. Bridges brought a natural ease and depth to the character, making Lyn both amusing and oddly compelling, which stood out amidst the film's ensemble cast. One lesser-known fact from behind the scenes is that Bridges often improvised his lines and ad-libbed during shooting, helping to shape the film's unpredictable, offbeat tone. Director Grant Heslov welcomed Bridges's improvisations, which contributed significantly to the film's distinctive blend of comedy and surrealism.
Kevin Spacey
Larry Hooper
In the movie 'The Men Who Stare at Goats,' Kevin Spacey played the character Larry Hooper, a cynical and conflicted psychic soldier. His performance was widely appreciated for bringing a unique blend of dry wit and intensity to the eccentric narrative, standing out amid the film's quirky tone and ensemble cast. What made Spacey's portrayal unique was his ability to balance comedic elements with a more grounded, nuanced approach, which added depth to an otherwise absurd storyline. A lesser-known fact about Spacey's involvement is that he reportedly spent time researching government experiments and military psychic programs to add authenticity to his role, even though the film itself is a satirical take on those concepts.
Crew of The Men Who Stare at Goats
Full backstage crew list →