The film follows a deployment of Danish soldiers to the frontline Armadillo camp in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, and portrays both the conflict of the war effort and of the soldiers themselves as they head deeper into the heart of war. Janus Metz and his cinematographer Lars Skree risked life and limb to capture the footage that shows the daily grind of being in the frontline – from boredom to fire-fights with the Taliban, or ‘ninjas’ as the soldiers refer to them, along with the ever present risk of stepping on an IED (Improvised Explosive Device).

The film stirred up a lot of controversy when it was débuted due to a scene that led to some of the soldiers stationed at Armadillo being placed under investigation for war crimes. The film is an important portrait of a moment in our history which lets the viewer decide what the price of this war is and at what cost – to both the countries involved in fighting the Taliban and also to the local Afghan villagers who are caught in- between.

Award winning director Janus Metz’s latest documentary ‘Armadillo’ on the war in Afghanistan has achieved worldwide acclaim and won the ‘Semaine de la Critique Award’ at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival.

This interview with Janus has been chosen to appear on the film’s DVD, which is released on June the 13th and will be available from all major retailers.

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About the author

Vernon Ward
Vernon writes for a variety of national and international titles. Having been on assignments ranging from covering underground bare-knuckle fighting to interviewing Cannes winning film directors along with off-the-wall areas of interest, it's safe to say his eye is drawn to the quirky and interesting. For him, the most intriguing subjects of all are the people surrounding the subject he's covering. "Creativity is the very essence of alchemy - taking nothing and turning it into something - which brings us to the hub of where these ideas take flight; London. The City is one of the worlds most fertile grounds for seeing these roots of imagination become reality - and if the story is right, I'll be there to cover it." North, South, East or West? It's nice to be here....it's nice to be anywhere... High Class, Common or Garden? All of the above... Clothes or Culture? They both reflect each other and as such, so does my writing. My best night out ever made me feel... ...well, there are just some things that should remain a mystery....

10 Comments for Exclusive: Interview with Janus Metz, on Armadillo

Tom Idle

Fantastic interview by Vernon Ward. Some searching and heartfelt questions for Mr Metz, who has produced one of the most anticipated war movies of the past few years.

Can’t wait to catch it on DVD soon.

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Katie idle

Awesome and very natural interview. Well done Vernon! Really very impressive stuff! Looking forward to seeing the doc. X

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Carey Cotton

A very informative and interestig interview, done in a chilled and relaxed way. Well done Vernon Ward, we will be watching out for you.

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Phillip Wood

Interesting to here how he had to remain professional to document the realities of the absurdities in warfare.

Not sure if there’s many that could have pulled it off. By the sounds of it, have to agree with Janus, and that it doesn’t modulate the Hollywood protocol. Reminds me of Restrepo in some ways, so thanks Vern for bringing the film to my attention.

How did you find him? Sincere? In it for himself?

Really am looking forward to seeing in a few weeks.

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Vernon Ward

Thanks Phillip,

He was very genuine and obviously concerned about the Danish involvement in Afghanistan.

For Janus as filmmaker, I think you have to applaud his – and his cinematographer Lars Skree’s – bravery, yet realise that if you film war you may end up incriminating the very people who you are not only stationed with, but are your fellow countrymen. This was a risk that Janus was willing to take and one that he had no way of knowing the outcome. The young lads he filmed were facing war crime charges due to what was shown when ‘Armadillo’ premiered in Cannes & Denmark. Eventually the charges were dropped, yet I can’t help thinking how Janus would have reasoned with himself if the soldiers had been arrested. Flying around the collecting awards for a film which put his fellow countrymen in prison would surely be a difficult thing to deal with. Ultimately though, the film is a success due to the perilous line – both physically and politically – Janus was prepared to walk.

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Bob and Hayley Ward

Interesting interview with Janus, reveals the different reactions about the film and the reality which we feel came across very naturally. Excellent!

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Alan Caddick

Intriguing. Vernon has a great interview technique that really gets the best from the interviewee, it really is unique. I am sure we will be seeing more of Vernon and look forward to seeing the DVD.

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jasper

Very informative interview and interesting questions posed to the director. Looking forward to seeing the movie, hope it doesnt reflect badly on the soldiers that work under immense stress and for a very low wage and are expected to stick to loads of rules and regulations with regards to ‘rules of engagement’ while being shot at.

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Dylan

Great interview – a very relaxed, enjoyable and informative take on an ongoing and harrowing subject.

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RK

Interesting interview of a wonderful filmmaker – really this is one of the best documentaries I have ever seen.
However, I don’t quite agree on the effectiveness of Vernon’s interview style. I’m sorry to say I found it quite annoying how regularly he interrupts Janus mid-flow. This director is incredibly eloquent and his replies are complex and well thought-out – so please, just let him speak!!

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