Key Highlights
- The documentary “Men of War” traces a 2020 attempt by Jordan Goudreau to launch an ill-fated coup against the Maduro government in Venezuela.
- The film offers insights into U.S. intervention strategies, including rhetoric from Trump’s administration about military options and the welcoming of Juan Guaido as the legitimate leader of Venezuela.
- “Men of War” premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2024 and was picked up by Neon for streaming release.
- The arrest of Maduro could impact the subjects of the film, with one subject, Cliver Alcala, facing potential reduced sentence through testimony or deal-making.
A Documentary Preceding the U.S. Invasion of Venezuela
As the world watched in disbelief over the past week as U.S. forces carried out an invasion to capture a Venezuelan leader, the events felt more like the plot of a wild documentary than real-life politics. “Men of War,” a 2024 film from Jen Gatien and Billy Corben, eerily presages these dramatic unfolding events.
The Failed Coup Attempt
“Men of War” centers on Jordan Goudreau, an ex-Army Green Beret who attempted to overthrow the Maduro government with just 60 poorly trained men. This ill-fated coup was quickly crushed, resulting in eight deaths and numerous arrests. Despite the failure, the documentary provides a unique perspective on U.S. intervention strategies.
Prescient Rhetoric and Policy
The film highlights moments from Trump’s first term where he openly discussed “all options being on the table” with Venezuela. There are also poignant scenes of him welcoming Juan Guaido as the legitimate leader, a move that may have set the stage for future military intervention.
Documentary Premier and Release
“Men of War” premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2024. It was soon picked up by Neon for streaming release, though it did not make the Oscar shortlist. The film’s timing is now seen as eerily prescient given recent events.
Impact on Subjects and Future Prognosis
The arrest of Maduro could have significant implications for the documentary subjects. Cliver Alcala, a longtime loyalist who trained soldiers in exile, faces potential reduced sentence if he testifies against U.S. authorities. The film also raises questions about Goudreau’s fate, as he fled to avoid prosecution after his failed coup attempt.
As Gatien notes, “A military option has been on the table since at least 2017.” This suggests that the events of last week are part of a long history of U.S. interventions in Latin America, indicating that more chapters may yet be written in this ongoing saga.