Key Highlights
- The documentary “Men of War” traces a 2020 attempt by Jordan Goudreau to launch an ill-fated coup against the government of Nicolas Maduro.
- The film suggests that the recent U.S. invasion of Venezuela was not unexpected, as it mirrors past failed coups and long-standing interventionist efforts.
- “Men of War” includes supercuts of President Donald Trump’s rhetoric from his first term about “all options being on the table” with Venezuela.
- The film also highlights Trump’s head-of-state-esque welcoming of Juan Guaido at the 2020 State of the Union, which may have contributed to a shift in U.S. policy towards military intervention.
- Director Jen Gatien calls her film “an adventure story about self-mythologizing,” reflecting both on Goudreau and potentially on Trump himself.
A Tale of Failed Coups and Unforeseen Consequences
The recent U.S. invasion of Venezuela, which culminated in the capture of former President Nicolas Maduro, has stirred a sense of deja vu among those familiar with the country’s tumultuous history. The events were not just an unexpected turn of events but a manifestation of long-standing, albeit failed, attempts by external forces to overthrow the government.
The documentary “Men of War,” which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2024, provides a chilling glimpse into these past efforts. Directed by Jen Gatien and Billy Corben, the film focuses on Jordan Goudreau, a former Army Green Beret who attempted to launch an ill-fated coup against Maduro’s government.
The Failed Coup of 2020
Goudreau’s effort was met with swift and brutal repression. With just 60 poorly trained men, his attempt was quickly quashed, resulting in the deaths of eight of his people and dozens more taken into custody. However, “Men of War” serves as an eerie precursor to what could have been a more successful intervention.
The film includes supercuts of President Donald Trump and his advisers from his first term saying “all options are on the table” with Venezuela. It also features rhetoric about a desire to control the country’s oil supply, which feels prescient in light of recent events.
A Shifting Policy
One of the most striking elements of “Men of War” is how it suggests that Trump’s decision to invade was not without precedent. The documentary points to a pivotal moment in 2020 when Trump welcomed Juan Guaido, then the opposition leader, at the State of the Union as the legitimate leader of Venezuela.
When Guaido failed to gain widespread support and was ultimately rejected by his people, it may have contributed to a shift from supporting grassroots opposition campaigns to intervening militarily. “Men of War” suggests that the events of last weekend were not just an unexpected turn but a culmination of long-standing interventionist efforts.
A Documentary of Self-Mythologizing
Director Jen Gatien describes her film as “an adventure story about self-mythologizing.” This phrase easily applies to both Goudreau and President Trump, who have often been portrayed as larger-than-life figures in their respective narratives.
The documentary also touches on the fate of Cliver Alcala, a longtime Venezuelan general who was loyal to Hugo Chavez but fell out with Maduro. Alcala has long been training soldiers in exile for a planned coup and is featured prominently in the film.
Unintended Consequences
The arrest of Maduro could have significant implications for the film’s subjects. Cliver Alcala, who is currently serving a two-decade prison sentence in the U.S., may now be called upon to testify in the trial against Maduro. Gatien hopes that this development will allow him to make a deal with U.S. authorities to reduce his sentence.
Additionally, Goudreau, who has been on the run since fleeing Venezuela and cutting off his ankle bracelet, is now MIA. His disappearance adds another layer of complexity to both the Maduro saga and the ongoing story of “Men of War.”
The Future of Venezuela
Gatien believes that Trump’s decision to leave Maduro’s vice president Delcy Rodriguez in place instead of installing Maria Corina Machado suggests that the days of repression, uprisings, and even outside manipulations may be far from over.
She concludes by saying, “There are other chapters yet to be written. The book on U.S. interventions in Latin America is one that never seems to end.” This sentiment echoes the cyclical nature of failed coups and the enduring presence of external forces in Venezuela’s political landscape.
The documentary “Men of War” serves as a cautionary tale, not just about the potential for failed coups but also about the unintended consequences of long-standing interventionist policies. As we reflect on the recent events in Venezuela, it is clear that the echoes of past efforts continue to reverberate through the present.
