Delta Force Is a 1986 Essay

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Without violating the law and international decorum, Americans cannot be saved, the film suggests, through the attitude of the rescuing Delta Force. McCoy punches terrorists first and asks questions later, rides a motorcycle into a terrorist hide-out to blow it up with explosives, and by taking a stand as his own man, rather than working with people, he shows his greatest strength. America's need to stand alone in the world is also underlined by the film -- although sympathetic allies like Greece and Israel provide support, only American troops can save American lives. Rather than work with other nations, Americans must obey a law of their own. American individualism is the only way to protect Americans against foreign threats of violence -- and America must react violently, in kind. 'Good' allies help America, and seek American assistance, and bad ones are weak. This individualistic, black-and-white attitude harkens back to American Westerns as well as the rhetoric of American politicians about the nation's place in the world. Except for Israel, the other foreigners are ineffectual -- the German stewardess becomes hysterical, although guilt-ridden when having to 'turn over' Jewish passengers to the terrorists, and the Lebanese agree to allow the terrorists to land on their territory after being pressured to do so, despite initially saying they will support the Americans.

Only the Delta Force truly understands the threat to the hostages -- and even more so than Cornel Nick Alexander, McCoy has the capabilities of doing what needs to be done. The contrast between the more conservative leader and the renegade 'hot head' is also a familiar pairing American action films.

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The "Delta Force" creates a character contrast of the older, grizzled moral center of the Delta Force played by Lee Marvin, Coronel Alexander, and Chuck Norris' character. McCoy does have something to learn from Alexander, but ultimately the film sides with the spirit of McCoy. McCoy is the most ruthless, yet the best fighter on the Delta Force. His status as a cowboy of the force is evident the moment he is seen, driving up in a pickup truck. The film's emphasis on McCoy's personality as embodying American strength is evident from the opening shots, which show a flashback of McCoy single-handedly saving a friend's life, after the man is abandoned by everyone else in the rescue effort.

The idea that is that a truly American lone hero (with a little help with his friends) can provide the solution to the problem of terrorism is reflected in the film. Through the Delta Force's efforts, the hijackers are rescued. America has 'won' this installation in the war on terror because of McCoy, its unique Delta Force, and his willingness to storm the compound where the passengers are located 'by any means necessary.' Diplomacy and cultural understanding are not required. Although the film is dated, clearly these themes still have cultural resonance today.

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