The problem of distinguishing civilians from combatants is treated in Wright’s ethnography as a complex negotiation involving Marines in various ranks, where it seems that the higher the rank the less concern there is with indiscriminant killing. Although the HBO version includes some of the more fraught conversations about the problem, much of the contention is treated with close-ups of faces. For example, Lance Corporal Harold Trombley (Billy Lush), a Marine sniper exults in killing and is unconcerned about whether a kill is a legitimate target under the rules of engagement. That unconcern shows in his face when he’s informed that he has mistakenly killed a young boy (Figure 12).
