MovieChat Forums > Slaughterhouse-Five (1972) Discussion > Please explain the beginning of the movi...

Please explain the beginning of the movie

posted 15 years ago by MrBigglesworth999
1 reply | jump to latest

At the movie's start I couldn't figure out the context in which Billy Pilgrim finds himself wandering around in the snow being pursued by Germans and being bullied by Americans.
He doesn't appear to be an American soldier as he is out of uniform.
Is he a civilian?
If so, what nationality?
How did he get to where he is?

[–] sonofbeach-sheet 15 years ago

From what I read in the book he "didn't look like a soldier at all and looked like a filthy flamingo". I don't remember the circumstances as to why he didn't get proper equipment issued. And he was supposed to be an Assistant Chaplain, but never met the Chaplain he was assigned to.