Bill Maher Says 'American Sniper' Is About A 'Psychopath Patriot'

Bill Maher has addressed the recent controversy surrounding the Clint Eastwood film "American Sniper."

The film -- based on the autobiography of Chris Kyle, the most lethal sniper in U.S. military history -- broke box office records when it raked in $90.2 million over the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend. But it has divided viewers and critics alike in its exploration of war and patriotism.

On "Real Time With Bill Maher" on Friday, the host criticized the picture for what he views as a lack of nuance.

"'Hurt Locker' made 17 million because it was a little ambiguous and thoughtful," Maher said. "['American Sniper'] is just 'American hero! He's a psychopath patriot, and we love him.'"

The host then went on to criticize sections of Kyle's autobiography, including a part in which Maher says he writes, "I hate the damn savages," in reference to the Iraqis.

"Eisenhower once said I hate war as only a soldier who has lived it can," Maher said. "I just don't see this guy in the same league as Eisenhower. If you're a Christian, 'I hate the damn savages' doesn't seem like a Christian thing to say."