Full Metal Jacket depicts the journey of Private Joker (Matthew Modine) from bootcamp to the twisted and horrific world of the Vietnam War. On his journey he encounters a number of eclectic and interesting characters who shape the way he thinks and acts. As his views of the world begin to shift, and his life begins to revolve around war and the many dark and unappealing aspects of it, Joker becomes fully immersed in the twisted reality of the Vietnam War and those who take part in its deadly antics.
In the opening moments of Full Metal Jacket, audiences are introduced to the loud, vile and incredibly talented Sergeant Hartman (Lee Ermey) and his book of unapologetic racially and emotionally charged slurs. His performance is unique, genuine and absolutely perfect. His nomination at the Oscars in 1988 was well deserved (sadly he was ultimately snubbed). His tenure in the military clearly prepared him for a career in war-related films, and it, furthermore, helped to develop a gifted actor and a one-of-a-kind talent. The opening scene left me in tears, but Ermey perfectly portrays the arrogant, but likable sergeant in a manner that never breaks character, never falters and provides audiences with a very real understanding of the military, and more specifically, the marines. His performance is enough to guide the entire story, but, unfortunately, bootcamp is the extent of his presence in the film.
Ermey is supported by a number of talented young actors in the first act of Full Metal Jacket, including Modine, the biggest star to come out of the film, Vincent D’Onofrio (Private Pyle), and Peter Edmund (Snowball). Each of the previously named actors does a wonderful job of supporting Ermey and driving the story. They each possess a certain uniqueness that keeps each separate and interesting through the first forty minutes or so of Full Metal Jacket. D’Onofrio and Ermey steal the show and are the clear favorites of the audience. Unfortunately, but understandably, the two share limited screen time and their stories do not last the length of the film. While it might seem like the exclusion of these two characters may have been a mistake on part of writers Michael Herr and Gustav Hasford and writer-director Stanley Kubrick, their decision to do what they did with said characters is a testament to their ability to understand storytelling and their audience.
Camera angle is always an important part of any film, however, it is not always something that I always comment on when analyzing film. Yet, Kubrick, with the help of his head of cinematography, Douglas Milsome, are so adept with their filming decisions that it would be criminal to exclude their work from a review of Full Metal Jacket. Saving Private Ryan seems to be the bar when it comes to military related films. I was once told by my grandfather (who served in the Korean War) that Saving Private Ryan includes absolutely everything needed to depict war with the exception of the smell. While I cannot comment on anything war (or military) related, it seems that the camera work accurately depicts a number of things within warfare. There is one particular scene toward the end of the film that finds the camera struggling to keep up with the number of soldiers running, selflessly, toward danger. This depicts two important aspects of warfare that are crucial for audiences to understand. The first being that (as the cameraman makes clear) warfare is incredibly tiring and that only the best are able to stand the test of time in times of war. The second explanation of this particular scene is to express the fact that soldiers (in general) are in impeccable shape and are one-of-a-kind specimens (I am realizing how odd that wording sounds, but it is the best way to describe their physical prowess).
From camera angles, to impeccable acting, superb direction, Stanley Kubrick’s Full Metal Jacket is a fascinating film. The depiction of war (and the events leading up to it) engulfs audiences and makes them feel like they are a part of the action and the incredibly entertaining story. From beginning to end Full Metal Jacket depicts nonstop intensity (fully enveloped by comedy) drives a compelling story. D'Onofrio, Ermey and Milsome shine brightly and are wonderful assets for Kubrick. The film appeals to all cinephiles, fans of war and, oddly enough, fans of comedy.
Commentaires