Full Metal Jacket - Review

“This is my rifle. There are many like it, but this one is mine” – A review of Full Metal Jacket. 

You know you’re about to experience something special when you sit down to watch a Stanley Kubrick film. From The Shining to 2001: A Space Odyssey, Stanley Kubrick is responsible for some of the most influential films of all time. In 1987, war drama Full Metal Jacket was released, full of devastating realism and cutting satire, and it became one of the most impactful and raw films of the entire genre.

Full Metal Jacket is, unsurprisingly, one of my favourite war films ever. Set during the Vietnam War, the film explores the way in which young recruits change as they are trained and moulded to become soldiers, and the psychological impact this, and war in general, has on them. It’s a film of two halves; the first half follows the group of young recruits through boot camp, particularly following Private Joker and Private Pyle, and the second half shifts to Vietnam, where Joker is now a military journalist. This isn’t a film which glorifies war but rather examines the physical and emotional impact on those involved in conflicts.

Whilst the acting and cinematography are fantastic, it’s the themes and messaging of the film which makes it stand out to me. There’s something deeply unsettling about watching ordinary young people be transformed into living weapons. The dehumanisation of the characters is chilling; they’re completely stripped of their individualism and are forced to confront the most violent aspects of their own personalities. On the other hand, Joker serves as a sort of moral compass as he is forced to take a close look at the horrors around him. The psychological impact of this is of course very heavy, and whilst it’s perhaps not always the easiest film to watch, it is deeply compelling.

As I mentioned before, the cinematography of Full Metal Jacket is simply brilliant. Each shot feels so deliberate, with the camera lingering on the faces of characters just long enough that you can really feel what they’re feeling, from fear to confusion. It’s also truly atmospheric; the barracks, for example, feel super crowded and claustrophobic, whilst the landscapes of Vietnam are desolate and destroyed. On top of this, happy pop music is used often during scenes of pure chaos and destruction, bringing an element of dark satire to the film.

Of course, the acting is amazing as well. A standout for me is Gunnery Sergeant Hartman (R. Lee Ermey), who is unforgettable but also absolutely terrifying. He’s intense, and his delivery of quick-fire insults are also full of wit and dark humour on top of his intimidating presence. Aside from Hartman, Private Pyle’s (Vincent D’Onofrio) story is truly devastating to watch, as he slowly breaks down, becoming more and more vulnerable as he psychologically unravels. Joker (Matthew Modine) has incredible presence, and his grounded nature brings much needed humanity to scenes where it would be lacking otherwise.

I really don’t have any criticisms of Full Metal Jacket. Sure, it can be an incredibly difficult to watch, but it’s so well written, so raw and so compelling it’s impossible to fault. Powerful performances and Kubrick’s incredible vision help to explore the terrible nature of war and the human condition make for a compelling watch, and if you’re a fan of the war film genre, this is a true must watch.

Written by Tam Page

Posted by Mr. Tomney

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