Full Metal Jacket - 8 stars out of 10
Full Metal Jacket, notorious for its realistic opening portrayal of boot camp, lives up to its expectation. The first 30+ minutes of this film are brutal and raw but give a unique insight into boot camp while creating an appreciation for the men that survive and become Marines. R. Lee Ermey is incredible in this role, often given the freedom to improvise on set to bring realism to his drill instructor role. The film slows down after the boot camp portion but still delivers impressive special effects and a few intense battle scenes. The film manages to keep a "characterless" feel as if the only characters are the Marines in general, though Modine, Howard, and Baldwin manage to stand out with memorable performances. With it's memorable opening sequence, you haven't fully experienced war films until you have seen Full Metal Jacket.
Enjoyed your latest Batch, Jonny. I could write a whole blog about Kubrick, so I'm glad you threw one of his many masterworks into the mix. Close Encounters is one of 3 or 4 life-changing movies of my youth, so also happy to see your take on that one. Can you believe I haven't seen Get Low yet, although Duvall's interview on NPR was Oscar-worthy itself! :)
ReplyDeleteAh, Stanley Kubrick. A Clockwork Orange was one of those viewing experiences that really got me into the classics. In one weekend, I watched 2001, Clockwork Orange, and The Shining to really get a grasp on Kubrick... and then I watched Eyes Wide Shut and wondered how it could be from the same creator of the previous masterpieces.
ReplyDeletehe he he you probably think I'm just TRYING to be contrary, but give Eyes Wide Shut a little time, you may change your mind. There's a lot more going on with that movie than it appears, and like certain music that takes a few listens, it may just grow on you some day. Don't miss Barry Lyndon, either, but (like EWS) if you read a little first (about Kubrick's influences and of course the novel he was adapting) you may be surprised to find it one of the most original, uncompromising literary adaptations ever! Stanley was the real deal, and (like Sondheim's pun) his Art Isn't Easy. But worth it! Stanley's movies really come to life when you start looking for the great thematic motifs and clues. Watch The Shining just for The Color Yellow sometime (Yellow VW winding thru mountains, Yellow tennis ball rolling along maze-like carpet, etc. etc. Eyes Wide Shut: remember that the original novel, literally, was "Dream Story" and Barry, watch for themes of "Games" & "Ritual"...just for a few. Makes these movies so amazingly re-watchable! :)
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