“What is your major malfunction?” —Hartman
Today’s quick review: Full Metal Jacket. Private Joker (Matthew Modine) is a fresh recruit to the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. Under the harsh discipline of Gunnery Sergeant Hartman (Lee Ermey), Joker and his fellow recruits are molded into killers over the course of eight weeks of training. But as tough as their training is, nothing can prepare them for what awaits them in Vietnam and who they will have to become to survive.
Full Metal Jacket is a war drama from director Stanley Kubrick. Full Metal Jacket takes a hard look at the ugliest parts of the Vietnam War, from the deliberate cruelty of boot camp to the atrocities seen during the war itself. Matthew Modine stars as Joker, a Marine with a smart mouth and no real combat experience, who sets out to see if he has what it takes. The movie features several excellent performances and a memorable script.
Full Metal Jacket has a knack for creating vivid moments. From the invective-laden tirades of Hartman to the raw callousness of the troops in Vietnam, Full Metal Jacket knows exactly what it needs to say or show to leave a lasting impression on the viewer. The sharpness of its script is backed up by some impressive performances, especially from Lee Ermey as a vituperative drill instructor and Vincent D’Onofrio as the much-abused Private Pyle.
Still, Full Metal Jacket will not be for everyone. The movie paints a cynical picture of military life, with no trace of idealism or a higher calling. The frankness of the film can also make it a grueling watch, thanks to its rampant swearing, fair amount of gore, and dark and dehumanizing themes. These aspects of the film are fully intentional and are deployed to good effect, but sensitive viewers may find them to be too much.
Full Metal Jacket is a memorable war drama that is well worth a watch for anyone who can stomach it. The combination of a sharp script, skillful performances, and the striking nature of its subject matter makes Full Metal Jacket a movie that accomplishes what it sets out to do. How much you get out of it will depend on your stance on idealism versus cynicism, but those interested should give it a shot.
For another drama set during the Vietnam War, try Apocalypse Now. For a brutal war drama with more heart, try Saving Private Ryan. For a more satirical criticism of the military, try Catch-22. For a psychological drama about one man becoming a killer, try Taxi Driver.
8.3 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.5 to 8.0 for great acting and some memorable scenes.