Full Metal Jacket review

Plot 85%

The plot at it's surface is about a bunch of recruits (in particular one named "Private Joker" played by Matthew Modine) as they go from basic training to armed combat in the USMC. The war they are fighting is the Vietnam War, and it is set in this time period.

It is divided into two parts, first it details how these men go through basic training and the second part is about their experiences in Vietnam.

The basic training follows the recruits are they disciplined and turned from ordinary civilians to potential killers by the rigorous routine and abuse by the Drill Sergeants. The Drill Seargant's job as he explains is weed out those who do not conform and to turn a bunch of men into "weapons of war".

The way he does is through beatings, harassment and psychological torture. For example, when "Private Pyle" sneaks in a jelly donut into his foot locker and it is discovered, he is not punished but instead the Drill Seargeant punishes the entire platoon. This ostrasizes him from the group in a kind of collective hatred directed towards him. This comes to a climax when the platoon organises amongst themselves to beat him with bars of soap while he sleeps, each taking turns to hit him (even Private Joker, his only friend up to that point). This is a reflection on society in my view, where those that don't conform are severely brutalised and punished by the system.

Pyle eventually becomes like the rest, beaten into submission and his individuality completely drained. He is now an empty shell, with the complete mindset of a soldier and a killer. Unfortunately he cannot come to terms with the change, and in the final scene of this first act, he kills the Drill Sergeant and himself, with Private Joker watching on in horror.

The second part goes to Vietnam, and is not as interesting (IMHO), though shows the hypocrisy of war quite well. The end scene is very revelatory for the main character, however.

VFX 80%

The camerawork is flawless as usual, with Kubrick's usual flair. The production does look extremely authentic from the boot camp to the section in Vietnam, though not as visually striking as some earlier films set in that time period, because of the choice to film in England instead of more authentic locations. Therefore, it is nowhere near as striking as such films like Apocalypse Now.

SFX

A great, moody and low-key soundtrack that gives an emotional catharsis for the viewer. The sound effects are also nicely done.

Acting 93%

Matthew Modine and Vincent D´Onofrio turn in good performances. But it's R Lee. Ermey who gives the greatest performance of his career. This is because he is not acting. He had trained as an actual Drill Instructor. And this makes the movie much more authentic and real.

Violence 95%

Very disturbing and graphic with people getting shot and a suicide scene that is incredibly bloody and realistic.

Overall 90%

Another brilliant movie by the late Stanley Kubrick. Anti-war to it's core, but without being preachy, what this does is show the reality of war, and the process of dehumanisation that goes with it.