Stanley Kubrick's Viet Nam movie.
My favourite Viet Nam movie is Apocalypse Now (Coppola), because it makes powerful statements about the madness of war...
But this would be a worthy 2nd Place getter.
Kubrick, as one might expect, is very strong on visual imagery, and ironic dialogue.
A wonderful scene features interviews with members of the squad we're attached to, talking about their experiences ("it's like a war, y'know?")
The soundtrack also is haunting and bizarre (the haircut scene) and eerily memorable.
We see the war through the eyes of "combat journalist" Private Joker (Matthew Modine), and see him transform from cynical, laissez-faire teenage "smartass" into someone who has tasted the war in its horrific sadness and futility.
An effective performance.
Another unforgettable performance is that of the guy who plays the drill sergeant at the start of the movie - a tour de force.
Not sure about the ending - seems a bit sudden.
9/10.
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You're indestructible Gerald.
ReplyDeleteAlan, thanks for that vote of indestructibility.
ReplyDeleteI believe, as you know, that on an eternal canvas, this is true for all of us.
It is fear that destroys - fear leading to hopelessness, futility, eternal death.
Do NOT be frightened, friends - remember that God, Who has made you and knows every part of you intimately, is WITH you every step of the (confusing, long,short, surprising, rollercoasting) way.
This message is designed to ENCOURAGE, not to PREACH......
G.