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'Jarhead' a realistic look at
Marines in wartime, except for lack of combat
By Connor Cottle
November 13, 2005 | Psychological
torment, training, camaraderie: what more could you
ask for in a war movie? How about some actual combat.
If you're looking for some action, Jarhead
is not the film for you; there is no heroism, gunfire
or battle scene. However, if you're looking for a film
that will put you in the minds of the men who fight
for our country then Jarhead is definitely
worth the price of admission.
The film is based on former Marine Anthony Swofford's
best-selling 2003 book about his pre-Desert Storm experiences
in Saudi Arabia and about his experiences fighting in
Kuwait. The movie follows "Swoff" from boot
camp through active duty and the end of Desert Storm.
It's a true story and for the most part the director
(Britain's Sam Mendes) tells it like it is. It's not
so much to entertain, as it is to educate the viewer.
The film feels a lot like Full Metal Jacket
at the beginning but halfway through morphs into more
of a psychological study of the soldiers themselves.
Based off what you see in the film you have no choice
but to see the absurdity of war and even some of our
military strategy.
The acting is superb with many Oscar-worthy performances
-- Jake Gyllenhaal and Jamie Foxx in particular. However,
the bread and butter of this movie is the cinematography;
it's what kept me in my seat and out of the bathroom.
It makes you feel as if you are viewing it through your
own eyes. The burning oil fields in particular are haunting.
The visual imagery was done so well that you have no
choice but to believe that that is how it really was
over there.
I viewed this film with Sgt. Paul Creech, a Marine
who has served active duty. "Other then a few minor
discrepancies, that is how it is. The training, hydration,
routines, punishments, camaraderie and language is all
real," said Creech. He enjoyed the film and says
that it is about as good a depiction of the Marine Corps
as you'll find at the movies.
Jarhead is rated R for strong language, some
violence and strong sexual content.
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