JARHEAD (2005)

 

Directed By: Sam Mendes Written By: William D. Broyles Jr.  Based on the book By: Anthony Swafford  Cinematography: Roger Deakins  Editor: Walter Murch 

Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Jamie Foxx, Peter Sarsgaard, Lucas Black, Ming Lo, Brian Geraghty, Scott Macdonald 

A psychological study of Marine's state of mind during the Gulf War. Told through the eyes of a U.S. Marine sniper who struggles to cope with boredom, a sense of isolation, and other issues back home.

This film is a visually stunning coming-of-age story set in the armed forces. That might be a great Anti-war film in itself. As it shows men who believe in their country and want to go to war to defend it, but not that much happens as there is no war really going on. So we see the rigors of the day-to-day life of the platoon and how they slowly become disillusioned.

Though there are still plenty of stories to tell as we get more into their backgrounds and day-to-day lives. Much of it seems like much ado about nothing.

That provides a portrait of the rage and frustration of a group of soldiers. Who joined up looking to spill blood and kill but rarely ended up seeing any action. So they end up trying to find outlets for their aggression. 

Jamie Foxx plays their angry commander. Who is also looking for glory days, but keeps coming up short. 

While feeling the soldiers' frustration is the film's aim. You also feel frustrated with the film at times, for while it is vivid, barely anything happens.

So it ends up becoming a character study that truly only explores two characters deeply. Those played by Jake Gyllenhaal and Peter Sarasgaard. As the rest are more comedic.

So that the film offers a grand scale presentation and dark comedy throughout. Though more built around its star.

Despite all this, the film manages to make a small impact, more than some other films about the military or even war. The movie CHERRY with Tom Holland comes to mind. Even if at times it feels like it is presented as pop art of military life. Like a modern-day CATCH-22 only not as deep. 

As the film is based on a book, really a memoir by the author of his time in the armed forces. So that it becomes a character study of the situation of the young man. The deprivation he experiences through it all. It seems more about the frustration of joining, thinking you will be a hero and make a difference, and then coming back home feeling like a failure and that you really had no impact. Though still a one-of-a-kind experience of male bonding. 

Grade: C+