Jarhead

[Belgian guy]

I just saw this last night, and I have to say I really liked. I can also understand why the USMC wasn't jumping to assist in the making of this movie.

Gyllenhaal and Sarsgaard are brilliant in it.

Some of the visuals are stunning (the dark skies, the burning oil rigs, the horse covered in oil, ...)

I was constantly reminded of Full Metal Jacket, and that's a compliment to this movie, imho.

So, aside from the politics that some people drag into the discussions about this movie, what's was your take on it?

[emp2b3]

I thought that it was worth seeing, but made more sense if you had read the book in advance. The main gripe from friends that went with me is that it was too slow and long, although I think that was part of the point (to show the effects of boredom on the soldiers and how much war has changed compared to the films they were watching etc.)

[gaijin]

Swofford's novel is better imo.

[Belgian guy]

Swofford's novel is better imo.

Should probably try to get a copy then.

[Bonnie Lass]

I'm another one who thoroughly enjoyed the book. They switched characters names around a little bit, and in the book, Jamie Foxx's character is a rusty old Gunny Sgt who they don't really pay attention to that much, except when they get busted. (It also goes into deep detail about his and Troy's friendship and his funeral at the end. In fact, the funeral was a whole chapter by itself.)

Oh -- and some of the scenes in the movie were taken from several different conversations/parts of the book to lay out a shorter story line. So, be prepared for that.

There's also a lot more rage and less stupid sh!t in the book ... Not knocking on the movie, but Swofford's book really goes into what it means to be a Marine and the rage/anger/despair associated with it. The anger helps balance out the pranks and one liners and goofy scenes.

Excellent book all around. I read it twice before the movie came out.

[gaijin]

If anyone views this an anti-war film, they need a serious kick in the head.

Although I loved the book, Mendes did an okay job of putting it on the big screen, and really got across this level of hopelessness and utter boredom that the solidiers in Kuwait faced as well as highlighting what the novel was about. Yet somehow, it can keep you engaged for 100 odd minutes despite little pulsating action.

And as redcard mentions the final few chapters of the book detail the end of the war itself and how Swofford has to come to terms with the grim reality of civilian life, and the bitter aftertaste of fighting for his freedoms back home in a middle-eastern country despite him having no connections or understandings to the principles of what freedom is...

Yeah, its maybe cashing in on the current war in Iraq, when this type of issue is at the fore-front of everyone's minds. But I honestly feel and still do feel after the book and film - that its less about war, but more about the futility and isolation that many soliders face before, after and during war. And quite simply, we are breeding a new generation right now.

But yeah, I thought the film highlighted some key concepts that the novel had and played it out really well. There was some nice scenes and one which you can totally relate to the story and the book. Although not spectacular by any means in its direction and vision, it still gets a painfully true and harrowing message across that many in the modern world simply do not get a chance to witness let alone take in.

Worth a watch - and if you like then get the book - it goes more in depth.

[Leto]

Swofford's novel is better imo.

Is it a novel? I was under the impression that it was a (basically) factual account of his experience. Either way, I'll keep my eyes out for it, even if it won't be the same after seeing the adaptation.

I didn't think the film was too long or slow-moving at all - the day-to-day feel was part of what I liked about it. It manages to flick between humour and serious scenes without any sense of disjointment, and in parts (the oil-soaked horse springs to mind) makes for uncomfortable viewing. Reminds me a bit of Tigerland.

[gaijin]

Is it a novel? I was under the impression that it was a (basically) factual account of his experience. Either way, I'll keep my eyes out for it, even if it won't be the same after seeing the adaptation.


Although generally the word 'novel' means something that is generally written in fiction - it can be attributed to something that is over 50,000 words.

Memoir, book - whatever.... Its not *that* important.


I didn't think the film was too long or slow-moving at all - the day-to-day feel was part of what I liked about it. It manages to flick between humour and serious scenes without any sense of disjointment, and in parts (the oil-soaked horse springs to mind) makes for uncomfortable viewing. Reminds me a bit of Tigerland.

Yep, I agree. It kept the scenes moving well and didn't stagnate.

I think its in the same bracket as Full Metal Jacket, Buffalo Soliders etc...

[Leto]

Although generally the word 'novel' means something that is generally written in fiction - it can be attributed to something that is over 50,000 words.

Memoir, book - whatever.... Its not *that* important.

Well, I wasn't going to lose any sleep over it - just wanted to clarify whether it was fictional or based on real events. I wasn't aware that non-fiction can be referred to as a novel if it's over a certain length, thanks.