Get ready for today’s…Blast from the Past!
From Stanley Kubrick, the legendary director of “Spartacus” (1960), “Lolita” (1962), “Dr. Strangelove” (1964), “2001: A Space Odyssey” (1968), “A Clockwork Orange” (1971), “Barry Lyndon” (1975), “The Shining” (1980), and other greats, comes this unforgettable war film…
[First lines] Gunnery Sergeant Hartman: “I am Gunnery Sergeant Hartman, your senior drill instructor. From now on you will speak only when spoken to, and the first and last words out of your filthy sewers will be “Sir”. Do you maggots understand that?”
“Full Metal Jacket” was released on this day July 10th 1987, making the film 30 years old as of today.
The film follows a U.S Marine (played by Matthew Modine), who observes the dehumanizing effects of the Vietnam War on his recruits from their boot camp training to a brutal fighting in Hue.
Fun fact; this is not the only war film that Kubrick has directed throughout his career. He also directed “Paths of Glory” (1957) starring actor legend Kirk Douglas.
Also, “Full Metal Jacket” got an Oscar nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay.
If you feel like taking a break from romantic comedies, or any other genre and are in the mood for warfare, in this case war in Vietnam as well as the actors that also includes R. Lee Ermey (played brilliantly here) and Vincent D’Onofrio, then this is for you or for anyone you know, who likes the aforementioned aspects.
On a fun note, I watched it for the first time on its 30th anniversary.
Poster source: IMP (Internet Movie Poster) Awards.
Poster artwork by Philip Castle.