Jarhead

Jarhead is the next stage in the evolution of the war movie. As such the Marines depicted here make even the most drugged-out characters of Apocalypse Now, Platoon, Full Metal Jacket and all the other Vietnam classics look like well balanced, model citizens. The Jarheads are trained past the point of obsession and bored beyond belief. The movie is entirely about the detail of the Marine’s daily lives and not at all about the politics or even the mechanics of the war. Like the Marines have to, the movie accepts that they are there and gets on with telling the story. It’s an exceptionally honest portrayal and anyone who has had any involvement with the military will recognise much of the madness involved. There are some funny moments and moments of madness and the bleakest despair. Jake Gyllenhaal is terrific and Sam Mendes has been one of my favourite directors since American Beauty. The scenes among the burning oil wells are surreal and must stand out as one of Cinema’s most vivid depictions of hell on earth.