Jarhead (2005) User Reviews (733)

A realistic glimpse into our history....

[splatzer · 8/10 · 6 November 2005]

I was reluctant to see this movie. As a veteran of Desert Shield/Storm, I spent my first 90 days in-theater in the Weapons Co of A Swofford's Battalion. I later was moved to the 1st Bn of 7th Marines, but having been in the same unit for some of the same time I felt I could offer readers a unique perspective on the film's accuracy.

From a purely aesthetic perspective I thought the film was well done. The acting was very good, and the script was well written, witty, and accurate. The actors were well suited to their roles. My personal preference for a good plot would have been disappointed were it not for my personal interest in the film. In my opinion this film is an outstanding dramatic-documentary, so adjust your expectations accordingly. If you are expecting a driving plot line and all the accompanying dramatic tension, then I think you will be disappointed (as many whose comments I heard exiting the theater certainly were). But if you think of it as a chance to take a glimpse into a point in history, and see it as some of those who lived it did, then I think you will be impressed.

Many people may think that the obscenity of some of the interactions was overdone for effect. But whatever anyone's personal judgment of that behavior, that is the closest portrayal of Marines (or soldiers) being themselves I have yet seen on screen. Marines are vulgar. They do watch porn. They do fight among themselves. They do both hate, and love, the Marine Corps. There is an omni-present anti-war conspiracy theorist. The do say ridiculous things. There are some who are over the line. The reality of the Marine Infantry is that things happen there every day that are well beyond conventional sensibility, and which strain credibility to the average civilian. It's all true. I love the Marine Corps and I am still serving - I don't have an axe to grind. It just happens to be true.

Are there parts of the film that I find incredible? Yes. But they are not the essential things. There is a scene, it's even in the trailer, in which everyone is firing their weapon into the air. I wasn't there, but I can't fathom a breach of discipline on that scale. I can't say it's impossible, but I am doubtful. But whether it's true or not is not important. At its essence this is a film about Marines, how they adjusted to the Marine Corps, each other, and a war. If there are a few incredible details, then we can just be grateful that Hollywood didn't impose a car-chase on us.

This is a film about Marines. At that time, there were very few who turned down scholarships to Ivy League schools to come in. We were from strange backgrounds. We were obscene. We did want to get our kills. Many of us were frustrated that our war was only 100 hrs long. We knew we were filling the footsteps of giants - the Marines of Iwo, The Chosin, Belleau Wood - and I think we all wanted a chance to earn a place next to those men. In our wild, adrenalized youth, those aspirations just took the crude form of looking for a kill. Or at least that's how I've put it in perspective 15 years later.

If you go and see this film, try to recall yourself at 18 (as I was). Suspend your judgment of the obscenity and vulgarity until you're sure you would've done it differently. I can't speak for Swofford, but I am still incredibly proud of my service there. The insanity of this film reminds me why: because it is characteristic of the immense hardship that our youth bears on behalf of the rest. Do the characters look stressed? It's not hyperbole. We were 18 and we thought we were going to die over there. Still, at H-Hour, everyone marched North. In my opinion, you better fill some big shoes before you judge that.

So don't go into this film champing at the bit to pigeon-hole it as "Anti" or "Pro" war, with all the pre-fab rhetoric that comes with such a judgment. You have an opportunity here to look back into our little moment in history. Swofford has invited you into our memories. They are not Right, and they are not Left, they are just our story as Swofford lived it. If that kind of thing interests you, then go and see this movie.

Like collective insanity

[planktonrules · 8/10 · 23 September 2021]

I have never been in the military, so I can only guess as to home realistic this film is. But one thing that startled me was how close to insanity the various Marines were in this film. One minute, one of them would seem pretty normal and the next they'd be losing their minds. This happened again and again to practically all the soldiers in the film...even the leading man, Swofford (Jake Gyllenhaal)!

The story follows Swofford from a brief scene in boot camp to his advanced training to eventual deployment in Kuwait during the Gulf War. All during which, he and his fellow Marines were all just a few steps away from completely losing their minds.

This is not a pleasant film to watch, but I liked that the story was NOT sanitized....it was nasty, ugly, and, most interestingly, focused on how incredibly boring and uneventful the war was for the average grunt. It also focuses on the emotional damage incurred by these men. Quite interesting if not enjoyable.

Pleasantly surprising

[Juansmith · 7/10 · 24 October 2005]

I saw a promotional screening of the film, sponsored by my university. Following the screening was an audience Q&A with the author (and main character), Tony Swofford.

And it was no surprise that the very first question from the audience was, quite ambiguously, "Do you support the military?" When Swofford dismissed the question as too broad and complex to be answered with a simple yes or no, the inquirer followed up with, "Well, do you support the war?" Swofford dismissed this even more readily.

To me, this was perfectly representative of how the film handled its potential political implications.

As Troy says early on in the film, "To hell with politics. We're here now." And that's essentially how the movie went.

It bypasses the soapbox and simply tells you how it was, from the perspective of a single soldier. And while the opening boot camp scenes may seem like Full Metal Jacket Lite, the rest of the film is truly unique.

Sam Mendes directs with his usual brilliance, showing once again his affinity for bright, vivid color, even in the largely monochromatic desert.

Jake Gyllenhaal gives an excellent performance as Anthony Swofford, complemented by the able talents of Jamie Foxx and Peter Sarsgaard.

The film's only real flaw is that, like the war on which it was based, it's pretty slow, and not a lot really happens.

In the strictest sense, I would have a hard time even classifying this as a war film, and it's certainly not a deliberately political film.

But in its own way, it tells an intense, personal story. Beyond that, you're simply left to make your own judgments.

7/10

Full Metal Witch Project

[twim23 · 7/10 · 27 October 2005]

Just saw an advanced screening of this tonight. While it isn't the film that has been so brilliantly advertised, it's a very solid film. It feels a lot like "Full Metal Jacket" early on, but with more humor. Then, it becomes an entirely new animal. More of a psychological study. I would actually call this the "Blair Witch Project" of war films in that you (and the characters) know the Boogeyman's "out there," you're just waiting for him to strike. And the longer you wait, the more stir-crazy you become within your own mind.

The acting is superb and the cinematography is stellar. It's an anti-war film without being distinctly liberal about it. It's a true story, and for the most part, Mendes tells it like it is. So, you can make your own judgment about it. But based off what you see, and all that happens, you have no choice but see the absurdity, not only in war, but perhaps in some of the USMC's tactics as well. It's heartbreaking to see what an experience like this can do to young men.

If you're looking for action, this is not the film you're looking for. No heroism, judgments, insight, or hope. Just the documentation and reflection of build up, the destruction of lives, psychological torment, boredom, camaraderie, and...waiting.

A different war movie...

[Thanos_Alfie · 6/10 · 25 April 2020]

"Jarhead" is a Biography - Drama movie in which we watch a group of men who were selected to become snipers. After their training they were sent to take part in Gulf War. There they face many difficulties and they have to cope with the feeling of missing everyone and homesickness.

I liked this movie because it was different from the other war movies I have seen although it reminded me in some moments Stanley Kubrick's movie "Full Metal Jacket" which is a masterpiece. The direction which was made by Sam Mendes was very good and he presented very well the struggles of marines for their hard training to their operations in Gulf War. He also showed the other face of war, the true face of soldiers when they are prepared to go to war and when they are at war. Regrading the interpretations of the movie, Jake Gyllenhaal who played as Anthony Swofford was for one more time simply amazing, Jamie Foxx who played as Staff Sgt. Sykes was equally good and Peter Sarsgaard who played as Alan Troy made a very interesting interpretation. If you want to watch a different kind of war movie without the stereotypes of it, then just watch this movie.

a worthy effort but seems to be lacking

[Special-K88 · 19 December 2005]

Gritty story based on the true life experiences of Marine recruit Anthony Swofford, a naïve teenager who gets more than he bargained for beginning in basic training, then a long and hellish nightmare of combat after he's shipped off to Kuwait during Operation Desert Shield. Well-crafted, strongly acted, and extremely political the film certainly holds your interest, but the script is unfocused, the subject matter never truly compelling, and the momentum slows more and more as it goes along. Gyllenhaal is respectable as the reluctant Marine who finds himself in over his head, while Foxx is a powerhouse as his gung-ho sergeant. Starts off strongly, but gradually becomes conventional and loses its way. **½

Jarring

[RobTheWatcher · 7/10 · 7 June 2023]

Jarhead was a very well done war movie that is good but for the reasons you'd think. The story line covers before, during and after the life of a Marine but without much of an emphasis on the violence. It really honed in on the community, relationships, struggles, effects, etc. Of being a Marine and being deployed. It was really interesting to see a well done movie that captured that side of war while still being reasonably entertaining. Sure, it could have used some more action but that wasn't the point. Gyllenhaal delivered another amazing acting performance as well. Just a good watch overall.

A true and realistic story

[scottmey · 10/10 · 4 November 2005]

As someone who is in the military, I thought this movie was perfect. If you are looking for a message about war or politics you won't find it here. This movie is strictly a story told by the main character about his time serving in the Marine Corps and his tour in the Gulf. It is true to life. From the language, situations, to the way the characters interact, the film is right on with accuracy.

The film is shot with striking cinematography. Scenes in the desert, especially with the oil fires, are breathtaking. The shots are done perfectly and originally throughout while the score and soundtrack takes it to a powerful emotional level.

The film will receive bad reviews from a political standpoint. I read a couple before I saw the movie that all stated they didn't like the movie because it had no message or stance. To that I say good. It was refreshing to see a movie as a movie. I was glad that it was just a story, and there wasn't any motivation underneath it. That's not to say that the movie is one dimensional. There are many undertones, just none of which are attempting to reassert or defame the current war in the East.

See this film if you want to see a humorous, sad, psychotic, intense, and most importantly REAL story.

Jarhead Brings Gulf War Home

[LadyLiberty · 7/10 · 6 November 2005]

I remember the Gulf War all too well. It was my own initial experience with a "television war" (those who are older doubtless remember that the Viet Nam war was the very first of those), and I was terrified of the repercussions even as I couldn't look away from the anti-aircraft tracers lighting up my TV screen.

Jarhead, as many people know, is a slang term for a US Marine. One of those newly minted jarheads is Anthony Swofford (Jake Gyllenhaal) who, largely to even his own surprise, finds himself enduring the rigors of basic training and then still more brutal training for his assigned specialty. Swoff tells one drill sergeant that he's in the Marines only because he "took a wrong turn on the way to college." His explanation doesn't go over well. Later, he does everything he can think of to drum himself out of the Corps.

Eventually, between the friendship and support of his partner, Allen Troy (Peter Sarsgaard) and the tough example set by his commander, Staff Sergeant Sykes (Jamie Foxx), Swoff becomes very, very good at his new job: a scout sniper. Needless to say, when the news breaks that Saddam Hussein has invaded Kuwait, Swoff's group is one of the first to be sent overseas.

The troops are welcomed to the desert by Lt. Col Kazinski (Chris Cooper) who commands a large segment of the Marines deployed there, and who tells them they must maintain constant vigilance and be ready to fight at a moment's notice. But months go by with nothing to do but drills and more drills, and the boredom, anxiety, heat, and desolation of their circumstances begin to wear. The men, of course, find some very creative (and usually very naughty) ways to entertain themselves and each other during this time. But when war is at last declared, they move out like the professionals they've been trained to be.

In the midst of burning oil wells and charred vehicle convoys, Swoff and his company make their way into enemy territory. They endure enemy fire and fear; fights amongst themselves and utter despair. And then, as suddenly as it began, the war is over. But despite the brevity of Swoff's experience (his own fighting war lasts only a little over four days), he and everyone else is changed by their experiences, and not all of those changes are easy to live with.

Jarhead gives us the firsthand experience of one soldier in the Gulf War with all of the attendant good and bad moments. As such, it's fascinating in and of itself. But director Sam Mendes has added dramatically to the story with some truly brilliant edits, some creatively managed flashbacks, and some astounding settings (the burning oil wells are bizarrely heart breaking even as the depiction on screen is awesome; the destruction wreaked by American bombs is graphic and moving). Of course, the fact that the film is based on a book written by the real Anthony Swofford about his own experiences in the Gulf War means that even Hollywood effects can't take away from the back of our minds that much of what we see is real, or at least was.

Jake Gyllenhaal has become a very good actor indeed, and holds his own with Oscar™-winner Jamie Foxx, whose performance could very well garner him another awards season nod for his supporting role. Peter Sarsgaard is also just terrific. The rest of the supporting cast — who have far more limited roles — is also good. In fact, the one real criticism I have about the film is that I would have liked to have known more about each of the men who served so honorably and who were so altered by that experience.

Jarhead isn't a war movie per se in the sense that it shows a lot of shoot 'em up action. But it may be one of the few war movies that actually conveys graphically the sheer boredom and hurry-up-and-wait that is the reality for many soldiers. And that the men perform so well despite the emotional obstacles of where they are and what they might have to do, and that they're a cohesive group when it counts no matter the flaws of each or any of them, is unquestionably honored here. I recommend Jarhead for virtually everybody.

POLITICAL NOTES: The comparison between the Gulf War and the current conflict in Iraq is inevitable, particularly as some continue to believe that Saddam Hussein should have been deposed in that war rather than as a part and parcel of the current and ongoing War on Terror. But the very real difference between the two is that in the first, Americans were viewed as the liberators of Kuwait. In the latter, some countries look at Americans as the despots who overthrew a sovereign nation. While perception doesn't win or lose battles, it does make the difference between victory and defeat in the court of public opinion.

Obviously, it's tempting to call that opinion inconsequential. But the reality of it is that such opinion can shape alliances, trade, and more for years to come thus making mere perceptions important to everything from national security to economic health. Regardless, however, Jarhead does serve one important function and that's to humanize our fighting men and to reinforce the fact that they are fighting for our country and for freedom. Whatever your opinion on anything else, I'd hope you'd remember at least that much.

FAMILY SUITABILITY: Jarhead is rated R for "pervasive language, some violent images, and strong sexual content." Parents should be aware that the R rating is entirely warranted. But with that caveat, I'd recommend Jarhead for mature audiences who are interested in current events, the military, or just plain good movie-making.

Here's a simple guide to Jarhead, without an agenda.

[Cooldude3 · 9/10 · 10 November 2005]

I am not a professional writer, I am not a director, I am not important. I just enjoy movies. I'm not writing this to convince you of my opinion. I'm not even here to give you a professional review of this movie, or sound educated and witty. I'm here to give a layman's take on the movie and not be concerned with politics or agendas.

1: Cinematography is downright beautiful in this movie. There are some unforgettable shots. Easily a contender for this year's cinematography award.

2: This is not an action war movie. If you want it to be, find another movie. Black Hawk Down might be closer to what you're looking for, although finding an action movie about Desert Storm is kind of hard.

3: This movie will invoke emotions. And just about any person can pick out a lot of evidence to support why they liked it and why they did not. A person can pick out a lot of evidence supporting the military, and at times make it look like a recruiting tool, or it can show anti war, anti-Bush, anti everything. It will make those that like to argue and takes sides, have a wonderful time with it.

4: The acting is good and realistic. It shows the happy carefree side of war, and also the darker undertones, and not-so-under-toned evils of war.

5: The military prepares people to become soldiers, just like a coach prepares people to become athletes. And once you are one, it is hard to switch it off once a person goes back to normal life. Even quote/ unquote "desk jockey's" and those that aren't in the actual combat but provide support roles, are still trained to fight.

6: Media and movies have not helped our perception of war and those involved. They've been putting a spin on things for a while now, and they like to beat a lot of dead horses.

7: This is based on a true story. No matter how "Hollywoodized" a movie can get, it's basic concepts and ideas are still generally intact. And Swoff was actually there. I was not.

8: To me, Jarhead felt like the Full Metal Jacket of this generation. With extreme's of both "anti's" and "pro's" you take it or leave it. Full Metal Jacket is a good movie for taking the approach that it did. Jarhead is no different.

9: Don't hate on anyone trying to do their job, if you see someone in uniform, don't think negatively or positively, unless you know the person. You don't know their story. If you want to find out, just listen. That's all, nothing more. Don't just wait for your next chance to speak.

10: Find a way to see Jarhead, reserve your judgments until afterward, and if you're a jerk, then give all the snotty, ignorant, or mean opinions you want. You won't change anyone's mind, just tick them off.

To finish up, this movie will make you feel something. Let it go. No wonder people's stress levels are high. If you offend easily, lighten up. If all you can do is go around in life and get offended, then I am truly sorry for you. Now, I'm going to grab a beer from the fridge, sit down and watch a movie, to have something to do. Nothing more.

Trained for war

[bkoganbing · 7/10 · 25 June 2019]

Jarhead is based n the memoirs of the real Anthony Swofford and his time in the United States Marines. Jake Gyllenhaal. When you're trained for war the hardest thing sometimes to do is stand and wait.

Which was what back in the early 90s the Marines and the rest of the coalition sat and waited in Saudi Arabia for about 6 months. Days when being cool meant the temperature was only in double digits fahrenheit.

Gyllenhaal is not the most gung ho marine out there. In fact during basic he scrapes by. But the man can shoot and Sergeant Jamie Foxx thinks he would be good for special sniper training.

Gyllenhaal is something of an intellectual and a Marine barracks is not a place where one usually finds them. But the memoirs of Anthony Swofford in this time provide a nice insight into these troops trained for war and finding no outlet.

Jarhead might be the film concerning Desert Shield and Desert Storm.

From a Marine from that era

[bobhendry · 9/10 · 6 November 2005]

At last - a movie that simply shows it like it is... No "Rambo" superhero-idiotic-nonsense; no overdone, melancholy, attempt at cinematic artistry at the cost of authenticity - such as is found in "Platoon", "FMJ", "Apocalipse Now" and "Deerhunter" - to name a few overrated war movies.

Finally a movie which captures the FEEL of being a Marine in the eighties... the sights, the sounds, the events - all brought back vivid memories. As the scenes unfolded, I found myself thinking "... I remember when that happened..." over and over, because my service somewhat paralleled Swofford's own, and I was aware of - if not a witness to - certain events that took place. A movie which portrays the Marine grunt for what he is... certainly no angel, but the absolute backbone of American military toughness. The barracks and field life portrayed in this movie is perhaps the most accurate portrait Hollywood has produced.

With only a few realtively minor technical inaccuracies, this is a movie whose full richness can probably only be experienced by those who were in the Corps at that time. And for that degree of accuracy, I am grateful to the author and those who produced the film. Too often producers and directors overlook the details that make a military film credible to veterans - such as the details of the uniform, the sounds and function of weapons, the behavior of the characters. Not so in "Jarhead". And the dialogue was right on.

Having read several of the other comments, it is clear to me that there are events depicted in the movie which may not be clearly understood or properly contextualized by someone who has not served in the Marine Corps infantry. Do not let that stop you from seeing the film - it is an excellent view into a world most people will never see. I left the theater feeling proud of my service, and although I miss the daily life of an active duty Marine, "Jarhead" left me feeling strangely happy to be able to look back on it - and to sleep in my own home, my own bed, tonight. Yet, for many Marine veterans, the hope remains in the back of our minds that the phone will ring tomorrow with an opportunity to go back and lead men once again - and yes, for those who might wonder, even in Iraq or anywhere else - as the line in the move so eloquently put it "Forget the politics. We're here now." Such is the fidelity of a rough-hewn few who are ready to fight when called upon. Grunts really don't expect most people to love us or understand us, but we hope there are some folks out there who might appreciate the fact that we are there. I think the movie captures that notion commendably.

Great performance from Jake Gyllenhaal

[SnoopyStyle · 7/10 · 27 January 2014]

Anthony Swofford (Jake Gyllenhaal) is a Sacramento kid who enlists in the Marines. The audience is taken along through his training, and then the first Gulf War starts. He's in the middle of it all, but it's a struggle to maintain his sanity in an insane situation.

It's a compelling and fascinating story based on the real Anthony Swofford's book. The training provide some memorable moments. The deployment gets strange. It's the actual war that's where this movie is unusual. Most war movie is about the bang bang. This one is about the search and longing for the bang bang. Like the disappointment that Swofford must have felt, I think the audience also feels that disappointment in the film.

Jake Gyllenhaal gives an amazing performance. Director Sam Mendes achieves exactly what the experience is about. The movie leaves you feeling empty and a little haunted. It makes you wonder if everybody wasted their time.

Distortion and Disappointment

[NewMillenniumllc · 1/10 · 8 November 2005]

Having served three years in the Marine Corps as an enlisted man, two in Vietnam with an infantry company in combat, I found the film to be a major distortion of the Corps. The film generally sets out the Corps as a unit that has no direction and their officers and staff NCO's are idiots (i.e the Bn Commander acting like a rock star during his speech to the troops in the tent). I assure you this simply not the case. I spent 27 months in Vietnam and never saw anyone in that type of setting that conducted themselves anything other than serious and professional. As aside, during my time in Nam I had six Bn commanders, so I know from experience these facts.

In addition, the film suggests that the Corps operates with poor equipment, and again I assure the reader the equipment may not be the latest (such as the Army enjoys), but it always operational, notwithstanding normal wear and tear issues. A great example is the battery problem shown in the film. Being a 2531 field radio operator, I take exception to that scene in the film. No properly trained radio operator ever goes into the field without two batteries, both of which are checked for charging prior to leaving a rear area. This is only one of numerous such operational distortions in this movie, which leaves the viewer wondering about the professionalism of the Corps.

Being somewhat of a film buff I found the entire film to be fragmented (poorly edited, poorly filmed - almost surreal), and without any direction to guide the viewer. Finally, the acting was shallow at best, including I am sadden to say, Mr. Fox's performance. Comparing this film to "Full Metal Jacket," which I found to be factual and well executed, is like comparing a college freshman film director's work to one of the greats like Houston.

This film served no one, not the viewing public, not the actors and other technicans who worked on the film, and most certainly not the Marine Corps. Honest critical thinking about war and the military presented in a film is always welcomed by an informed society, but historical distortion pretending to be art is simply that, a pretender.

Jarhead, a very compelling film

[digitaldiva · 30 October 2005]

I was privileged to see a screening of Jarhead recently and fully concur with the posted review. I think it is one of the finer films of the year. The film will surely be a very controversial piece of cinema especially in these divisive post 9/11, "America love it or love it times". It's a shame because the film has less to do with the politics of war then the unique personalities that made up a specific platoon of Marines in the first Gulf War. The title of the film derives from Anthony Swofford's very compelling novel about his adventures, a book that in no way demeans the heroism of the young men (and now young women) who live and die in the military. Thankfully, the director, Sam Mendes works for a very even-handed screenplay by William Broyles Jr. Thankfully, Jarhead lacks the jingoist simplicity of earlier offerings like The Sands of Iwo Jima and is not another display of sincere but ultimately faux patriotism like a John Wayne offering. It simply tells it like it was. It is a very fine film that will assure Sam Mendes' position as one of the great directors working in films. Broyle's screenplay is excellent and the ensemble of young actors led by Jake Gyllenhaal, Jamie Foxx and Peter Sargaard is wondrous. Now the wait is on for an equally compelling work on the current military campaign in Iraq.

The Military Hollywood Style and Ripoff of Full Metal Jacket

[dublin9 · 6/10 · 14 March 2006]

I've been in the military for almost two decades now and have never seen a more ridiculous representation than this foolish but somewhat entertaining movie.

This movie is little more than a poor ripoff of the excellent, well acted, finely directed "Full Metal Jacket." That's really all there is to say other than the fact that the Hollywood kabal has struck again in its attempt to denigrate American soldiers and portray them as a bunch of savage morons.

As an aside, have you noticed that since the terrorist attack of 911, the media folks on the left coast have been too cowardly to produce a movie about Arab terrorism? They are now held up as as innocents exploited by America.

Maybe they're afraid that one of them will place a bomb in their autos. Or just maybe, they feel that they can make more money in overseas sales by denigrating a military that has been the historical guarantor of their own liberty and right to be irresponsible.

6 out of 10 because I managed to sit through the whole thing.

What did I see?

[robzillatx · 7/10 · 8 November 2005]

I love movies because they often pull emotions out that I rarely experience in real life. I watch Jarhead thinking it would either anger me or make me sad. Yet, despite many intense situations, the movie left me emotionally blank.

The acting was well done. The story was interesting. Yet, at the end of the movie, I was numb. Not numb as in "Saving Private Ryan" or "We Were Soldiers" numb ... just emotionally ambivalent. The movie does not overtly take sides, and straddling that line may have diminished the effect on the viewer.

Perhaps by not serving in the military, I missed something, but that is why I like to watch movies about war. One thing Jarhead did do is give me an additional respect for the sacrifices soldiers make for their country.

A great war film

[ocean-park · 7/10 · 16 May 2007]

I have enjoyed this movie.

Jake Gyllenhaal did a splendid job. He was good in Brokeback Mountain and Proof, but he has broken new ground in doing this film. A very promising and extremely talented actor. I shall look forward to his next work.

The film was honest, and the message blatant.

I have never been a supporter of resolving conflict by violence.

I absolutely detest war. I wish more money would be spent on other things like medicine, education, helping the poor and under-privileged.

I give the film a 7 out of 10.

Bold and Brilliant Melancholy

[Scott112082 · 10/10 · 27 October 2005]

JARHEAD is the third in a string of successful films by Sam Mendes, first wowing audiences with American BEAUTY and then continuing our admiration with ROAD TO PERDITION. With JARHEAD, Mendes solidifies himself as one of the most extraordinary filmmakers working today.

The first thing that may surprise audiences is that this is not necessarily an anti-war piece. Mendes and screenwriter William Broyles, Jr. have been careful not to make this film narrow in view. Instead, by focusing on the psychological turmoil of one soldier, Anthony Swofford (Jake Gyllenhaal), JARHEAD is able to speak specifically about this man's experience and how it relates to those around him.

Mendes drenches the screen with sights and sounds that literally envelope us in the horrors of warfare. These explosions of vision and noise are counterbalanced, however, with scenes of great sadness and warmth. One scene that comes quickly to mind is a boot camp drill where the young soldiers are crawling under barbed wire--the sound design is such that we hear every character screaming or grunting as the gunshots zoom overhead. But then, the scene changes. An event occurs that allows Mendes to silence all of the violence and machismo of war. Amongst the hysteria of the scene, one of the soldiers freaks out and a gunshot is discharged. Mendes lets the camera witness this as if it hadn't expected it to occur. The characters are in shock, and so is the audience. It's just one of many powerful moments where Mendes changes from loud, visceral warfare to quiet, poignant moments.

Not that there's much warfare here. In fact, the lack of warfare becomes a theme for this film. Peter Sarsgaard, in a great performance, reaches his breaking point during the final third of the film, and it's a riveting moment where the lack of warfare has finally made him explode. His performance is very strong throughout, but it is not until the second half of the film when he finally gets the chance to break loose. Don't mistake the first half of his performance as simply being on-screen... charisma that palpable doesn't happen by accident. It is because he uses his scenes and lines wisely in the first half that we end up so engrossed and fascinated by him in the second. A true supporting performance. Oscar nomination hopefully on the way.

Jamie Foxx surprised me here, and not because I didn't think he was a fine actor. Obviously, he is. But his character is so well-conceived, and works wonderfully as the counterpoint to the Gyllenhaal character. Foxx plays his scenes confidently, but also with touches of gravitas that, even in RAY, we haven't seen before. The scene that we get a glimpse of at the end of the trailer is wonderful in its fullness, and helps Mendes' film give us a well-rounded opinion of Swofford's opinions on the war. Foxx is by turns hilarious and profound.

And then there was Jake Gyllenhaal. Wow. This is an incredible performance. Watch for a dozen scenes where he literally explodes off the screen, but how he also juggles the quieter moments with great aplomb. What makes Swofford an intriguing character is that he doesn't always get our sympathy; or, for that matter, want our sympathy. He is scarred by war and his family and the life he left behind, and he is just looking for a way to get out of the sand and the sexual dysfunction of war and the lack of gunfire. Gyllenhaal captivates our attention from his very first glimpse, and his voice-over performance laces the film with irony and melancholy. He is a great physical presence in the film as well. I could cite more than a few dynamic scenes that he performs masterfully in, but I'll just mention one. Swofford points a rifle at a fellow soldier after a failed night watch, and then turns the rifle on himself, asking the fellow soldier to discard a round into his mouth. It's an indescribably painful scene to watch, but it's also an example of Gyllenhaal's brave and honest portrayal of this bruised man.

Some people have begun to write about this film as lacking structure or story, and in saying that I'm afraid they may have missed the point. This is a story about ambiguity of self, about dislocation, about ambivalence to war and love, about sexual frustration. In these terms, I think Mendes & Co. have found the perfect way to cinematically allow us to experience the same sort of blank complexity that Swofford must have felt. And that's why I find this a remarkable adaptation of a memoir that I admire deeply.

I could go on and list scene after scene that make this a memorable film, but I'll let you experience it yourself and decide for yourself. In summation, JARHEAD is a viscerally unforgiving, psychologically heartbreaking masterpiece.

I don't know that this is an "Academy" film, but it is certain to garner nominations. I would nominate it as: Picture, Director (Mendes), Adapted Screenplay (Broyles Jr.), Actor (Gyllenhaal), Supporting Actor (Foxx), Supporting Actor (Sarsgaard), Editing, Score, Cinematography, Sound.

The Harsh Reality

[Hitchcoc · 8/10 · 11 October 2010]

The old war movies are so simple. Our heroes are eventually going to meet that adversary and finish the issue. This is a film about the boredom, the alienation, the disconnectedness that takes place in wartime. The men in this film are hung out to dry in the desert. Remember the first gulf war was fought mostly with high tech weapons and bombing runs. Of course, there were ground casualties and close fighting in some places, but this film is more about the tension that develops when those with their fingers on the triggers are made to stand down. I think the most gripping part of the film is when the oil fields are burning a and sludgy rain of oil ash and black particles rain from the sky. These guys suffocate on this. It's like a plague from the Bible. All they can do is trudge through it. There is much more to this film, but the bottom line is what the heck is the enemy and what do we poor soldiers have to do to confront it? The answer in this case is to wait and see.

definitely not what i was expecting

[rkspli2269 · 7/10 · 7 November 2005]

i was hoping for a more gung ho war movie, but i wasn't disappointed either. one of my friends said it was nothing like the book so keep your socks on book readers. there were some dissatisfying moments in the movie, no actual fire fights but they get darn close. Id say this movie is lot more about what it is to be a soldier. On the side though its about the relationship with his girlfriend but in the end its really about his compadres. Jarhead provoked some raw emotions and will have anyone that is familiar in the military life going "damn its straight up my alley." Though i must say that the scenes were pretty cool, its not a movie i would buy when it came out on DVD. It had some good home grown not for kids humor which i like, but definitely not what you want innocent kiddies to watch. My finally comment on this movie is that you cant compare it to any other war movie b/c its not a war movie...its more of a drama.

Every War Movie is Different. Every War Movie is the Same.

[Quicksand · 10/10 · 2 November 2005]

More than anyone, I would imagine that U.S. Soldiers would have a more specific opinion of this film than anyone else. They were there, they were in it, no one knows better than they.

And there are two kinds of soldiers: those who loved it, who took great pride and honor in serving their country... and those who saw it as just a job, got out, and got on with their lives. "Jarhead" is based on a book, written by a U.S. Marine, who falls squarely into the second category.

He does not judge, he does not come out as for or against the war. This is not a political movie, yet will still make some people uncomfortable, and it should. "Jarhead" lays out the experience of one particular Marine from boot camp, to (suddenly) Operation Desert Shield, to Operation Desert Storm. What happens here is not always pretty, but it is the truth, and the truth should be all we can ask for.

The screenplay was adapted by William Broyles Jr., who in addition to some TV work, adapted the recent "Planet of the Apes" remake, and "Cast Away." Personally, I didn't think either of these films were anything special, which is why "Jarhead" is such a surprise. Not a lot blows up, there's no huge siege like in your typical Vietnam movie... it's a surprisingly affecting study of this one man, the experiences he had, the people he knew. It's about the Corps, and it's about brotherhood. Our main character, Swof, never judges, never mentions politics, is only the best Marine that he knows how to be.

As Swof's friend Troy says at one point, "F*** politics. We're here. All the rest is bull****." Which is all the movie is about, really. This is what happened. Take it or leave it.

They Said Field Fun!

[ferguson-6 · 6/10 · 8 November 2005]

Greetings again from the darkness. The kiss of death for a movie is walking into the theater expecting to see a great film. Director Sam Mendes is putting together a good resume with the solid "The Road to Perdition" and the great "American Beauty". What he has is an eye for is the shot. What he is missing is the gift of storytelling.

Based around Desert Shield/Storm, "Jarhead" focuses on Marine Swofford played to the fullest by Jake Gyllenhaal. The frustration, isolation and periodic bouts of lost sanity are explored as soldiers are trained and then shipped off to sit around in the blazing desert. "When do we get to kill somebody?" is a recurring theme and is one of many political left wing propaganda statements attempted by the film (others include faulty equipment, protection drugs, staged interviews, etc). Sadly, the film is neither a true anti-war picture or a real psycho-probe of soldiers. It toys with both and fails with both.

Peter Sarsgaard is the most effective of the actors although his relationship with Gyllenhaal is a pinball that is impossible to follow. Are they friends or rivals? I would like to know when and how they supposedly got so close.

The true magic in this film is at the hand of the marvelous cinematographer, Roger Deakins ("A Beautiful Mind", "Shawshank Redemption" and most every Cohen Brothers film). The visuals in the battlefields and desert as well as the claustrophobia of cramped quarters and protective suits are the only reasons the film works at all. We can feel the heat from the burning oil wells and smell the nastiness of latrine duty as well as the sliminess of crude oil rain on the face. Masterful.

Jamie Foxx, Chris Cooper and Dennis Haysbert are all effective in their roles, but overall the film just is missing a soul. Very disappointing that there is no clear direction or story or plot so the film never reaches the great level it obviously aspires to.

Jarhead is strictly Hollywood

[gdfamily · 1/10 · 30 November 2005]

Jarhead is strictly Hollywood - a movie of "sound and fury, signifying nothing." On a recent radio talk show, I heard a friend of one of the Marines portrayed in the movie say that the guys hated the movie, that it was not an actual depiction. The movie depends on the F-- word (among others), nudity, alpha-macho-male conduct (preying upon one another in the barracks), and obscene cavorting in order to "entertain" the audience. I'd hate to think that all Marines serving in the Middle East are immature, crude and immoral individuals. The entire movie is designed to "set up" today's military as a cadre of idiots. Not a single admirable character in the bunch. Come on now! Is that reality? The only memorable scene for me was the burning oil wells, but that didn't make up for the disgust I felt for the waste of time and money.

personal opinion of Jarhead

[walkerrussellc · 28 November 2005]

Ladies and gents, I saw the movie very recently and as a Viet Nam era Marine I was particularly disgusted and had alternating feelings between going home and burning everything I had that referred to our Corps or just getting up and asking for my money back (which is what I ended up doing). None of us are perfect but if the portrayal of the Marines in this picture is accurate; we should get together, disband the current USMC and disperse the men and women to the appropriately tasked "other armed forces" and let our Marine Corps fade into history. We always had the "ten per-centers" that bitched and moaned about everything and didn't hold their end but to glorify the crap I saw on the screen in "Jarhead" this month - bull! RascalOne '72