Full Metal Jacket - Kubrick's Raw Vietnam Masterpiece

The Making of Full Metal Jacket

Stanley Kubrick's Full Metal Jacket is considered one of the greatest war films ever made. Released in 1987, it focuses on a platoon of Marine recruits going through basic training under the ruthless Gunnery Sergeant Hartman, played brilliantly by R. Lee Ermey. It then follows one of the privates, Joker, into Vietnam during the Tet Offensive of 1968.

The first half of Full Metal Jacket depicts the dehumanizing Marine Corp boot camp experience. Vincent D'Onofrio gives an intense performance as Private Pyle, an overweight, incompetent recruit who is subjected to extreme physical and verbal abuse from Hartman. The infamous lines "Private Pyle you got 3 seconds to stop eyeballing me" and others have become pop culture staples.

Filming and Production

Unlike most Vietnam War films of the 1980s which were shot in the Philippines, Full Metal Jacket's early boot camp scenes were shot in the old dockyards and abandoned gasworks of London. The buildings matched the style of Marine Corps training facilities, and the harsh weather added to the bleak atmosphere.

R. Lee Ermey was originally just brought on as a technical advisor, but Kubrick was so impressed with his knowledge and intimidating persona that he offered him the iconic role of Gunnery Sergeant Hartman. Ermey got permission from his Marine Corps superiors to take leave for the filming, adding unmatched authenticity to the performance.

Critical Reception

When Full Metal Jacket debuted in 1987, some critics were divided on the film. Roger Ebert gave it 2.5 stars at the time, saying the second half did not live up to the power of the boot camp portion. Others disagreed, praising the film's raw depiction of combat and examining how the dehumanization of military training affects soldiers psychologically in war.

In recent years, appreciation for Kubrick's Vietnam masterpiece has only grown. The film examines timeless themes about humanity against the backdrop of war. Full Metal Jacket appears on countless lists as one of the best war movies, if not best films period, ever produced.

The Actors and Characters

At the center of Full Metal Jacket is Private Joker, played by Matthew Modine. Joker is a wise-cracking young journalist who nonetheless takes his duty seriously when thrust into combat. His character arc represents the duality many soldiers experienced, going from lighthearted to stone-faced killers when necesary to survive.

Vincent D'Onofrio's Private Pyle depicted the immense physical and mental toll of Marine training methods. His performance remains shocking and heartbreaking. Unfortunately, D'Onofrio's career was impacted by his dedication to the role as directors only saw him as the unstable character from the film. But his sacrifice helped cement Full Metal Jacket's place in cinema history.

Influence on Pop Culture

Full Metal Jacket introduced numerous phrases into the pop culture lexicon. "Me love you long time," uttered by a Vietnamese prostitute, remains both a sexually charged and uncomfortable statement on Western imperialism. The insults and colorful language used by Sergeant Hartman are frequently quoted and sampled in songs.

Countless films about military training, from comedies like Stripes to dramas like A Few Good Men, owe a debt to Kubrick's raw, uncompromising boot camp scenes. Full Metal Jacket influenced a generation of filmmakers with its unique structure and willingness to portray military life without romanticism or politicization.

Why It Endures

Upon its release, Full Metal Jacket trailed commercially successful Vietnam films like Platoon and was snubbed at the Oscars. But Kubrick crafted a timeless masterpiece that only grows more powerful and prescient over time. It examines how institutions like the military shape human psychology in ways often unseen until put in extreme crucibles like war.

Beyond the anti-war message, Full Metal Jacket endures for the stunning craftsmanship on display. The cinematography shifts from cold, alienating shots of metal buildings and obstacle courses to chaotic handheld work once in the ravaged city of Hue. The dichotomy reflects the journey of the characters.

Great films revisit themes and images that filmmakers have tackled for decades. But Kubrick's singular vision made Full Metal Jacket an instant icon that delivers gut-wrenching emotion through dark comedy and horror. For these reasons and more, it will undoubtedly stand the test time as one of the definitive war films and works of 20th century cinema.

FAQs

Where was Full Metal Jacket filmed?

The first half of the film depicting Marine basic training was primarily filmed in the abandoned Beckton Gas Works and docklands area of London. The Vietnam portions were shot in Cambridgeshire and on some sets. Kubrick wanted an authentic location for the boot camp training scenes which the old London buildings and harsh weather conditions provided.

How long did filming take?

Principal photography on Full Metal Jacket lasted over 200 days, a very long time compared to most films. Kubrick was known for shooting numerous takes to get the perfect shot which extended filming. Production went from August 1986 through April 1987. The lengthy and arduous shoot added to the authenticity and bleak tone of the film.

Was R. Lee Ermey a real drill instructor?

Yes, before becoming an actor, R. Lee Ermey served as a U.S. Marine Corps drill instructor and staff sergeant during the Vietnam era for 11 years. Kubrick originally hired him as a technical advisor but was so impressed with Ermey's knowledge and intimidating presence that he offered him the iconic role of Gunnery Sergeant Hartman.

Did the actors go through real boot camp training?

While not as intense as actual Marine basic training, the actors portraying recruits did participate in an abbreviated version run by Ermey himself. He led them on obstacle courses, endurance tests, and even some of the physical altercations to make the performances more realistic. Their genuine exhaustion and distress came through on camera.