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There is a 1970’s film with Tony Curtis, Suppose They Gave a War and Nobody Came?  Now suppose they made a movie about this war in which nobody came, would anyone come to watch it?  That's the initial reaction you get as you view the new Sam Mendes directed, “Jarhead”. Granted it has to be difficult to make a movie about recent wars. There is nothing about them that is appealing cinema wise. In Vietnam there was jungle and scenery and combat and bugs and swamps. Now there is a lot of just well, politics and sand.

Jarhead is based on the best selling book by former Marine Anthony Swofford who recounts his experiences in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. A bulked up Jake Gyllenhaal who actually does a believable job as a marine sniper portrays Swofford in the movie. The story follows Swofford from Boot Camp to Desert Storm as he survives the tension of training with the promise of combat. Jamie Foxx, Lucas Black and Peter Sarsgaard join Gyllenhaal in the desert as they use their training to simply guard oil fields, talk about sex and discuss what they will do if they ever actually see the enemy.

And that is it. As far as the physical war goes. The mental war is another story and the appeal of this film. Jarhead is an amazing look at the pressures and thoughts of men who are separated from their families, wives and girlfriends and how they cope and survive the tedious day to day hurry up and do nothing structure of war in the desert. The acting is remarkable by all three supporting men. Sgt. Siek (Foxx) loves the Corp with all its traditions and exploits. When Foxx delivers the line, “I love this job. I thank God for every day he gives me in the Corps. Oo-rah” it is with conviction and passion. You see a small glimpse of the heart of the marine. Sarsgaard is amazing as the dark, brooding Troy. The best friend you are never sure you can trust. Black is the Texas realist Kuhn. The guy who knows the war is a joke and can’t understand why no one has the nerve to say it. All four actors are standout and help make a movie about nothing, something.

Not sure if the credit should go to the Mendez or the writers for the subtle look at man and war. Part of this film has a parody feel while at times it is a very candid look at the lives of our fighting military folks. This is neither a pro-war movie nor is it an anti-war piece. It is simply s a story about people that just happens to be in a war setting. I am sure Marines will watch this movie and experience the sense of pride and connection that drive them to undergo such abuse and training. While those who feel that war, and especially those of late, are futile and fought not for freedom but to pad the pockets of politicians and businessmen, will walk out validated in their thoughts.

Jarhead is Rated R for good reasons including pervasive language, some violent images and strong sexual content. Many may feel disgusted by the language and vulgarities and taken aback by the frankness of these men in uniform. But without it you would not be able to capture the realness of the story. It would be like making a film about babies and none of them cry. It is simply the characters trait.

The Mungle (11/2/05)

Matt hosts the weekly syndicated Indie Rock Radio Show Spin 180. Plus with his wife Cindy they do a weekly radio feature, The Mungles on Movies. For additional reviews and interview clips visit the website www.mungleshow.com