The Work of a Master
JARHEAD
by Shawn Snead / November 7th, 2005
"To hell with politics. We’re here now."
That line spoken by Troy (Peter Sarsgaard) is just one of the profound messages that Jarhead delivers. Sam Mendes has stripped the film of the political circus and cartoonish carnage that most war films portray. There's good guys, there's bad guys, there's blood, there's tears, then it ends as you reach for that tissue in your pocket.
Not in Jarhead. Because of that, the film is bound to frustrate many audiences and critics expecting a film blanketing Desert Storm. Or a war movie, in general.
This is not a war film. Sorry.
Instead, by focusing on the psychological turmoil of one soldier, Anthony Swofford (Jake Gyllenhaal), the film is able to speak specifically about this man's experience and how it relates to those around him.
One thing that director Sam Mendes has proven in his short career in film is his extraordinary visual style. American Beauty, Road to Perdition, both feature some of the most impressive visual work in many years. The late Conrad Hall shot both of those films. Roger Deakins takes over for Mendes' latest and places you right in the middle of Desert Storm. Mendes and Deakins create a surreal, dreamlike enviroment in Jarhead, and hopefully others will recognize their exquisite work this awards season. Never has war looked so beautiful.
The oil burning scenes, in particular, are breathtaking. Oil raining from the blacked out skies, vivid fires burning all around. In one scene, an oil drenched wild horse walks through the chaotic scene. A metaphor. So many of them, so many resonating moments throughout the picture. Some fellow reviewers have been talking about a lack of an emotional thrust. Don't worry, it's there. You just have to find it. In that sense, Jarhead is one of the most personal, one of the most absorbing "war" films ever made. To capture the melancholy, the disappointment, the wandering and wavering of these men as Mendes has... is awing.
Another thing that Sam Mendes has been so great at, is getting the absolute best out of his actors. Jarhead is no different. Jake Gyllenhaal gives one of the most powerful performances of 2005. Captivating and emotionally intense, he has established himself as one of the leading men in the business. Also giving Oscar caliber performances are Jamie Foxx as Sgt. Sykes, a hardass leader who just loves being a Marine and what it is to be one, along with Peter Sarsgaard, who is also outstanding.
Again, there are no politics here. It's about the men who stand beside you. It's about the bloodthirsty mindset of America, and how emotionally, mentally, and physically destructive that can be. It's about the soldier.
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Universal Pictures
Running Time: 1 Hour, 55 Minutes
MPAA Rating: Rated R for pervasive language, some violent images and strong sexual content.
Release Date: Friday, November 4th, 2005
Viewed: Friday, November 4th, 2005
Starring Jake Gyllenhaal (Swoff), Peter Sarsgaard (Troy), Jamie Foxx (Sgt. Sykes), Laz Alonso (Escobar), Lucas Black (Kruger), Brian Geraghty (Fergus), Chris Cooper (Lt. Col. Kazinski), Jocko Sims (Julius), Jacob Vargas (Cortez), Evan Jones (Fowler)
Produced By Lucy Fisher, Sam Mendes, Douglas Wick
Written By William Broyles, Jr. (Based on the book by Anthony Swofford)
Directed By Sam Mendes
posted by Shawn Snead @ 11/08/2005 02:59:00 AM
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