Review of Jarhead (2005) by Jay L — 26 Aug 2011

"JARHEAD-- A nickname for United States Marines personnel, due to their regulation high and tight haircut.".

"Ecery war is different, every war is the same.".

Jarhead is one of the most unconventional war films that I have ever seen, I even hesitate calling this a "war" film. Director Sam Mendes (American Beauty, Road To Perdition) delivers yet another marvelously stunning and strangely gripping film, one that is a bit outside of his comfort zone and tha happens to be completely true (bnesides a few Hollywood exaggerations). It keeps you watching all the way from the first scene to the credit roll. Completely packed with snappy slapstick war humor, all-too-realistic wartime cinematography from "Desert Storm" in the early 90's, endless drama and suspense and nonstop Sam Mendes trademarks (i.e. death and rain, in this case it was raining oil). It was just an all-around pleasure to watch this movie, and dont expect much of any battle sequences at all, the film's action is in the psychology of the troops involved, and their anger ans frustration at the lack of any battle. If anything, Sam Mendes gives the viewer a taste of what it feels like to be a Marine thats starving for a fight. The concepts of the film are ingenious, and the Direction is wonderful, its unlike any war film out there, but Ill give it a high reccommendation to war buffs for its unconventional and nonlinear approach to battle-hungry troops.

THe cast is packed with talent. Jake Gyllenhaal stars and does a wonderful job as Anthony "Swoff" Swofford. It was Peter Saarsgaard who stole the show for me he does a brilliant job as Lance Corporal Allen Troy. Other Great performances were given by Jamie Foxx, Chris Cooper, Dennis Haysbert and Lucas Black. A supremely talented cast and a great director will always make for a brilliant film.