Review of Johnny Got His Gun (2008) by J K — 13 Apr 2010

Though "Johnny Got his Gun" is rather simple and direct in presentation, the style in which the film is executed, as well as the creative messages that the film try to convey, make this film a nerve-wracking, bone chilling experience.

A american soldier in World War I get's extremely injured by an enemy mortar shell and sent to the hospital. The results that occur are unlike anything that any of the doctor's have seen before. This boy has no arms, no legs, can't see, can't hear, and can't speak. The only thing that he can do for himself is think and feel. He has to sense the vibrations around him to understand what is going on. The style in which this premise is brought to the audience is fantastic because it really does make you cringe. What if this had happened to you? How would you deal with him.

The new luxuries in this boys life are every day occurrences for the normal person. He hopes for things like learning what year it is, or knowing when it's day and knowing when it's night. Learning about these things makes him happy, and it truly is heart wrenching to watch. One of the most powerful scenes in the film is when the nurse writes Merry Christmas on the boy's chest with her finger. That part always gets me.

Though the film is rather simple in cinematography, that doesn't mean it isn't intriguing. The scenes that take place in the present are filmed in black and white, and the scenes of him hallucinating, dreaming, and thinking of the past are all in color. This is something very interesting, because we usually see things like that in black and white. The hospital is probably filmed like this to give us a gritty feeling, and it certainly does it well. The claustrophobia that this movie builds up is simply amazing, and it really makes you feel.

The performances in the movie are nothing special, but they do get the job done. Donald Sutherland is probably the most stand out character playing the man who knows everything about life in death, during the hallucination scenes. There really aren't any scenes that stand out acting wise, but the acting isn't horrible or anything.

Not only does "Johnny Got His Gun" build up emotions for the viewer perfectly, but it also helps convey a message of ignorance. Some people may take things for granted, and you realize that they are truly a wonderful gift for other people. The film is basic, but at the same time very intriguing. It's not a favorite for a lot of people, but it's definitely worth the watch. A very very good movie.