kubrick as art, not reportage, still a 10

Rating: 10/10 (5 February 2007)

aside from 'paths of glory' it seems many viewers expect a kubrick film to be 'another movie'---that's not his deal. his goal is always aimed at creating a bit of 'film-art'---not the typical goal. those approaching his work should expect this. how many know this thing was all done outside of London, with tons of palm-trees imported for 'realism'? or that the city of 'Hue' was actually an area slated for demolition to make way for new structures? granted, the 'boot-camp' scenes are authentic---but having 'Gomer' shoot his drill-instructor was hardly believable, as the numerous phony 'jello' splattering from bullet impacts.
so why give it a '10'---because it's an 'art-piece', and while anyone familiar with what a .223 American bullet does to one 'hit' by such, and then believes the woman sniper would not be in numerous scattered bits, but alive, begging to be 'sent-on-her-way'? absurd---yet one is transfixed by her pleas for death, and Joker's final compliance---that has no basis in realism---rather dramatic artifice---and well done---you want reality? Hamburger Hill---you wish 'art-cinema'? this has that impact---some would say it transcends 'reportage'---exactly what art is supposed to do.
to attempt mixing this with any 'normal' war film is simply 'apples and oranges'---