Two Separate Narratives Make Kubrick Look Indifferent, While His Commitment Makes the Film One of the Best

Rating: 8/10 (30 May 2004)

Stanley Kubrick has a vocabulary of how to put the distance between the subject and himself, while flawlessly completing the exterior. The way in Full Metal Jacket, his installment of the Vietnamese War, is to present two separate narratives: one about a troublemaker in a training camp and the other about a Vietnamese shooter in a battlefield. The seemingly random combination of these two stories makes him look indifferent to the subject, while his commitment makes the film one of the best in the genre.
Matthew Modine's persona perfectly fits into his role of Joker, who always tries to handle the various situations with a sincere manner. Directing actors may be the best part of Kubrick's genius, making all supporting actors look great. Music selection is well-thought: most notably, the end title, Paint It Black by the Rolling Stones, follows the soldiers singing Mickey Mouse in the last shot.