Half a masterpiece and half a merely good movie

Rating: 8/10 (17 November 2015)

Stanley Kubrick's "Full Metal Jacket" is generally considered one of the best Vietnam war movies ever and, for that matter, one of the best war movies in general. Told in two distinct but related parts, the movie begins in basic training before picking up again in the midst of the conflict in Vietnam.
Although there are memorable moments sprinkled throughout the film, only the first half seems to show Kubrick operating at the absolute peak of his powers. The second half is still worthwhile but it comes across as a letdown after the bravura first half. As I see it, the story becomes looser and slightly unfocused as a result. Also, I don't find Pvt. Joker to be a very compelling protagonist.
In terms of the acting, the two key performances come from R. Lee Ermey & Vincent D'Onofrio. Ermey was nominated for a Golden Globe for his indelible portrayal of the foul-mouthed drill instructor while D'Onofrio effectively embodied the dehumanization of military training. Matthew Modine was the only consistent presence throughout the film but I didn't find his performance or his character to be particularly noteworthy. The rest of the cast is likewise competent but unexceptional.
When it comes to Kubrick's direction, it's as well executed as ever. The visuals are consistently attractive and interesting. Credit should also go to production designer Anton Furst, who successfully recreated Vietnamese locales in England. The film's music is also worthy of praise. Vivian Kubrick's moody score is supported by intriguing period-specific soundtrack selections like "Surfin' Bird" & "Chapel of Love".
In the end, even though "Full Metal Jacket" fails to completely coalesce, it's still a thought-provoking and memorable look at warfare and those who take part in it. It may be notch below the lofty heights of "2001: A Space Odyssey" & "A Clockwork Orange" but it nevertheless qualifies as essential viewing for movie buffs.