Full Metal Jacket......Full Disclosure

Rating: 9/10 (7 April 2014)

Full Disclosure--This is one of my all-time favorite films.
Stanley Kubrick, Director of such films as "A Clockwork Orange" "2001 A Space Odyssey" and "Dr. Strangelove" to literally name a few can add "Full Metal Jacket" to his insane catalogue of classic films. It remains the best war movie that I have ever seen.
Matthew Modine Takes the lead as Pvt. "Joker", sliding quietly into his role and relaxing the viewer w/his performance. Modine doesn't bring a gritty edge to any character. Instead he meets his characters halfway, combining his personal likability with whatever truth makes the character tick. His performance was solid, if not remarkable. The truly remarkable performances come courtesy of Vincent D'Onofrio and R. Lee Ermey. D'Onofrio is mesmerizing. His performance as Pvt. "Gomer Pyle" Lawrence is impossible to look away from. R. Lee Ermey takes his turn as the best Drill Sargent that I have ever seen on film-period. His in-your-face intensity was 100% authentic and was balanced perfectly by D'Onofrio's subtle, slow descent into madness. The dichotomy of Ermeys loudmouth bravado and D'Onofrio's subtle but seething intensity is what makes this film worth repeated viewings. The result of their interaction is explosive and leaves a permanent impression though it occurs fairly early in the film. It's a tribute to Kubrick that the film maintains it's high quality after such an emotional climax to a scene. He moves seamlessly from Basic Training to the reality of War itself. This is also a tribute to an underrated ensembles cast that includes the likes of Adam Baldwin and Dorian Harewood. Stanley Kubrick has given us a gritty, intense, funny and remarkably authentic war movie. 9/10