A respectable, but not wholly innovative autobiographical account of the Gulf War.

Rating: 7/10 (18 May 2018)

Jarhead peaks in moments of its stellar cinematography and visual effects, which are scattered throughout the film and are utilised to great effect. It similarly utilises music to great effect.
Gyllenhaal delivers a modest performance in the lead role and his character is bolstered a unique monologue that runs throughout the film.
However, I could not help but feel as though Jarhead was recycling all the traits of the war film genre: mentally unstable protagonists, a near constant sense of toxic masculinity and some reflections on the horror of war.
Despite Jarhead's clear nods to anti war sentiment, this is certainly not so much a politically motivated film as it is the gritty, intimate tale of one soldier's involvement in a war he is (to some extent) excited to be in.
Jarhead is a competent film that tells its story in unique ways, but doesn't deliver a wholly original narrative.