Jarhead would be an excellent addition to this course. The film, directed by Sam Mendes, follows Anthony Swafford (Jake Gyllenhaal) and his experiences in the United States Marine Corps as a sniper in the Gulf War. Jarhead portrays the American military in a way that no other film has done before. By the end of the film, the audience questions what they previously believed about the Gulf War and the U.S. military. The military is not portrayed in a strictly negative way, but in a realistic, non-romantic, non-grandiose way. The audience sees the soldiers waiting around for the most part; even though he is a sniper, Swafford never fires a shot during the war. Alan Troy (Peter Sarsgaard) is an extremely interesting and telling character. He loves being a marine, however he is kicked out. In the end of the film (SPOILER ALERT!) he is killed, assumedly because he was dealing drugs. This brings to question how the U.S. government treats veterans when they leave the service and the life these veterans lead when they come home. This is a relevant topic because the government has been accused of not giving soldiers who have served in Iraq their fair share.
In addition to the relevant issues this film brings to light, the cinematography is wonderful. There are many great frames for a mise-en-scene analysis. The acting is superb as well. Jamie Foxx is hilarious yet moving in his performance as Staff Sergeant Sykes. Jake Gyllenhaal realistically expresses Swafford’s apathy, rage, and frustration with the Marine Corps and with life.
Jarhead should be added to this class because the film challenges America’s views on military and war, has superb cinematography, and wonderful acting.
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