Jarhead
2005
**½
Director: Sam Mendes
Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Peter Sarsgaard, Jamie Foxx, Lucas Black, Evan Jones
A fact-based drama about US marines who endure cruel and dehumanising, not to mention very expensive training, only to be sent to a war (Desert Storm I) that is over before they get to shoot anyone. Poor lads. The performances are strong and there are some arresting images in the second half, but what exactly is the point of the story? War is hell...of a boring endeavour? Based on Anthony Swofford's autobiographical book.
