
Kubrick likes relatively dull and emotionally stunted characters who act like they're slightly sociopathic or mentally challenged. The only thing that makes the first half of FMJ any different is that the setting compliments his story telling style. He filmed it the same way he films everything else he does, which I hate. However, I don't give Kubrick much credit for the first half of Full Metal Jacket because I don't think he did anything out of the ordinary for himself. Gunnery Sgt.I really enjoyed the first half a lot, which is really saying something for me because (contrary to popular opinion) I think Kubrick is a hack and almost all of his films are examples of good concepts wasted on a confused and pompous director. Private Cowboy: Sir, excuse for what, Sir? You will become dead Marines and then you will be in a world of sh*t because Marines are not allowed to die without permission. If your killer instincts are not clean and strong you will hesitate at the moment of truth. Hartman: The deadliest weapon in the world is a Marine and his rifle … Your rifle is only a tool. Hartman: What is your major malfunction, numbnuts? Didn’t Mommy and Daddy show you enough attention when you were a child? Hartman: Lawrence? Lawrence what … of Arabia? Private Pyle: Sir, Leonard Lawrence, Sir! Hartman: You’re so ugly you could be a modern art masterpiece! What’s your name, fat body?

The first act remains the film’s most memorable, but the latter portion offers a totally new experience that is in line with the characters’. Private Joker is an intriguing hero who doesn’t always fit into the mold of a hero but is admirable nonetheless. Still, the film – and its characters – never loses its sense of witty humor.

When they become Marines, they are flushed out into the real landscape of war, which they find to be a confusing motley of mayhem. The first act of the film takes place solely on the island. Davis (Matthew Modine), the protagonist, now goes by “Private Joker”, but Hartman seems to respect him because he promotes him to squad leader when he cracks a rather audacious joke. He begins by stripping the young men of their identities and giving them new names. Lee Ermey), torments the recruits harshly, trying to wheedle out the weak. Their ruthless drill instructor, Gunnery Sergeant Hartman (R. The film begins when a group of recruits arrives on an island ready to become Marines and serve in the Vietnam War. Stanley Kubrick’s Full Metal Jacket is known for its wry and rather dark sense of humor, most apparent in the film’s dialogue.
