Film Review: Jarhead (2005)

Some wars, it seems, are easier than others – at least for one of the belligerents. In the past few decades, being part of the US military during the First Gulf War was arguably one of the more comfortable and low-risk wartime experiences. Yet, even such a seemingly effortless endeavour had the potential to inspire a Hollywood film, as evidenced by the 2005 war drama Jarhead.

The film is based on the eponymous 2003 memoir by Anthony Swofford, former US Marine describing his experience during the conflict. It begins in 1989 when Swofford (played by Jake Gyllenhaal), as a son of former US Marine and Vietnam War, goes through recruit training after which he will be selected to be trained as sniper. In 1990 his unit is deployed to Saudi Arabia in response to Iraq's invasion and occupation of Kuwait. The plot revolves around Swofford's increasing frustration with the harsh desert conditions, boredom, and mounting concerns about his girlfriend's fidelity as he and his comrades prepare for the possibility of engaging Iraqi forces. When the war finally begins in early 1991, they advance north into Kuwait only to discover that the Iraqi forces have already been decimated by US air power, leaving their deployment devoid of any real fighting or risk.

The film was produced during the escalation of the Second Gulf War, a time when Hollywood took a strong anti-war stance – a sentiment indirectly reflected in Jarhead, which argues that even such uneventful experience as protagonist’s might lead to life-altering trauma.The film could have worked well as a dark comedy, leveraging the contrast between jingoistic perceptions of US military campaigns and the more prosaic reality. However, director Sam Mendes opts for a straight approach, resulting in an overlong and unengaging narrative. Even the final scenes, which depict the aftermath of the "Highway of Death" and burning oil fields in Kuwait, lose much of their emotional impact due to Mendes' pretentious directing style, despite Mendes being aided by renowned cinematographer Roger Deakins and veteran editor Walter Murch.

Despite these shortcomings, Jarhead remains watchable thanks to some commendable acting performances. Jake Gyllenhaal delivers an adequate if not particularly memorable portrayal of Swofford, while Peter Saarsgard shines in the role of his best friend. Jamie Foxx leaves the strongest impression as a tough Marine sergeant, adding some much-needed depth to his cliched character.

Ultimately, Jarhead falls short of its potential and, apart from providing unusual perspective on modern war, doesn’t offer audience anything that they haven’t seen in other and usually better war films.

RATING: 4/10 (+)

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