PLATOON (1986), nominated for eight and garnered four Oscars in 1987 (Best Director for Oliver Stone, Best Picture for Arnold Kopelson, Best Sound, and Best Editing for Claire Simpson) may be a Vietnam War movie regarding the "evils of war," a staple approach to any such movie. But, it is additionally a courageous and in-your-face examine the chaotic nature of warfare and the taboo of "friendly fire."
Checked out from the vantage point of the year 2006, and having seen several different Vietnam movies like Apocalypse Now or Full Metal Jacket since 1986, I currently realize that this is still one in every of the tamer and straight-forward examples of the genre. This still stands comfortably on its legs as an ensemble piece with its moments and works well as an indictment of a large letdown in that the grunts trying to try and do their assigned duties in the death-infested swamps of Vietnam were maybe the last ones to blame.
The film, shot within the forbidding jungles of Philippines, boasts a high-powered cast including Tom Berenger (as SSgt. Bob Barnes), Willem Dafoe (Sgt. Elias Grodin), an eighteen year recent Charlie Sheen (Pvt. Chris Taylor), Johnny Depp (Pvt. Gator Lerner), Forest Whitaker (Big Harold), Francisco Quinn (son of the good Anthony Quinn, as Rhah), to name a few.
Writing by Oliver Stone (who won the screenwriting Oscar in 1978 for his Midnight Categorical also another Best Director Oscar in 1989 for Born on the Fourth of July) is well paced, preserving a good rhythm between scenes of carnage and reflection. The dialogs are crisp and realistic.
The voiceover provided by the most character Chris Taylor is without an equal because it addresses Taylor's grandmother. I believed that was such a poignant touch for a young personal lost in the world, who does not also have a girlfriend yet, to take refuge in the wisdom of his grandmother whereas all hell is breaking loose around him.
The plot, unfolding from the read-point of Pvt. Taylor, truly does not have too much meat in it. This movie shines on character and setting, on predicament and context, instead of on clever plot twists and turns. It can be summarized as one long story of a platoon either participating the Viet Cong in the slug and snake infected jungle swamps, often under tropic rain, or getting stoned out of their minds to suspend the harrowing reality for an hour or two.
When the 2 high dogs of the platoon, the over-the-edge nihilistic Ssgt. Barnes and Sgt. Elias who will still depend on his conscience and basic moral values, clash heads, they divide the platoon into 2 bickering factions. The results of such infighting and accumulating resentment isn't pretty.
The metaphysical horror of war has been exposed with a lot of dramatic authority by one-of-a-kind movies like Apocalypse Now. Platoon will not go that deep however it is still a genuine Vietnam War movie that ought to be on every movie fan's should-see list.
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Doris Hill has been writing articles online for nearly 2 years now. Not only does this author specialize in Engagements, you can also check out his latest website about:
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