pmsumner

On a second screening. The first and most noticable thing for me was that the theatre was still really busy, even on a late night midweek show.

The film is still wonderful. The main reason I chose to see it again was that someone at work was talking about it, and they claimed that it was a film where "nothing happened", or "there is not storyline", and "nothing happens at the end". So not true. The storyline's not slammed into your face but it's there - it's the story of a marine's tour of duty in Kuwait, the entire film is essentially the buildup to the big kill, and ultimate relief comes in an unexpected form. The end - fine, there's no big 'hollywood' ending with explosions and shouting, but there is a definite end.

It's beautifully shot - I noticed one particular detail which really hit me - they're in an area of desert which has been bombed, and the sand is black. As they walk, the layer of burnt sand beneath their feet gives way to the white sand beneath, and when the group of them sit together, you get this fantastic effect on the ground around them.

I think I love Jake Gyllenhaal :) He plays the oddest roles. Ones that I can think of from the top of my head are Donnie Darko, Holden from The Good Girl, Jack in Brokeback Mountain. He has this bizarre intensity about him, and he seems to be ever so slightly nuts which makes him perfect for the slightly oddball role. Plus his sister's Maggie. *gives a wistful sigh*

Anyhow - I truly think that Jarhead could prove to be a top movie of the year. Obviously it's early yet, but it's a high starting standard.