Rating: PG
Movie Release Date: August 4, 1971
DVD Release Date: April 28, 2009
Plot 411: An American soldier awakens to find that he is dismembered and has no face.
Movie Release Date: August 4, 1971
DVD Release Date: April 28, 2009
Plot 411: An American soldier awakens to find that he is dismembered and has no face.
Review: Where The Diving Bell And The Butterfly leaves you feeling saddened but inspired, Johnny Got His Gun leaves you emotionally bereft. It severely drives home its anti-war message because you are confronted with the effects of war for the duration of the film. Not only do you face the physical loss that Joe (Timothy Bottoms) feels, but you also endure his loss of innocence, zest for life and any hope for a future. Joe is a young soldier who volunteered to fight for his country and democracy in World War I. However, he is unable to escape the damage from a mortar shell and awakens in a hospital with no arms, legs or face. He cannot hear, speak, see or smell. The doctors believe that his mind is only capable of running his body and that he does not comprehend anything or feel pain. Unfortunately, this isn't the case and Joe is alternately angry, woeful and frustrated. He relives his past in an eternal dream-like state and never knows if it's reality or fantasy, whether he is awake or asleep. Despite the grim nature of this film, there were a couple moments when I laughed out loud. Is that just wrong or what? I guess that's just the gallows humor escaping. The film leaves you feeling unsettled and despite being over 15 years old with a setting that is even older still, it is still relevent today. There are many points in the film when the dialogue directly addresses the topics of war, freedom, democracy and nationalism, which serve to promote the anti-war theme. But it is the end of the film that captures it perfectly, because the camera creates a feeling of endless helplessness as it pulls away from Joe's bed.
Watch It: For a severe look at war's effects on man and the bureaucracy of the military.
Skip It: If you're looking for an uplifting account of human nature. For this, turn to The Diving Bell And The Butterfly.
2 comments:
I have this dvd at home waiting for me to watch it. I got it on uncle jimmy's recommendation-what ever happen to him? Anyway, to let you know, I made a recommendation to Sandee Oshiro of HAdvertiser to include this blog in their extensive lineup. Hope you don't mind and sorry if it was too presumptious of me and not getting your permission. I got a response from Sandee and she was suppose to contact you...what do you think?
Nothing personal against the other HA movie blog but the entries are infrequent and mostly current blockbuster type...her choices are narrow, not enough variety and had hoped she would have continued more discussion on films in general and film-making. Aloha, hemajang
I also watched it because of UJ's suggestion. Not sure where he's been. He's pretty much the only one who comments, besides you. Hasn't commented in a while though. Hoping everything is ok.
Wooooow, you really told Sandee Oshiro about this blog?? That's so cool! Maybe now I'll hit my goal of five regular readers LOL
I was also hoping that the Fo' Reel blog would post more often. It seems she has help now though so maybe the two of them will increase their posts. I wouldn't be able to help you with any film stuff so we'll have to rely on them for any in-depth analysis and insider tips. I'm just a regular girl who likes movies :)
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