Jarhead (2005 Sam Mendes)

Thought it would be interesting to see Sam's earlier war pic - but of course it isn't, really. Anthony Swafford's autobiographical account of his experiences as a marine in the Gulf War forms the basis of the film, which was written by William Broyles Jr. In it, snipers Jake Gyllenhaal and Peter Sarsgaard (Garden State, Jackie, Blue Jasmine, An Education) endure the monotony and tensions of desert warfare, ironically without actually experiencing any combat.

Roger Deakins strips away the colour and produces some amazing images, Dennis Gassner is responsible for the incredible production design. The music is (of course) by Thomas Newman and Walter Murch is the editor. None of them were nominated for any major awards, which is quite remarkable.

To 'Break on Through' playing from passing helicopter:
"That's Vietnam. Can't we get our own music?"

Amazing moments, like the blazing oil wells and the horse in the night. And the pumped up marines getting off on the helicopter raid from Apocalypse Now.

Good cast includes Jamie Foxx, Scott MacDonald, Lucas Black, Brian Geraghty, Chris Cooper, Dennis Haysbert.