After the success of Platoon around Christmas 1986, film companies were looking for that next big war film that would captivate audiences. None really had the success critically and commercially. Full Metal Jacket was that kind of example. It wasn't a huge hit by any means, but it did okay in June 1987. Now these days, it's looked at very fondly, and I'll be willing to bet, most will remember it mainly for its boot camp scenes.
Part of that appeal of the boot camp scenes lies solely on Gunnery Sergeant Hartman. His portrayal was done by R. Lee Ermey, who has just passed away from pneumonia complications. Ermey in real life was a military guy before doing films. He was a Marine in the 60s. He was put on as a technical adviser for this film. Although Full Metal Jacket was scripted, and director Stanley Kubrick was known as a guy who was strict by how things should go when shooting a film, he did a number of lines on the spot after convincing the director that he could do the role justice. Just that kind of authenticity can help make a movie seem more real and relatable, as I'm sure there are a number of ex-Marines, Army, and Navy guys that have had drill instructors that are tough as nails and not going to take anybody's crap.
As websites have documented, Kubrick was very impressed and gave Ermey a bigger role. Personally, I think Full Metal Jacket would not be remembered fondly if it weren't for the character Hartman. They do take some liberties such as him slapping Private Leonard Lawrence, A.K.A. Private Pyle and punching Private Joker in the groin for making a joke. Something like that would not fly, even for the 60s. Even Ermey knew the ramifications. That could be a court martial for a superior being abusive to the recruits.
Regardless, this film took a very long time to make, and it almost didn't make it to theaters. One thing that hurt was Ermey getting in a car accident, as sites have documented from what Kubrick discussed. It resulted in broken ribs and being out for over four months. Even with that, this is one of the shining examples of war not being always dark on the front lines. Deep in your own home, the worst can come from where you train, and Ermey's performance is a phenomenal one as the drill sergeant that will scare his recruits.
You don't see guys like these anymore. And it's these types that can deliver toughness with such ease and real authenticity.
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