Abstract One must understand the purpose of a film in order to fully engage in a discussion of it. War films serve one of three basic categorical needs - to instill patriotism (as in "The Green Berets", "Private Ryan", and "Pearl Harbor"), to entertain (as in "Starship Troopers" and "Red October"), and to frighten (as in "Platoon" and "The Deer Hunter"). "The Green Berets" and "Platoon" both cover the same conflict, but have major differences that mark them as quite dissimilar films. The time of production, the purpose and motivation, the tone and sense of reality in each are strikingly different but provide very good insight into the overall confusion about the Vietnam War that continues today. It is the purpose of this paper to examine both films in comparison and contrast so as to gain a better understanding of both.
A comparison of the presentation of the conflict in Vietnam in three films - Ray Kellogg's "The Green Berets," Stanley Kubrick's "Full Metal Jacket" and Randall Wallace's "We Were Soldiers."
Abstract This paper discusses how the conflict in Vietnam is interpreted in various films. It specifically looks at Ray Kellogg's patriotic film, "The Green Berets," Stanley Kubrick's film, "Full Metal Jacket" and Randall Wallace's film, "We Were Soldiers." The paper examines how the three films are very different in their presentations and assessments of the American involvement in Vietnam, the Vietnamese response to that wa,r and in their use of violence to further their messages.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
The Green Berets (1968)
Full Metal Jacket (1987)
We Were Soldiers (2002)
Conclusion
From the Paper "The war in Vietnam has aroused more controversy than virtually any other conflict in American history. As time has passed, the nation's understanding of the nature of the war has changed. Films reflect those changes in viewpoint, as well as their creators' own interpretations of the war and its political ramifications. John Wayne ultimately felt he would be vindicated for making The Green Berets; although the war was unpopular, he believed that the cause was good and noble, and that history would prove him right. Full Metal Jacket questions the conditions that give rise to ruthless killing machines like the Marines it depicts. Randall Wallace, in his adaptation of the book We Were Soldiers Once...and Young by Hal Moore and Joseph Galloway, seeks to honor those who sacrificed their lives on both sides to fulfill their own ideas about freedom. All three films had their own objectives and their own questions to pose, and they hoped to answer them in the light of history."
Abstract Through an analysis of the movies "The Green Berets" and "Apocalypse Now" and by comparing the two, this essay shows the vast changes in American attitudes and perspectives concerning the Vietnam War that occurred between the two movies' productions. The essay compares the two films' intent, the American public's reaction following the movies' releases and the films' portrayal of the Vietnam War. By comparing and contrasting these two films, the essay examines the disillusionment of the general American public in both its government and its military and traces the emergence of a new generation's values and beliefs.
From the Paper "'Silver wings upon their chest, these are men, America's best...men who mean just what they say, the brave men of the Green Beret' (Ballad of the Green Berets). In 1968, the hearts and minds of American moviegoers were stirred to a level of extreme patriotism by these popular song lyrics, used in both the opening and closing credits of the John Wayne film "The Green Berets". These lyrics, in which the main soldier "died for those oppressed" were the perfect compliment to a film designed to arouse national patriotism and support for a currently raging Southeast Asian conflict depicted within the story, a conflict known as the Vietnam War (Ballad of the Green Berets). The lyrics of this popular song, along with the contents of this popular film, were meant to depict the life of the American soldier who gives all in the name of country and the fight against oppression and the spread of communism. The intent of this patriotic film ultimately hit its mark, a fact exemplified by the scores of young U.S. males who flocked to enlist in the American armed forces following its release."
Tags: Francis, Ford, Coppola, patriotic, military, public, consensus, World, War, II, American, Special, Forces, realism, idealism, veterans, memorial
Abstract This paper discusses how certain movies produced by Hollywood have influenced public opinion about U.S foreign policy. Specifically, the author looks at how three specific films have manufactured public support for U.S. military incursions: "Green Beret" (1968) about Vietnam, "Black Hawk Down" (2001) about Somalia and "Pearl Harbor" (2001) about World War II.
From the Paper "The directness of the relationship is proportional to money the military establishment will outlay for a film, as well as personnel and hardware support. This arrangement does not always work out: several Vietnam movies were refused by the military establishment, including Apocalypse Now, yet were still commercially successful films. The timing and content of military propaganda films is important for achieving success. Foreign policy, defense objectives, and the domestic public mood must be correctly read. This needs close communication between Hollywood and the military establishment."
Abstract This paper explains that the operational elements of the Army Special Forces can be traced to the units of the U.S. Office of Strategic Services, OSS, which infiltrated metropolitan France during World War II. The author points out that the Army's Special Forces, referred to as the legendary Green Berets, consist of a unique, unconventional combat arms organization, which are considered the most versatile special operations soldiers in the world. The paper relates that, today, special forces units, referred to as the "Quiet Professionals", are deployed throughout the world where they display their dominance through their unconventional warfare expertise and provide humanitarian assistance and training to indigenous forces.
From the Paper "After World War II, Colonel Aaron Bank, Colonel Wendell Fertig and LTC Russell Volckmann took their OSS experience and formulated the principles of "unconventional warfare" that became the foundation of the Special Forces. According to the Army's official Lineage and Honors, the Special Forces Groups are linked to the regiments of the First Special Service Force, that elite group of Canadian-American forces who fought in North Africa, Italy, and Southern France. The SF sprung from the Special Operations Division of the Psychological Warfare Center that was established at Fort Bragg, North Carolina in May 1952, now known as the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School."
Tags:beret, france, world, assistance, unconventional
Abstract This paper examines and analyzes CIA and U.S. military involvement with the Montagnards in the early years of the Vietnam War. The discussion focuses upon CIA and Green Beret involvement, strategies used and the repercussions of the relationship for both sides, both positive and negative.
Abstract Ernesto "Che" Guevara, the international revolutionary, and Eva "Evita" Peron, Argentina's influential First Lady during Juan Peron's first term as President, are perhaps the most recognizable Argentines of the 20th century. Che's bearded, beret-wearing image leaps out at every protest demonstration, whether it is a sit-in for higher wages, a walk for the cause of peace, or a fiery protest against international trade talks, while Eva Peron has become an unofficial saint in the country of her birth, apart from being the subject of theatrical musicals and a Hollywood movie. This essay compares and contrasts the lives and times of these two enduring icons whose legacies transcend borders and generations.
From the Paper "The early lives of Che and Eva are a study in contrast. Ernesto was born in a middle class family and received his early education from his mother and a father from whom he inherited revolutionary literature and a hatred of the "left fascist" dictatorship that existed at the time in Argentina, "capitalist oligarchy" and the pervasive influence of ?American imperialism.? Ernesto, however, is not known to have indulged in student politics in his early life and concentrated instead on becoming a doctor by pursuing his medical studies at the Buenos Aires University. His initial interest in medicine was focused on understanding his own infliction of Asthma that later branched off into study of leprosy?the first indication the young doctor was concerned about the sufferings of the poor and the suffering. (Hyams)"
