Platoon Review

The camera-work in Platoon directly depicts the uncertainty of the war in

Vietnam. Vietnam was one of the first wars in U.S. History where there was no clear-cut

enemy or reason to be fighting. The enemies blended into the natural surroundings and

guerilla tactics were employed as a result. This warfare led to a lot of “friendly-fire” and

confusion for American troops. The camera work in Stone’s Platoon does it’s best to

display the confusion. The best example of the camera work can be seen in the final battle

scene where Vietcong soldiers are literally everywhere. The jungle is dense, dark and

impossibly inscrutable. The camera uses little light and highly saturated colors in order to

depict the confusion of the dense atmosphere and the light from the shells blasting all

around. Fighting in Vietnam was an awful experience for the soldiers. Many didn’t even

want to be there and they were thrown into a world that was unfamiliar with strange

enemies present in the dark surroundings. In Platoon, shaky camera work, dark lighting,

and highly saturated colors put the audience as close as to a real experience a movie can

convey. Quick cuts also enhance the confusing experience.

Another technique that displays the confusion of Vietnam is over-amplified

sound. Vietnam veterans admit that night watch was possibly the worst aspect of the war.

The mental deterioration that results is absolutely terrifying. The jungle has strange

noises and “chants” that drive many soldiers to madness. If one listens carefully, much of

the similar sounds can be heard throughout Platoon. This puts the audience in the position

of the soldier and really drives the madness of Vietnam home. Green berets would

frequently journey into the jungle and never return. Dr. Kurtz was driven absolutely mad

by the heart of the jungle. The darkness of the center of the jungle is the main aspect of

Platoon and is what differentiates Vietnam from other, saner, wars.

The acting style in Platoon adds to this confusion even further. Willem Dafoe

plays the Sergeant who essentially retreats into his own morals and ignores to politics of

the war. Polar opposite to him is Sergeant Barnes who is the epitome of a soldier gone

wrong. Barnes states “I am reality.” Which is a terrifying concept for soldiers like Taylor

who are green to the ways of war. The difference in the personalities of the two characters

makes not only the jungle inscrutable, but the heart of man impossible to know as well.

The concept hearkens back to the insanity of a journey to inner consciousness. The id of a

human being is just as confusing and dark as the heart of a jungle in Vietnam. I believe

that Stone, who was a soldier, realizes this and tries to display the insanity of inner

consciousness as best he can with camera work and complex characters.

!8.5/10

By Caroline Sparks