MARK BUNSTER writes: > FMJ is by far a more accomplished Vietnam War picture than Platoon ever was. > (Did anyone ever see Hearts and Minds? Was that a theatrical release? Is it > available on video--nevermind, I know itis). > > As such, it's a lot better than the Shining to me (much scarier), and one of > his best, if not his most arty. > Mark, _Hearts and Minds_ was released at a time (mid-70s) when people were very unwilling to entertain much reality about Vietnam. (This, anyway, is my impression--based on using the film in a 1986 class). Consequently, it bombed at the box office, as did another fine movie of that time, _Going Home_, with John Voight (hope I got the names right). _Hearts and Minds_ contains some gorgeous irony--I especially like the four-star relative of Patton talking about a solemn occasion involving the dignity of fighting men, and then cracking a smile to say, "they're not just good men, but a bloody good bunch of killers too!" I'm interested in why you think _FMJ_ is a superior Kubrick. It seems to me like another one where old K had it for a while and then lost it (and wants you to know he did). I wouldn't say this about all of his movies, just one or two. Jeff (PS Mark--glad to see you on h-amstdy) Jeff -------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Jeff Finlay | [log in to unmask] (NOT a dash) | | American Studies Program | [log in to unmask] | | New York University | telephone: (718) 545-9013 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------