tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5569750317755310322.post6624312506647258474..comments2023-11-19T04:43:33.827+11:00Comments on Matt vs. the Academy: 1986 - PlatoonMatt Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10317583098531787395noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5569750317755310322.post-87526397488551006702010-12-03T11:34:46.799+11:002010-12-03T11:34:46.799+11:00The opening scene of Platoon, with the new arrival...The opening scene of Platoon, with the new arrivals passing the departing soldiers staring blankly at each other, with the somber notes of Adagio for strings immediately let us know that this isn't going to be another The Longest Day. Indeed, this is an anti-war film of frequent gut-wrenching power, where an unseen enemy, dubious politics and a civil war within the platoon itself wages. <br /><br />This is another film that parallels my own lifeline. I was just about Charlie Sheen's age in 1967 and no doubt would have been drafted and shipped out to Nam if I had left college. Joining the Police Department at graduation two years later gave me another deferment. Some of my friends went and either didn't come back or came back different people. Stone's own experiences there are palpable in his depiction of the warfare. While I wouldn't place Platoon among the great war films, I think it is one of Oliver Stone's better films. While I would agree with Phil about Apocalypse Now, Full Metal Jacket's schizophrenic structure detracts. It was mesmerizing in the first half and adequate in the second for me. <br /><br />I read that Stone considered Johnny Depp for the main character, but felt he was a little too young. Depp, as unit translator, got to show off his talent with foreign languages and accents, even at this young age. Tom Berenger had the juiciest role and gave what is probably his best career performance.Mike Kellyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14953461679716236054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5569750317755310322.post-75363757936244454012010-12-03T10:26:25.836+11:002010-12-03T10:26:25.836+11:00I've always thought Platoon was the weakest of...I've always thought Platoon was the weakest of the three big Vietnam films.<br /><br />For me, they are (in order):<br />Apocalypse Now<br />Full Metal Jacket<br />Platoon<br /><br />It unfortunate that we have to compare Oliver Stone's work to two other masters, Coppola and Kubrick, but unfortunately for Stone - he doesn't stack up.<br /><br />I've watched Platoon multiple times looking for what everyone raves about and I simply can't find it.<br /><br />Don't get me wrong - I love Wall St - but I never have been a fan of Platoon.Phil Willishttp://animationideas.comnoreply@blogger.com