Full Metal Jacket Initial Response

OPENING SEQUENCE

During the opening sequence of Full Metal Jacket we see a variety of different men getting their hair shaved off, this sequence introduces my interpretation of the film. This being dehumanisation, as in this sequence we see each individual man, get conformed into similar looking people, all with matching hair, stripping them of their independence. As well as in the none diegetic song in the background during this scene, could be seen as a visual metaphor for each men saying good bye to their independence, so that they can become apart of the army. We also get introduced to sergeant Hartman, who starts saying to the new privates by saying if they complete training then they'll become "a weapon", instantly saying that each private is going to lose their individuality, and be conformed into the army. Only to be a solider of war and that's it. Hartman then starts to give out nicknames, stripping the soldiers of their actual identity and giving them a new one as a soldier. Also when Joker tries to step up to Hartman, as he gets punched back into line and shows that he's now begun the process of being dehumanised.