G.I. JANE 1997
A film review by Timothy Voon
Copyright 1997 Timothy Voon
2 :-) :-) for being prettier and smarter than G.I. Joe
Cast: Demi Moore, Viggo Mortensen, Anne Bancroft, Jason Beghe, Lucinda Jenny, Scott Wilson, David Vadim, Morris Chestnut, Josh Hopkins Director: Ridley Scott Producers: Ridley Scott, Roger Birnbaum, Demi Moore, and Suzanne Todd Screenplay: David Twohy and Danielle Alexandra
Some valid points are made in this movie about the role of women not just in the defence force, but also in society. Why do some men feel the need to open a car door for a woman, to pull out a chair for her at the dining table, or to give up a seat on the bus for a mother? Why is there an undeniable urge to want to protect the 'weaker' sex? Do they really need protecting? Somehow the thought of my father and brother tussling in hand to hand combat on a battlefield puts knots of worry in my stomach, yet if it were my mother and sister should I be more concerned? Could these feelings be the result of my over sensitive conditioning by society?
The Navy SEALs encompasses the toughest training program there is in defence force of the United States. One woman (Demi Moore) is asked by a Senator (Anne Bancroft), to undertake the training thus forever changing the limited role and positions of women in armed combat. Moore is at first given preferential treatment by the corps, to account for the gender differences. Namely, steps to help climb a wall, a longer time limit to complete tasks and separate barracks and showers. Which is not unreasonable considering women are physiologically smaller, though no less intelligent than their male counterparts. However, Moore realises that she needs to go head to head with the males if she is to gain any respect from them.
The numerous scenes of bone breaking drills are as gruelling on the mind as on the eye. One begins to huff and puff just watching these men being pushed to the upper limits of human endurance. The most shocking scene is during a role played hostage interrogation. When Moore the leader of her group is battered, bashed and simulated raped in front of her men, in a attempt to break their code of silence. It is here that the commanding officer makes a solid statement - "She isn't the problem, we are." Meaning that the weakness lies not with the mettle of the female soldier, but in the heart of the male counterpart who cannot endure watching the torture of the fairer sex.
So perhaps society may need to change it's thinking towards women, and their right to defend their country in armed combat. However, since peace is predominant in the majority of the civilised world, there may not be any need to make a hasty decision about sending women into battle. In the mean time, I will continue to open car doors, pull out chairs and sacrifice my seat on a bus for women. I will also go into battle first before allowing my mother and sister to take up arms. Hopefully, there will also come a day when there are no battles left to be fought or won, and the only issue remaining regarding sexual equality is who should carry the baby.
This Ridley Scott movie is more melodrama than standard war flick, dealing with gender roles rather than actual combat. Not his best work, although thought provoking enough to keep the viewer interested. Moore's testosterone charged male characterisation is amusing. She has undoubtedly been taking tough guy lessons from husband Bruce.
Timothy Voon e-mail: stirling@netlink.com.au
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