As a child of the 80s, I vividly remember the impact that “One” by Metallica had on me and countless others. The stark contrast between the vibrant music videos of the era and this bleak portrayal of war’s horrors left an indelible mark. It was more than just a song or a video; it was a poignant reminder of the human cost of conflict, something that resonated deeply within me.
The 1980s were known for being the birthplace of music videos. With stations like MTV around, songs began to be presented in a fresh way that allowed for intricate narratives and performances to intertwine. Vibrant colors and memorable hooks were common features of many popular tracks, but it was a specific video from the latter part of the decade that left a lasting impression on viewers. Metallica, fresh off recording their fourth album, “And Justice for All,” had embraced this new medium effectively with their video for “One.”
In the vibrant, extravagant 1980s, the music video for “One” stood as its polar opposite – raw and minimalistic. The band’s performance within an empty warehouse was juxtaposed with scenes from the film “Johnny Got His Gun.” Here, a soldier lies in a hospital bed, his face obscured by a mask, lamenting his lack of limbs, eyes, and means to communicate. Poignant lyrics like “I wish for death” underscored the tragic narrative. The footage Metallica used was taken from the movie directed by Dalton Trumbo, who also wrote the screenplay based on the book of the same name. “Johnny Got His Gun” offers a gripping portrayal of human exploitation during wartime.
A Man Becomes a Symbol of War
In the realm of films that delve into the human ordeals during World War I, “Johnny Got His Gun” stands shoulder-to-shoulder with classics like “Paths of Glory” and “All Quiet on the Western Front.” However, unlike these movies which are deeply rooted in battlefield settings, Trumbo’s narrative for “Johnny Got His Gun” unfolds across three distinct realms, each focusing intently on the main character, Joe Bonham.
As I lie helplessly in a hospital bed, I find myself sharing my innermost thoughts with the audience – a poignant portrayal of my desperate situation. The film’s visual narrative is enhanced through the use of stark black-and-white imagery, which starkly contrasts with the vibrant colors that fill the flashbacks and fantasy sequences. The hospital scenes feel strikingly real, as if we are witnessing a raw documentary, with me serving as both the protagonist and narrator. Despite my inability to communicate or perceive my surroundings, I hold onto every ounce of humanity I possess. In essence, I’m trapped within the confines of my own mind, lost in a solitary world.
Through the harsh realities of war, Bonham experiences a transformative journey reminiscent of a tale from Franz Kafka’s work. The essential abilities that enable any person to live have vanished, leaving Bonham as mere merchandise. There is no moment in “Johnny Got His Gun” that encapsulates this more vividly than when an army chaplain cannot communicate with Bonham via Morse code, expressing to a general that Bonham is the result of war, not the chaplain’s vocation.
Vivid Flashbacks and Fantasy Sequences
In the movie “Johnny Got His Gun“, the contrast between black-and-white and color scenes conveys Bonham’s internal struggle and desire for escape from his tragic situation. The colorful sequences represent his fantasies and flashbacks, offering a respite from the grim reality of his predicament.
In Bonham’s daydreams, he finds brief respite, but they are often intertwined with reminders of his past. The vivid colors used in these scenes starkly contrast with the life he now leads, which is little more than a mechanical existence. Memories of his last moments with his lover, Kareen (Kathy Fields), and conversations with his father (Jason Robards) as a young man form a heartbreaking American story, one that foretells his future. The idyllic world portrayed in Norman Rockwell’s paintings fades into mere memories and an illusion.
In these imaginative scenarios, characters from his past, such as Bonham imagining his father traveling with him as a circus act in the 20th century, billed as “the armless and legless wonder,” reflect Trumbo’s purpose of dramatizing the atrocities of war and making them known to a broader public.
A Message to Humanity Regarding the Perpetual State of Warfare
The novel “Johnny Got His Gun” was initially published in 1938, a year before the outbreak of World War II. Dalton Trumbo’s film adaptation came out in 1971, during the height of the Vietnam War’s social upheaval. There is a clear lineage in Trumbo’s work that reflects the ongoing nature of warfare and its devastating impact on humanity. Unlike portrayals of patriotism or calls to arms, “Johnny Got His Gun” underscores the human experience, highlighting how war commodifies lives and imposes heavy costs upon many.
Due to the widespread appeal of their music video, Metallica made certain that a fresh audience would discover one of the most significant anti-war messages in history.
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2024-08-31 20:01