Staff Reports
Vivian Kubrick, the daughter of the legendary filmmaker Stanley Kubrick, has given her unsolicited yet welcome blessing to former President Donald Trump for using clips from her father’s 1987 classic, “Full Metal Jacket,” in his campaign videos. This unexpected endorsement sparked a mini-storm of discussions, mainly when the former president showcased a montage at a recent rally in Scranton, Pennsylvania, pitting the rugged military ethos of the past against what some deem a far-too-woke military of today.
Trump, ever the showman, launched the video with a cheeky nod to his audience, claiming this footage captures the “Trump military” vibe versus the current, more sensitive version. In a delightful flourish, he teases his crowd with humor about military toughness, leaving them to ponder the bizarre juxtaposition of quintessential Marine toughness and today’s culturally conscious warrior ethos. Who knew a Vietnam War-era film could ignite such enthusiasm in 2024?
Kubrick’s Daughter: ‘Trump Has My Blessing’ to Use ‘Full Metal Jacket’ Against ‘Woke Ideology’ https://t.co/nGtnZI0Ssl
— Tammy Bruce (@HeyTammyBruce) October 15, 2024
The video features iconic moments from the late R. Lee Ermey as Gunnery Sgt. Hartman who famously bellowed commands at recruits with a flair that made him nothing short of a military legend. R. Lee’s spirited orders are matched against cringe-inducing current clips, showing moments like Admiral Rachel Levine cheerfully wishing everyone a “Happy Pride Month!” It’s apparent that today’s military aesthetics have changed from “Yes, sir!” to “Let’s celebrate!”
But that isn’t all; the video’s “now” section also features service members flouncing out of uniform and into drag attire. The contrast couldn’t be more stark: how did America go from portraying the grit and discipline of military life to embracing a drama far more suited for a theatrical stage? It remains a mystery worthy of its own Kubrick film.
In a selling point that only a Kubrick could appreciate, Vivian Kubrick clarified that while her father’s work was indeed anti-war and should be viewed with some skepticism regarding its appropriateness for a robust military narrative, the times we live in are decidedly “dangerous and strange.” She paints a picture in which the radical changes sweeping through the military require a robust and unwavering force rather than an institution bending to contemporary societal norms. She recognizes the need for a strong military, arguing that if clips from “Full Metal Jacket” can help Trump rally support for that cause, then so be it.
As a cherry on top, she insisted that not only did her father support Ronald Reagan, but he would likely also give a thumbs-up to Trump, so long as the focus remains on building a non-woke military that keeps America strong, focused, and ready. With her father’s films being a testament to life’s resilience and the pursuit of freedom, it’s no surprise Vivian would advocate for their honor through the support of a campaign aimed at defeating the ideological rot that is currently threatening the very fabric of the armed forces.
So, as Trump’s campaign may use footage from a film that critiques war, it brings to light a renewed discussion on military purity versus progressive ideologies that seem intent on redefining what it truly means to serve in this modern era.
