Jarhead

How this film uses it

The desert sun is part of the punishment. Swofford is demoted and given latrine duty, burning human waste with diesel, and the heat, the boredom and his suspicion of his girlfriend push him toward a breakdown. You see his mind give way under the weather.

Where to see it

The latrine duty: Swofford burns waste with diesel as punishment for the Christmas party fire, and soon afterward threatens Fergus with a rifle.

How this film uses it

The film refuses the usual heroic war moments. When the Marines finally get a sniping mission, an air strike is called in at the last second and destroys the airfield. The war ends without Swofford firing his rifle. His training ends up meaning nothing.

Where to see it

The airfield mission: Swofford and Troy are ordered to kill an Iraqi Republican Guard officer, but Major Lincoln calls in an air strike before Swofford takes the shot.

How this film uses it

Swofford narrates his own story, which comes from his memoir. He explains that he got lost on the way to college and ended up a Marine. The events feel like memory, and the voice carries the shame and boredom.

Where to see it

Recruit training at Camp Pendleton: Swofford claims he joined the military because he "got lost on the way to college" and struggles to make friends.

How this film uses it

Swofford's unit trains for months and cannot wait to see combat. They get remedial drills, routine duties and the Jodie Wall, a bulletin board of unfaithful girlfriends. The boredom turns into hunger for violence, and the action never arrives.

Where to see it

The Christmas party: Swofford organizes an impromptu party, and Fergus accidentally sets a tent on fire while cooking sausages and ignites a crate of flares.