A Few Good Men: Insightful Characterization
Directed by Rob Reiner
“You can’t handle the truth!“
Colonel Nathan Jessop
One of the things that draws me most to this movie is the superb characterization of each individual. Something that is seldom seen in films at present are characters which possess verisimilitude to the lives we live. In A Few Good Men we are taken on a journey following unfortunate death of a marine at the hands of two of his fellow marines. Though, there is more to be uncovered as a Colonel is suspected of foul play. Here enters Lt. Daniel Kaffee, wonderfully acted by Tom Cruise, who is introduced as a facetious defense attorney from the legal arm of the Navy. He comes bumbling on the scene as a one who takes little thought to trivial details of most court cases that he is assigned because he usually opts for plea bargains and much rather enjoys tending to his hobby of baseball. However, this changes when he is assigned to a case with Lt. Commander Joanne Galloway – acted by Demi Moore – who is subsequently his superior and suspects that there is something wrong with the case. As Kaffee and Galloway begin to question others at Guantanamo Bay, specifically Colonel Nathan Jessop, (acted by Jack Nicholson) there is obvious friction that arises.
The film is paced very well with great costumes and wonderful sets to accompany it. My favorite being Kaffee’s apartment which appeared to be the most realistic “lived in” set (especially with the books propped underneath the leg of the coffee table). The characters in the film are all individuals and are not motivated solely by racial or gender identity, but merely as people striving toward a desired outcome. There are themes such as honor and morality that are brought to the forefront, which help to guide a lot of the decisions made by the characters. For example, although Moore’s character constantly faces opposition as a female superior and defense attorney, she is resigned to not be solely defined by her gender. Most notably, this film is the producer for the famous line proclaimed by Nicholson “You can’t handle the truth!” Wonderfully acted opposite Tom Cruise, Nicholson’s character proved to bring the much-needed tension between both men, especially with the commandeering behavior displayed by him.
To conclude, the film itself is sustained by conscious acting, a substantial plot to follow, and the beautiful atmosphere crafted by Rob Reiner and his team.
The Island Cinephile 
