Cast
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Demi Moore
as Lt. Jordan O'Neil
Viggo Mortensen
as Master Chief John James Urgayle
Morris Chestnut
as McCool
Josh Hopkins
as Flea
David Vadim
as Cortez
Jim Caviezel
as Slovnik
Boyd Kestner
as Wickwire
Kevin Gage
as Instructor Pyro
David Warshofsky
as Instructor Johns
Jason Beghe
as Royce
Anne Bancroft
as Senator Lillian DeHaven
Scott Wilson
as C.O. Salem
Daniel von Bargen
as Theodore Hayes
Angel David
as Newberry
Lucinda Jenney
as Blondell
Crew
Director
- Ridley Scott
Producer
- Suzanne Todd
- Roger Birnbaum
- Ridley Scott
- Demi Moore
Reviews
John Chard
Listen, you moron! I am here to stay and if you don't wanna be in my life, you've got two choices. Move out or Ring out! That's it! End of File!
G.I. Jane is directed by Ridley Scott and written by David Twohy and Danielle Alexandra. It stars Demi Moore, Vigo Mortensen, Anne Bancroft, Jason Beghe, John Michael Higgins and Kevin Gage. Music is by Trevor Jones and cinematography by Hugh Johnson.
A female Senator succeeds in enrolling a woman into Combined Reconnaissance Team training (Navy Seals) where everyone expects her to fail.
Having made a telling feminist mark with his excellent Thelma and Louise in 1991, Ridley Scott picks up the lady baton once again only to drop it half way through. This is a film of confused messages, what starts out as a worthwhile story involving a woman trying to overcome extreme prejudices in one of America's elite fighting forces, ends up as a gung-ho hoorah movie with Jane having "manned" up.
Things aren't helped by the sheer ridiculousness of the treatment meted out to Jane by her superior in training, Master Chief John James Urgayle (Mortensen suitably vile), so much so you would like to think if that sort of stuff goes on then arrests should be made. Daftness also comes by way of the superior officers prancing around training camp in the world's tightest shorts, one would think they must be on their way to "The Blue Oyster Bar"...
Things are further compounded by the fact that as committed as Moore is in the title role, and she is and gives it her all, one can't buy into the characterisation because you simply are watching Demi Moore the actress. Shaved head and beefed up she may be, but this is still one of the highest paid actresses of her era, the characterisation thin on the ground with no depth. The political machinations at work barely get time to breath in fact the key mid-point tonal political shift is given short shrift.
Stylisation as one would expect from Scott, is super, as is his control of top draw action sequences. But the cock-eyed view of a woman in a man's world is hard to swallow, and although it mostly entertains, it's ultimately a shallow exercise. 5/10
May 16, 2020
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, G.I. Jane examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Ridley Scott brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1997, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of G.I. Jane took approximately 12 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $50.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 125 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 174 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 5 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 9 months to complete.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1997, when this film was released:
- Globalization was accelerating economic and cultural exchange.
- The internet was beginning to transform communication and information access.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While G.I. Jane shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Free Zone, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, G.I. Jane subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Shooter and Rambo explore similar territory, G.I. Jane stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: August 19, 1997
- Runtime: 2h 5m
- Budget: $50,000,000
- Revenue: $48,169,156
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