Culture

Classic Film

First on my road of escapism (the post-mid-semester-blues haven’t left) was Good Morning, Vietnam. Settling in the lounge, a place incredibly similar to a bus stop, I was instantly met with approval for watching such “a good, classic film.”

Good Morning, Vietnam is set during the Vietnam War and begins with Adrian Cronauer’s (Robin Williams) arrival to Saigon. Adrian is an airman second class and a popular radio DJ for the armed forces. In true Robin Williams-style, Adrian Cronauer is full of wit, has little regard for the rules, and is a man willing to risk his life to get to know a girl. Sounds romantic, but it’s actually a little creepy. Earlier in the film, Adrian is seen fawning over Vietnamese girls and becomes enamoured with Trinh (Chintara Sukapatana). What follows is a near-death experience and Adrian bribing his way to becoming Trinh’s English teacher. At work, Adrian plays rock and roll music and his zany approach to radio broadcasting peaks the interest of his fellow DJs, who find him hilarious. However, his two superiors, and Sergeant Major Phillip Dickerson (J.T Walsh) in particular, are unimpressed.

Although Good Morning, Vietnam is a war-comedy, and I did find myself laughing a lot, the near death experience of Adrian’s friend Eddie Garlick (Forest Whitaker) was probably the scene that resonated with me the most. When talking to Adrian about the experience, Garlick says, “my whole life passed before my eyes … and it wasn’t even interesting to me.” This moment gives us a break from the comedy and patriotism by showing us a real sense of honesty. Honesty that becomes more prevalent throughout the film. Good Morning, Vietnam doesn’t glorify the armed forces; instead it reveals them for what they are: self-censoring and somewhat unsatisfying.

At times, the ignorance over anything non-American became a bit overbearing, but Robin Williams’ performance was spectacular - no doubt as to why he was awarded a Golden Globe.