The Unusual Filming Locations of Full Metal Jacket: A Comprehensive Guide

Full Metal Jacket, a classic Vietnam War film directed by Stanley Kubrick, is renowned for its stringent realism and attention to detail. However, the question of where it was shot often puzzles viewers, given its setting in one of the most distant and inhospitable environments imaginable. In this guide, we will delve into the fascinating choices made by Kubrick and his team to create the Full Metal Jacket that has left an indelible mark on cinema history.

Why England, Not Vietnam?

Stanley Kubrick, a meticulous and demanding film director, was notorious for his aversion to travel and long shoots. To mitigate these challenges, he chose to film the entire movie in England, a choice that speaks volumes about his vision for the film. This decision was not merely a practical one, as pulling off a realistic depiction of the Vietnam War required careful planning and control over the shooting environment. Kubrick wanted to avoid the uncertainties and limitations that real-world locations in Vietnam would impose.

Landscape Mock-Ups and Studio Sets

Given the scarcity of Vietnamese landscapes in England, Kubrick and his team resorted to a combination of landscape mock-ups and elaborate studio sets to recreate the ambiance of Parris Island and the Mekong Delta. For the basic training scenes, the abandoned Royal Air Force (RAF) Bassingbourn barracks in Cambridgeshire served as a proxy for the Marines' training facility. These barracks, established in 1970, provided a suitable backdrop for the intense drills and discipline portrayed in the film.

The Vietnam scenes were constructed using a variety of locations. Portmill Mills in Cambridgeshire and the derelict Beckton Gas Works in Newham were transformed to resemble the bombed-out city of Hue. The gas works, located on the north bank of the River Thames, provided a devastated and war-torn environment that was both authentic and on-site. Anton Furst, the set designer, was given the task of making these locations look authentic, which included the addition of palm trees to mimic the tropical foliage of Vietnam. These palms were even shipped in from Spain, a significant logistical feat.

Detailed Attention to Realism

Kubrick's commitment to realism extends to the finer details of the film. The bombed-out city of Hue was made to look as authentic as possible. Filming took place at the vast abandoned gasworks at Beckton. Contrary to expectations, the scene of the Delta helicopters was filmed above the Norfolk Broads and not the Mekong River. The Norfolk Broads, a network of rivers and lakes in eastern England, provided an ideal backdrop for the aerial scenes.

To further enhance the authenticity of the scenes, Kubrick even acquired four M41 tanks from a Belgian army colonel who was an admirer. This added a layer of realism to the armored sequences, which are a crucial part of the film.

Lessons for Modern Filmmakers

The choice of filming locations in Full Metal Jacket serves as a valuable lesson for filmmakers today. Realism is not just about the locations; it is also about the meticulous preparation and the ability to recreate environments meticulously. By using careful location selection and set design, Kubrick was able to bring a distant and brutal war to life in a way that felt authentic to the audience.

Conclusion

In summary, Full Metal Jacket is a testament to the power of detailed location scouting and set design. While the film was shot in England, it convincingly captured the atmosphere, emotions, and realism of the Vietnam War. This is a remarkable achievement that continues to resonate with audiences today.