The 1987 film Full Metal Jacket, directed by Stanley Kubrick, boasts a talented cast that brings to life the intense and thought-provoking story of Marine Corps boot camp during the Vietnam War. The movie's cast includes a mix of seasoned actors and newcomers, all of whom deliver powerful performances that have become iconic in the world of cinema.
Main Cast

The main cast of Full Metal Jacket features a range of characters, each with their own unique personality and story arc. Matthew Modine plays the role of Private Joker, a Marine Corps journalist who serves as the film’s narrator and protagonist. Adam Baldwin portrays Animal Mother, a tough and aggressive Marine who becomes a key character in the story. Vincent D’Onofrio gives a memorable performance as Private Pyle, a overweight and awkward recruit who struggles to keep up with the demands of boot camp.
Supporting Cast
The supporting cast of Full Metal Jacket includes a number of talented actors who add depth and complexity to the film. Arliss Howard plays the role of Private Cowboy, a Marine who becomes friends with Joker and Animal Mother. Dorian Harewood portrays Corporal Eightball, a tough and experienced Marine who serves as a drill instructor. Kevyn Major Howard plays the role of Private Rafterman, a young and naive Marine who becomes embroiled in the conflict in Vietnam.
Cast Member | Role |
---|---|
Matthew Modine | Private Joker |
Adam Baldwin | Animal Mother |
Vincent D'Onofrio | Private Pyle |
Arliss Howard | Private Cowbow |
Dorian Harewood | Corporal Eightball |
Kevyn Major Howard | Private Rafterman |

Key Points
- The cast of Full Metal Jacket features a talented mix of seasoned actors and newcomers.
- Matthew Modine plays the role of Private Joker, the film's narrator and protagonist.
- Vincent D'Onofrio gives a memorable performance as Private Pyle, a overweight and awkward recruit.
- The supporting cast includes Arliss Howard, Dorian Harewood, and Kevyn Major Howard, among others.
- The cast underwent rigorous training to prepare for their roles, including actual Marine Corps boot camp training and intense physical conditioning.
The Making of Full Metal Jacket

The making of Full Metal Jacket was a complex and challenging process that involved a number of different elements. The film was based on the novel “The Short-Timers” by Gustav Hasford, which was adapted for the screen by Kubrick, Hasford, and Michael Herr. The film’s script underwent a number of revisions before filming began, and the cast and crew faced a number of challenges during production, including a tight shooting schedule and a limited budget.
Behind the Scenes
Despite the challenges they faced, the cast and crew of Full Metal Jacket were able to create a film that is both powerful and thought-provoking. The film’s cinematography, which was handled by Kubrick himself, is particularly noteworthy, with a number of innovative camera techniques and shots that add to the film’s overall impact. The film’s score, which was composed by Abigail Mead, is also noteworthy, with a haunting and atmospheric soundtrack that perfectly captures the mood and tone of the film.
Overall, the cast of Full Metal Jacket is a key element of the film's success, bringing to life a range of complex and nuanced characters that have become iconic in the world of cinema. With their powerful performances and memorable characters, the cast of Full Metal Jacket has helped to make the film a classic of American cinema, one that continues to be widely studied and admired today.
What is the plot of Full Metal Jacket?
+Full Metal Jacket is a film about a group of Marine Corps recruits who undergo training at boot camp during the Vietnam War. The film follows the recruits as they are pushed to their limits by their drill instructors, and explores the psychological effects of the training on the recruits.
Who directed Full Metal Jacket?
+Full Metal Jacket was directed by Stanley Kubrick, a renowned film director known for his innovative and often unconventional approach to filmmaking.
What is the significance of the title Full Metal Jacket?
+The title Full Metal Jacket refers to a type of ammunition used by the Marine Corps, but it also has a broader symbolic meaning. The title suggests the idea of a person being transformed into a kind of “full metal jacket,” a hardened and hardened individual who is capable of withstanding the rigors of war.