Johnny Got His Gun • The Next Reel

The Next Reel Film Podcast

“How can you tell what’s a dream or what’s real when you can’t even tell when you’re awake or when you’re asleep?”
Dalton Trumbo's Controversial Anti-War Classic

In 1971, blacklisted screenwriter Dalton Trumbo adapted his own 1939 anti-war novel Johnny Got His Gun for the big screen. The film marked Trumbo's directorial debut and only feature film as director. Set during World War I, the story follows a young American soldier who becomes a quadruple amputee after being hit by an artillery shell. Trumbo's powerful critique of war and its devastating effects on soldiers resonated strongly in the Vietnam War era. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue the One-and-Done series with a conversation about Johnny Got His Gun.

Locked-In Horror: A Haunting Tale of War's Casualties

We dive deep into the film's harrowing portrayal of Joe Bonham, played by Timothy Bottoms, as he struggles with his horrific injuries and loss of autonomy. The movie's exploration of disability rights and the dehumanization of wounded veterans sparks a thoughtful discussion. We examine how Trumbo's adaptation differs from his novel, particularly in its use of flashbacks and dream sequences to break up the claustrophobic hospital scenes. While we appreciate the film's powerful anti-war message, we debate the effectiveness of some of its more surreal elements.

Other points of discussion include:

• Timothy Bottoms' compelling performance as Joe Bonham
• The impact of Jason Robards as Joe's father
• Donald Sutherland's portrayal of Christ in dream sequences
• The film's bleak ending and its emotional impact
• Comparisons to other "locked-in" films like The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
• Trumbo's transition from novelist to filmmaker

A Thought-Provoking Journey Through War's Aftermath

Johnny Got His Gun remains a powerful and disturbing examination of war's human cost. While we found some aspects of the film more effective than others, we agree that it's an important work that continues to resonate decades after its release. Its unflinching look at the physical and psychological toll of combat makes it a challenging but worthwhile viewing experience. We have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!

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