[PLUG-TALK] Shock Language (was Re: [PLUG] Vulgarity)

Miller, Jeremy JMILLER at ci.albany.or.us
Fri May 31 19:16:41 UTC 2002


> It had a very interesting exploration of shock language and compared
> relative ease and breadth of its expression in different languages.  I
> wish I could lay my hands on it, because I think you all might find it
> interesting as well.

Well, I work in a library, and am about to take lunch.  Perhaps I'll look
into it. :)

> And BTW, Full Metal Jacket is _loaded_ with very beautifully
> expressive, if sometimes "shocking" language, begining to end.  Highly
> recommended to language lovers.

Definitely.  Love that movie.

And the funniest thing... it's almost considered mandatory viewing by
Marines.

Ermey was actually a real USMC drill instructor.  Did a full 20, too.  All
of his stuff was based on things you'd really hear in boot camp.  Nowadays
they try to stay away from "actual profanity".   (And won't actually lay a
hand on you... not even to *choke yourself*. :)  But even given that, it's
absolutely astounding the horrible verbal lashings one can hear that don't
include a single traditional "cussword".  Quite impressive, and insanely
entertaining.  Looking back at boot camp, it was hella fun just for that
alone.


Here's a couple details I just snarfed:

"Lee Ermey was originally hired as a technical advisor and to indoctrinate
extras into the military-like atmosphere of the production. Kubrick was so
impressed with Ermey's presence and barrages of insults that he cast him as
the drill sergeant."

"To enhance the realism of the boot camp scenes, Kubrick never let Ermey
rehearse with the other actors, which created strong, real emotions when the
scenes were filmed."


I've heard that he wrote many of his own lines too, but can't confirm that.
They certainly sound exactly like a real DI, though.

Jeremy





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