Johnny Got His Gun

Below is a movie in two parts, Johnny Got His Gun, based on the book by the same title by Dalton Trumbo. The book was previously banned in the US, but it is definitely a mandatory read (or watch) in this day and age. This classic movie is a chilling, haunting, yet thought-provoking tale of a young man who goes off to war and lives through a horrifying blast that leaves him completely dismembered. He is kept alive by doctors and machines though he is also deaf, mute and blind. It is very graphic – not intended for small children. I saw this movie for the first time when I was about 15 and it made quite the impression though I didn't pick up much of the symbolism the first time around. It's more than an anti-war statement, it's about existence, humanity/inhumanity, medical science, religion and the dichotomy that lies in the lengths to which we will go through to save a single life while in the midst of killing thousands.

Part One

Part Two