Any idea what war movie this is

December 15, 2005 2:56 AM

Any idea what this film is? As a child i remember seeing a war film in which the main character is blinded, he may actually have his whole head bandaged and has all four limbs amputated. He sees lots of flashbacks (I think). It may have been set in the first world war (although i'm not certain). I'm pretty sure it was colour and English language. Any idea???
posted by maxmix to Media & Arts (13 answers total)

Johnny Got His Gun, a fine anti-war film by Dalton Trumbo.
posted by By The Grace of God at 2:59 AM on December 15, 2005

Is that the same movie used in Metallica's "One" video?
posted by antifuse at 3:17 AM on December 15, 2005

According to some imdb comments Metallica own it, so probably.
posted by holloway at 3:25 AM on December 15, 2005

Response by poster: Thanks very much, i've been scratching my head about this for years. I've got to purchase this now and see if it was as good as i remember.
posted by maxmix at 4:08 AM on December 15, 2005

Yes, that's the one used in One. Creepy video.
posted by Who_Am_I at 4:19 AM on December 15, 2005

I higly recommend the book, it's quite good.
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 5:44 AM on December 15, 2005

There's a fictional account of a Vietnam Vet that is often compared to Johnny Got Your Gun. It's Dirty Work by Larry Brown and is excellent.
posted by captainscared at 6:26 AM on December 15, 2005

Oh god, the most depressing movie of all time. Great film but it I could never, ever watch it again.

And yes, it was the inspiration for Metallica's "One".
posted by Ber at 8:37 AM on December 15, 2005

Depressing? Mostly. See it again? Definitely -- a brilliant piece of cinematography. This is one of those rare films made from the book where they got it right.

"I'm the boss
 Here's champagne
 Merry Christmas!"
posted by Rash at 10:49 AM on December 15, 2005

(The English Patient works on a similar premise.)
posted by metaculpa at 11:31 AM on December 15, 2005

Perhaps, metaculpa... however, I thought "The English Patient" was largely forgetable (although it did have a few interesting scenes), whereas "Johnny Got His Gun" was an outstanding, memorable film.
(Did we mention Donald Sutherland's Jesus driving the train?)
posted by Rash at 11:39 AM on December 15, 2005

The English Patient book rocks hardcore.
posted by By The Grace of God at 12:57 PM on December 15, 2005

Dalton Trumbo's life is worth a look, too.
posted by atchafalaya at 2:25 PM on December 15, 2005