Tigerland (2000)

Director:

Joel Schumacher

Writers (WGA):

Ross Klavan (written by) &
Michael McGruther (written by)

Release Date:

19 January 2001 (Sweden)

Genre:

Drama | War

Tagline:

The system wanted them to become soldiers. One soldier just wanted to be human.

Plot:

A group of recruits go through Advanced Infantry Training at Fort Polk, Louisiana's infamous Tigerland, last stop before Vietnam for tens of thousands of young men in 1971.

Plot Keywords:

Platoon | Infantry | Vietnam | Discharge | AWOL

Awards:

2 wins & 3 nominations

Cast

Colin Farrell	...	Pvt. Roland Bozz
Matthew Davis	...	Pvt. Jim Paxton
Clifton Collins Jr.	...	Pvt. Miter
Tom Guiry	...	Pvt. Cantwell (as Thomas Guiry)
Shea Whigham	...	Pvt. Wilson
Russell Richardson	...	Pvt. Johnson
Nick Searcy	...	Capt. Saunders
Afemo Omilami	...	SFC Ezra Landers
James MacDonald	...	Staff Sgt. Thomas (as James McDonald)
Keith Ewell	...	Sgt. Oakes
Matt Gerald	...	Sgt. Eveland
Stephen Fulton	...	Sgt. Drake
Tyler Cravens	...	M.P. Sergeant
Michael Edmiston	...	Hit the Brakes! Driver
Arian Waring Ash	...	Sheri (as Arian Ash)

Also Known As:

Tigerland (Germany)

MPAA:

Rated R for violence, pervasive language, a scene of strong sexuality and some drug use.

Runtime:

100 min

Country:

USA | Germany

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

Finland:K-15 | Portugal:M/16 | Iceland:16 | Brazil:16 | Argentina:13 | Australia:MA | Canada:R | France:U | Germany:16 | Singapore:R21 | Spain:13 | Sweden:15 | UK:18 | USA:R

Filming Locations:

Camp Blanding, Starke, Florida, USA

Company:

Haft Entertainment

Trivia:

The actors had no trailers, make-up artists, hairstylists, chairs or any of the typical luxuries.

Goofs:

Continuity: Sergeant Oakes (as listed in the end credits) wears a Name Tag on his Uniform as STOKES, clearly visible when he picks up Bozz from the Stockade.

Quotes:

[first lines]
Paxton: [voice-over] My father said the army makes all men one, but you never know which one. He didn't know Roland Bozz.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in Tropic Thunder: Rain of Madness (2008) (V)

Soundtrack:

I WANT TO TAKE HER HOME TO MY MAMA

Gritty Vietnam-era drama invites critical accolades

TIGERLAND

Aspect ratio: 1.85:1

Sound format: Dolby Digital

Louisiana, 1971: During basic training, a rebellious army conscript (Colin Farrell) causes dissension within the ranks.

Given Joel Schumacher's reputation as a schlockmeister par excellence, most critics were caught off-guard by this low-budget drama, filmed without any of the frills and fripperies normally associated with Hollywood blockbusters, and headlined by little more than obscure (but hugely experienced) character actors and talented newcomers, including Farrell, whose bravura performance launched him to international stardom. Far removed from the extravagant Vietnam-operas favored by Francis Ford Coppola and Oliver Stone, Schumacher's film examines the contradictions of war and the dehumanizing effect of combat on ordinary men through the experiences of Farrell's anti-hero, a compassionate man who despises the self-serving patriotic nonsense peddled by his superiors, and who refuses to compromise his own ideals, despite the sometimes painful repercussions of his disobedience.

Though backed by a major studio, TIGERLAND has the look and feel of a low-budget indie production, using hand-held camera-work and grainy film-stock for documentary effect, and this uncompromising 'Dogme'-like approach allows Schumacher to focus his attention on the characters and their situation rather than the pyrotechnics which usually dominate such movies. Farrell may be the star of the show, but he's matched by debut actor Matthew Davis (BLOODRAYNE) as his closest friend and fellow combatant, an aspiring writer who volunteered for duty and who favors intellect and reason over Farrell's reckless bravado. Fine supporting cast, excellent technical credits.