Stanley Kubrick’s daughter says her dad would have let Trump use ‘Full Metal Jacket’ clip for campaign

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Vivian Kubrick, the daughter of the legendary filmmaker Stanley Kubrick, said former president Donald Trump has her “blessing” to utilize footage from her father’s acclaimed Vietnam War film, 'Full Metal Jacket', in his campaign video promoting a return to a strong US military.

Trump posted to X on October 13, Sunday, declaring, “We will not have a woke military!"

His comment was accompanied with a video featuring clips from Kubrick’s 'Full Metal Jacket'.

 

Vivian Kubrick defends Donald Trump’s use of 'Full Metal Jacket' footage

According to the New York Post, Vivian Kubrick defended Donald Trump's latest campaign clip, which features the iconic portrayal of Marine Corps drill instructor R Lee Ermey from the 1987 film, to criticize “woke” initiatives associated with the current administration.

 Vivian Kubrick took to her social media on Sunday to post her views.

She acknowledged the incongruity of using an anti-war movie to support a militaristic agenda, stating, “I agree in principle that an anti-war movie is incongruous with promoting the idea of a tough non-woke US military and thus war itself – however – these are very dangerous and strange times and thus using this footage is doubtless pure expedience.”

Vivian continued, “Because I’m sure the irony of using ['Full Metal Jacket'] footage is not lost on Trump or his team – Trump is always seeking to end wars and use peaceful methods.”

She emphasized that the film explores the complex paradoxes of human nature and suggested that the footage was selected for its powerful depiction of boot camp training, contrasting it with what she views as the negative impact of “woke” ideologies on military morale.

Vivian Kubrick voices support for Donald Trump

Vivian Kubrick added, “Truthfully, I believe my father (who supported Reagan) would very much approve of saving America, indeed the world, from the highly destructive Globalist forces threatening to take over this planet.”

Vivian expressed that if the footage can assist Trump in advocating for a well-trained military free from the influences of “woke-ism", then he has her endorsement. “Finally, knowing my father very well, I can assure you he had a profound grasp of how paradoxical human nature is!”

Vivian, who contributed to the film’s score and appeared briefly as an extra, also pointed out her father’s respect for life, asserting that he would likely support Trump if it advances freedom.

In contrast, actor Matthew Modine, who portrayed Private Joker in 'Full Metal Jacket', shared a different perspective, suggesting that if Stanley were alive today, he would create a satirical film reflecting the absurdity of current political leaders.

Trump’s video critiques the military under the current administration, interspersing clips of Marine recruits training at Parris Island with current military members participating in drag events.

Donald Trump’s campaign video emphasizes making US military 'great again'

The campaign video features R Lee Ermey's famous line, “Let me see your war face!” alongside contrasting clips promoting LGBTQ+ initiatives. It concludes with a bold statement: “Let’s make our military great again.”

While the video draws on Ermey’s powerful presence, it notably omits the scene where his character meets a tragic end, highlighting the darker themes of military life that the film addresses.

Stanley Kubrick’s political views remain somewhat unclear, though biographers suggest he left the US for England partly due to rising crime and frustrations with the Hollywood system.

Notably, after Ronald Reagan became president, he inquired about the fictional Pentagon war room from 'Dr Strangelove', unaware it was a product of fiction.

Vivian Kubrick has financially supported Trump, donating to both his 2020 and 2024 campaigns, and also backed other political figures.