Tigerland (2000)

Directed by: Joel Schumacher | 97 minutes | drama, war | Actors: Colin Farrell, Matthew Davis, Clifton Collins Jr., Tom Guiry, Cole Hauser, Russell Richardson, Thomas Gury, Shea Whigham

The ‘killer’ of the Batman films, director Joel Schumacher, proves that he still counts in Hollywood after the disastrous ‘Batman & Robin’ (1997). The German filmmaker comes into his own best in small-scale films. ‘Tigerland’ is not an action-packed war film, but a drama in an army setting.

The film is set in 1971 in Tigerland, a training camp where young American soldiers are being prepared for their departure to Vietnam. Among them is the ambitious Jim Paxton (Davis) who is determined to serve his country. However, his sense of patriotism changes when he meets the eccentric Bozz (Farrell). Bozz is a rebellious boy who is in constant conflict with his superiors. Paxton and Bozz soon become friends. Both men start to think differently about their lives and the war. Bozz’s rebellious attitude is not appreciated by everyone and soon Bozz gets into a fight with the violent and aggressive cantwell (Guiry).

‘Tigerland’ is a special film for several reasons. The print is the first and only American production to be filmed with the ‘Dogma philosophy’. This way of filming means that the director makes his print in a very sparse manner. So without all kinds of expensive film equipment, advanced lighting techniques and ingenious lighting camera setups. ‘Dogma’ means sober and minimalistic. These keywords sum up the look of ‘Tigerland’ very well.

The film was made with few resources. This choice of style means that the print is purely based on the content. Without spectacle and pricey special effects, the actors have to attract attention. The then unknown cast, Farrell had not yet broken through in Hollywood, deliver excellent performances. In fact, Farrell is single-handedly carrying the film. The role of Bozz is crucial for ‘Tigerland’, the film stands or falls with the right casting of this character. With his boyish bravado, Farrell powerfully portrays a rebellious boy who hides his fears behind a rebellious attitude.

Matthew Davis performs well as Farrell’s opponent. Davis’ playing is subdued and complements Farrell’s more exuberant acting style perfectly. Also Clifton Collins Jr. is impressive as an ambitious soldier. It’s a relief to see this Latino actor in a completely different role than the standard gangster. Normally Hollywood dictates clichéd roles to non-white actors. Collins Jr. plays a proud young man who finds it difficult to settle in the tough world of the training camp. A place where people’s will is broken to train them to become emotionless fighting machines.

Tom Guiry is also doing well as a ferocious ‘redneck’, who will do anything to get Bozz back. The madness and hatred that lurk in this man are intensely interpreted by Guiry. The tension is well ramped up by the unpredictability of Guiry’s character. The acting of ‘Tigerland’ is of a high level and makes for an oppressive film. The raw, artless, documentary-like appearance of this print enhances the atmosphere. Schumacher proves with this underexposed, gripping film that he is still a relevant director to be reckoned with.