Johnny Got His Gun (2008)

In this captivating film adaptation of the Off-Broadway stage monologue, Ben McKenzie delivers a spellbinding performance that echoes the legacy of the original 1982 production, which starred a young Jeff Daniels. "Johnny Got His Gun" (2008) is not a conventional remake of the 1970 film. Instead, it breathes new life into Dalton Trumbo's classic anti-war novel through the medium of theater, filmed live on stage and shot in the unique stylistic vein of Lars von Trier's "Dogville." The plot delves into the psyche of Joe Bonham, a 20-year-old American soldier brutally wounded by an artillery shell on the last day of the First World War. It's a chilling exploration of the human condition as Joe, now a quadruple amputee devoid of his eyes, ears, nose, and mouth, slowly realizes the full extent of his predicament. Despite his healthy brain and intact reasoning abilities, his physical form has been irrevocably decimated, leaving him trapped within the labyrinth of his own imagination. The film unravels within the confines of Joe's mind, painting a vivid portrait of his desperate struggle to communicate with the outside world. His only ally is the Morse code, which he taps with his head against the pillow, breaking through the walls of his solitude. His plea to his caretakers is heartbreaking yet profound – to be displayed as a living testament to the horrific cost of war. Released in art houses in 2008, this film received critical acclaim for McKenzie's riveting performance, earning praises from Film Journal International, Variety, and Marshall Fine, the then President of the prestigious NY Film Critics Circle. "Johnny Got His Gun" is a haunting cinematic journey, an unforgettable "live on stage, on film" experience that captures the raw essence of the stage monologue while retaining the compelling narrative of the original novel.

Johnny Got His Gun is a drama movie featuring Matty Ferraro.

Johnny Got His Gun is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Cineverse, Plex, Plex Player, Tubi TV and VUDU Free.

It is also possible to buy Johnny Got His Gun on Apple TV.