Gardens of Stone (1987)

 Gardens of Stone (1987)

The last time Francis Ford Coppola made a Vietnam War film, global audiences were introduced to the harrowing Apocalypse Now, still considered to be one of the finest Vietnam War films ever made. Really that film and maybe Platoon and The Deer Hunter could rival Coppola’s masterpiece. With Coppola returning to the subject of the Vietnam War, we are in for another special treat, right? In this particular case, unfortunately not. The film itself is well-made, has excellent performances everywhere, and hits the emotional beats more often than not. But there are no surprises or shocks. No crazy violent scenes. Just a story that meanders and takes its time, which can be frustrating from time to time.

Coppola directs the film from the screenplay written by Ronald Bass. Bass’s screenplay tackles the homefront during the war, which is definitely something to explore considering how explosive the anti-war protests were. In fact, I would even call the film anti-war based on what Bass and Coppola had to say. I liked how informative and realistic the film was. I did not know that the title, Gardens of Stone, is a name for the Arlington National Cemetery, where soldiers who died during active duty are buried. I learned more about The Old Guard, a group of veteran soldiers designed to “guard” the cemetery. If anything, the film acted like a mini documentary. Sometimes I felt the screenplay added cliches pertaining to war veterans. The barfight with the hippie ring any bells?

Jackie Willow (D.B. Sweeney) is a young, idealistic man wanting to fight in Vietnam, not working at Arlington. His father fought and died in Korea. He is later taken in under the wings by his immediate superior Sergeant Clell Hazard (James Caan) and Hazard’s superior, ‘Goody’ Nelson (James Earl Jones). The two men were good friends with Willow’s father and while they treat Jackie tough, they still love him. Willow doesn’t care about the politics of the war and just wants to fight. The older men also want to fight, but they understand the importance of everything going on at home. He also marries his childhood sweetheart, Rachel (Mary Stuart Masterson), which gives him some standing.

This is an actor-driven movie and they no not disappoint. The quieter, more reflective scenes are the best parts of the movie. James Caan did an amazing job and acts very well across his character’s girlfriend, played superbly by Anjelica Huston. James Earl Jones is always a larger-than-life presence. Sweeney and Masterson had some cute scenes together and Sweeney nailed the idealistic mindset.

Overall, Gardens of Stone is a fine movie. With the pedigree attached, you kind of expected more. The film is a quieter, more reflective piece about Vietnam and the homefront. It is just too bad the film does not really lead anywhere. People may have hidden this drama under the carpet, but it might be worth digging it out just to see James Caan and James Earl Jones act their hearts out. Or you could take heart that Coppola is being realistic bringing this story to life and could provide some teaching moments.

My Grade: B-