Stripes: A Hilarious Barrage of Blunders and Brotherhood

Released in the summer of 1981, Stripes isn't just another military comedy; it's a cinematic Molotov cocktail of anarchic humor, charming camaraderie, and surprisingly subversive social commentary. Starring the inimitable Bill Murray at the peak of his early comedic prowess, the film follows the misadventures of John Winger, a man whose life has seemingly bottomed out, leading him to the unexpected decision to enlist in the US Army. What follows is a riotous journey through boot camp, international intrigue, and a healthy dose of irreverence that cemented Stripes as a comedic classic.

Plot: From Zero to Hero (…Sort Of)

The film opens with John Winger (Bill Murray) experiencing a trifecta of misfortune: he loses his job, his girlfriend, and his apartment all in the same day. In a moment of existential crisis, fueled by a healthy dose of self-pity and inspired by a television commercial, he convinces his best friend, Russell Ziskey (Harold Ramis), to join the army with him. Their motivations are less about patriotic fervor and more about escaping the drudgery of civilian life. Boot camp, naturally, is where the chaos truly begins. Winger and Ziskey, along with a motley crew of misfits, are subjected to the rigorous training regime of Sergeant Hulka (Warren Oates), a no-nonsense drill instructor who struggles to instill discipline in this ragtag bunch. The humor derives from the clash between Hulka's rigid expectations and the recruits' ineptitude, particularly Winger's sarcastic defiance. The plot takes an unexpected turn when Winger and Ziskey, along with their fellow soldiers, are inadvertently sent on a secret mission to Czechoslovakia to retrieve a high-tech EM-50 Urban Assault Vehicle (a modified GMC motorhome). This mission, conducted with minimal planning and maximum improvisation, allows for a series of escalating comedic set pieces, culminating in a daring rescue and a triumphant return to American soil, albeit with a healthy dose of international incident in their wake.

Characters: A Symphony of Eccentricity

Stripes thrives on its cast of memorable and well-defined characters, each contributing to the film's overall comedic tapestry.

• John Winger (Bill Murray): The linchpin of the film, Winger is a cynical yet charismatic slacker who embodies the anti-establishment spirit of the era. Murray's impeccable comedic timing and deadpan delivery make Winger instantly relatable, despite his questionable decision-making. He's not necessarily a good soldier, but he's undeniably entertaining.
• Russell Ziskey (Harold Ramis): Winger's loyal and slightly more grounded best friend. Ramis, who also co-wrote the screenplay, provides a perfect foil to Murray's manic energy. Ziskey is the voice of reason, often questioning Winger's impulsive choices, but ultimately sticking by his side through thick and thin.
• Sergeant Hulka (Warren Oates): The gruff and dedicated drill instructor tasked with transforming Winger and his cohorts into soldiers. Oates's portrayal is both comedic and surprisingly sympathetic. Hulka genuinely cares about his recruits, even if he struggles to understand their unconventional methods. His eventual injury and subsequent acceptance of the group's unorthodox approach is a key moment of character development.
• Stella Hansen (P.J. Soles) and Louise Hoover (Sean Young): Two MPs stationed in Italy who become romantically involved with Winger and Ziskey, respectively. While their roles are somewhat underdeveloped, they provide a romantic subplot and contribute to the film's overall sense of escapism.
• Ox (John Candy): A gentle giant with a heart of gold, Ox represents the film's underlying message of acceptance and camaraderie. Candy's performance is both hilarious and heartwarming, showcasing his remarkable comedic range.
• Dewey "Psycho" Oxberger (John Larroquette): A mentally unstable soldier who adds an unpredictable element to the group. Larroquette's portrayal is appropriately unsettling, providing a dark comedic edge to the film.

Direction: Reitman's Comedic Touch

Ivan Reitman, fresh off the success of Meatballs, directs Stripes with a confident and assured hand. He allows the comedic talents of his cast to shine, giving them ample room to improvise and develop their characters. Reitman's direction is characterized by its loose and improvisational feel, which contributes to the film's overall sense of spontaneity and fun. He masterfully balances the broad comedic elements with moments of genuine emotion, creating a film that is both hilarious and surprisingly heartfelt. Reitman's ability to manage a large ensemble cast and maintain a consistent comedic tone is a testament to his skill as a director.

Cinematography: A Visual Feast of Army Green

The cinematography in Stripes, while not groundbreaking, effectively captures the film's comedic tone and military setting. The use of wide shots during boot camp sequences emphasizes the vastness of the training grounds and the sheer number of recruits. Close-ups are used to highlight the characters' reactions and expressions, particularly during comedic moments. The film's color palette is dominated by shades of army green, reflecting the military environment. The cinematography also effectively captures the film's international locations, adding to the sense of adventure and escapism. The visual style is functional and serves the story well, prioritizing clarity and comedic timing over stylistic flourishes.

Performances: Murray and Ramis at Their Best

The performances in Stripes are uniformly excellent, but Bill Murray and Harold Ramis deserve special recognition. Murray's portrayal of John Winger is arguably one of his most iconic roles, showcasing his signature blend of sarcasm, wit, and physical comedy. Ramis, as Russell Ziskey, provides a perfect foil to Murray's manic energy, grounding the film with his understated performance. The chemistry between Murray and Ramis is palpable, and their comedic timing is impeccable. Warren Oates delivers a memorable performance as Sergeant Hulka, balancing the character's gruff exterior with a surprising amount of heart. John Candy, P.J. Soles, Sean Young, and John Larroquette all contribute strong supporting performances, adding to the film's overall comedic richness.

Themes and Messages: Beyond the Laughter

While primarily a comedy, Stripes also explores several underlying themes and messages.

• Anti-establishment Sentiment: The film taps into the anti-establishment sentiment that was prevalent in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Winger's initial motivation for joining the army is not patriotism but a desire to escape the perceived drudgery of civilian life. The film satirizes the military's rigid hierarchy and bureaucratic inefficiencies, suggesting that conformity and blind obedience are not always desirable.
• Brotherhood and Camaraderie: Despite their initial differences, the recruits in Stripes form a strong bond of brotherhood and camaraderie. They learn to rely on each other and support each other through the challenges of boot camp and beyond. This theme is particularly evident in the film's climax, where the recruits band together to rescue their injured Sergeant Hulka.
• Finding Purpose and Meaning: Winger's journey in the army is ultimately a journey of self-discovery. He starts out as a directionless slacker but gradually finds purpose and meaning in his relationships with his fellow soldiers. The film suggests that even in the most unlikely of circumstances, it is possible to find meaning and fulfillment.
• The Absurdity of War: While not explicitly anti-war, Stripes does subtly critique the absurdity of war and the military-industrial complex. The film's depiction of the secret mission to Czechoslovakia is particularly satirical, highlighting the lack of planning and the reliance on improvisation that often characterizes military operations.

Comparisons: A Lineage of Military Comedy

Stripes can be compared to other military comedies such as M*A*S*H, Good Morning, Vietnam, and Private Benjamin. Like these films, Stripes uses humor to explore the absurdities of military life and to critique the establishment. However, Stripes is arguably more overtly comedic than M*A*S*H, which also deals with serious themes of war and death. Good Morning, Vietnam shares Stripes' anti-establishment sentiment, but focuses more on the protagonist's individual rebellion against the military hierarchy. Private Benjamin, like Stripes, follows a character who joins the army for unexpected reasons, but focuses more on the challenges faced by women in the military. Stripes also shares similarities with Ivan Reitman's previous film, Meatballs. Both films feature a group of misfits who come together to form a cohesive unit, and both films rely heavily on improvisation and comedic set pieces. The success of Meatballs likely paved the way for Reitman to direct Stripes, and both films share a similar comedic sensibility.

Positive Aspects: A Comedic Masterpiece

Stripes boasts numerous positive aspects that contribute to its status as a comedic masterpiece.

• Bill Murray's Performance: Murray's portrayal of John Winger is iconic and unforgettable. His comedic timing, delivery, and physical comedy are all top-notch.
• The Ensemble Cast: The film features a strong ensemble cast, with each actor delivering a memorable performance. The chemistry between the actors is palpable, and their comedic timing is impeccable.
• The Direction: Ivan Reitman's direction is confident and assured, allowing the comedic talents of his cast to shine.
• The Script: The screenplay, co-written by Harold Ramis, is witty, sharp, and full of memorable lines.
• The Humor: The film's humor is broad, but it is also intelligent and often satirical. The film manages to be both hilarious and thought-provoking.
• The Heart: Despite its comedic tone, Stripes also has a surprising amount of heart. The film's themes of brotherhood, camaraderie, and finding purpose resonate with audiences.

Constructive Criticism: Minor Flaws in a Classic

While Stripes is a comedic classic, it is not without its flaws.

• Underdeveloped Female Characters: The female characters in the film, Stella Hansen and Louise Hoover, are somewhat underdeveloped. Their roles are primarily to serve as romantic interests for Winger and Ziskey, and they lack the depth and complexity of the male characters.
• Uneven Pacing: The film's pacing is somewhat uneven, with the first half of the film feeling more tightly focused than the second half. The secret mission to Czechoslovakia feels somewhat rushed and underdeveloped.
• Some Dated Humor: Some of the humor in the film, particularly the portrayal of "Psycho" Oxberger, may be considered offensive by modern audiences. While the film's intentions are not malicious, some of the jokes have not aged well.

Conclusion: A Timeless Comedy

Stripes remains a timeless comedy that continues to resonate with audiences today. Bill Murray's iconic performance, the strong ensemble cast, Ivan Reitman's assured direction, and the film's witty and sharp script all contribute to its enduring appeal. While the film has some minor flaws, its positive aspects far outweigh its negatives. Stripes is a hilarious and surprisingly heartwarming film that explores themes of brotherhood, camaraderie, and finding purpose in unexpected places. It's a must-see for fans of comedy and a testament to the comedic genius of Bill Murray and Harold Ramis.

Rating: 9/10