Garrett Dalton-The Jacket

The Jacket was, in this viewer's opinion, one of the most fulfilling films shown in class thus far. Though neglected by the public at large, the film contained not only a fantastic mystery/suspense feel but also had an intrinsic value found by those that looked hard enough. Jack Starks, played by Adrian Brody, is a Gulf War veteran turned drifter after his return home after suffering a severe head injury. Starks is quickly caught up in a homicide after hitching a ride with a felon, which lands him in a mental institution. Starks is there the victim of secret experimentation by the staff of the asylum. Tied up and imprisoned in a confined space, Starks discovers his ability to transport himself to the future. It is in the future that Starks falls in love with Jackie, whom he met years ago, and learns of his eminent death at the asylum. Starks takes it upon himself to not only discover the cause of his death, but to change Jackie's life for the better. The average movie goer may see this as a sci-fi twist, but the movie contains several religious ties. Siberian shamans were said to have the ability to transcend the normal plain of existence while undergoing extreme stress in order to help others within the tribe. Starks could also be seen as a Christ figure. In the movie he is born on December 25 and undergoes suffering in order to help others. In the end, that suffering would ultimately cost Starks his life, however this again is a parallel to Christ. Starks sacrifices himself in order to make a better life for the one he loves.