The first non-student film, and first color film, by
Paul Verhoeven, 'The Marine Corps', made it clear to
Paul Verhoeven that he really wanted to pursue a career as a filmmaker. For this documentary, made in commission from the Corps to celebrate their three hundred year anniversary, he was able to hire a professional crew and a large budget of no less than one hundred thousand guilders. 'The Marine Corps' was a recruitment movie for the marines, but not for
Paul Verhoeven. His only concern was the art of cinema.
The first thing you notice, after the static opening shot of the marines, is the tempo of the film. The history of the marines is explained in a nutshell by using shots of a series of prints, paintings and maps, accompanied by an explanatory voice-over. With quick cuts it almost transforms into a photo film, and in its dynamics somewhat reminiscent of Eisenstein's editing work - some history is explained, before moving to the part where the fun begins. Action, action, and more action!
The marines are in training, engaged in knife fights, abseiling from rockeries on the Antilles, and much more. It is all very exciting. On the beach of Texel it is almost like D-Day with a flamethrower and a large hand grenade. Frogmen with a good stock c4 remove an underwater barrier, resulting in a zippered column of splashing water. It is fascinating to see how the frogmen are quickly pulled out of the water by a speeding boat. It is not only kinetic action. The frogmen are working under water. They proceed with meticulous and policy, which is reflected in the quiet camera work.
'The Marine Corps' is skillfully portrayed and mounted with speed. You almost feel like joining.
