Warner Archive
In 1980 Goldie Hawn was looking for a project that allowed her to move beyond the light comic persona that had defined her early work.
After a string of hits in the 70’s, Hawn could produce her own projects, and a screenplay for Private Benjamin by Nancy Meyers offered Hawn something beyond romantic comedy work.
Hawn’s involvement helped shape the tone of the film, balancing humor with strong character work.
The result was both commercially successful and critically respected, earning Academy Award nominations for Hawn and for the screenplay.
The film follows Judy Benjamin (Goldie Hawn), a sheltered woman whose life changes after the sudden death of her husband on their wedding night.
Understandably shaken, she impulsively joins the United States Army after opening up to recruiter Jim Ballard (Harry Dean Stanton) who tells her that military service will provide structure and purpose. Once in basic training, Judy discovers that army life is far more demanding than she expected, especially under the supervision of Captain Lewis (Eileen Brennan). Her fellow recruits, including Henrietta “Hen” Dabrowski (Barbara Barrie) and Lucia Ramirez (Pamela Reed), gradually become real friends that help Judy adapt to her new life.
What gives the film its staying power is the precision of the performances and the way the cast members build relationships. Hawn’s performance is grounded in real emotion and even when her character does something rash, you believe it. At the beginning of the film, Judy’s mannerisms communicate a person who has been kept away from the real world until now. Hawn finds the reality there and then we believe the culture shock that follows.
Eileen Brennan provides a perfect foil as Captain Lewis. Her scenes with Hawn establish the rhythm that defines much of the film. Instead of relying on insult-based humor, the exchanges work because both performers maintain commitment to the internal logic of their characters. Brennan’s Academy Award nomination is understandable: this a comedy-drama where the actors really put in the work
The supporting cast contributes significantly to the credibility. Pamela Reed and Barbara Barrie avoid reducing their characters to stock comic figures, as you might expect. Harry Dean Stanton is a delight as a military recruiter who is more car salesman than soldier allowing the absurdity of the situation to emerge naturally.
Director Howard Zieff maintains a controlled visual approach that supports the performances. The film does not get in the way of the actors. I expected this film to be Stripes style farce, but Private Benjamin is a real comedy-drama hybrid made as a passion project by a big star looking to branch out and it still works to this day.
Extras include the first two episodes of the TV series based on the film and trailer.
Recommended.
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