10 Not So Obvious Messages With Deeper Meanings In Stanley Kubrick's Films

You’d think Kubrick had some grudge against his own country, or rather the darker history of America, and based on this list you’d probably be right in thinking so. In Kubrick’s anti-war classic, Full Metal Jacket, Mickey Mouse is constantly referenced, indicating the stupidity and almost childish actions of America’s involvement in the war, and no doubt giving a dig to the danger of America’s overly capitalist society, especially considering the war was fighting communism.

“What is this Mickey Mouse s**t?” shouted by the lieutenant, sums up the whole stupidity of the war in six words and as usual Kubrick subliminally hides Mickey Mouse toys and posters in the background to hammer the point home. The final scene with the troops marching, happily singing “M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E” to keep their spirits up, against the background of a burning blaze of death and destruction they have caused, is a deeply ironic and sad scene, portraying the loss of innocence the soldiers have been forced into by the “Mickey Mouse” decisions of those in charge.