20 Most Epic Character Introductions In Movies

7. Gunnery Sergeant Hartman - Full Metal Jacket (1987)

Originally hired as a technical adviser, it has since become legend that R. Lee Ermey convinced Kubrick he was right for the part of Sgt. Hartman by recording a 15 minute video of himself hurling improvised insults while being pelted with fruit and tennis balls. The end result was a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor, a big-screen career typecast as a military hard-ass and one of the most memorable monologues of all time.

After introducing himself in one brief sentence, Sgt. Hartman goes on to launch a tirade of abuse at the recruits as he strides imposingly around the room. As terrifying as it is hilarious, Ermey utilizes his own experience as a drill instructor in the armed forces as he asserts his dominance over his charges and reportedly improvised a number of his creative put-downs on the spot, with the worst torrent of abuse saved for Vincent D'Onofrio's bumbling Private Lawrence. Sgt. Hartman's hardened demeanor, intimidating presence, piercing stare and elaborately-worded insults result in one hell of an introduction and he is without question Full Metal Jacket's most memorable character. The performance would launch R. Lee Emrey's entire career and as first impressions go, they don't get much more memorable than this.
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