Author Dan Valenti joins Cara & John Krol on The Blend Podcast to discuss a true labor of love and a book that is the result of work and interviews that spanned nearly four decades. The book reveals previously untold details of how iconic characters in Kubrick's masterpiece Full Metal Jacket were chosen and molded through the eyes of the actors who portrayed the epic roles.
UNVEILING THE TRUTH BEHIND AN ICONIC FILM-Step behind the curtain of one of cinema's most unforgettable films and performances.In Stanley Kubrick's Full Mental Straight Jacket, author Dan Valenti takes readers on an unprecedented journey into the making of a masterpiece. This revelatory work explores the genius, methods, and controversial practices that haveelevated Stanley Kubrick to legendary status among film directors.
THE UNTOLD STORY For decades, the full story of this film, notably the creation of Gunnery Sergeant Hartmann—one of cinema's most compelling, blistering, and quoted characters—remained shrouded in mystery. Until now.Drawing from exclusive interviews conducted over two years with actor Lee Ermey (Hartman) shortly after Full Metal Jacket was released, Valenti delivers insightsthat only a trusted confidant could access. From 2022 to 2024, Valenti also conducted over a dozen in-depth interviews with the film's supporting cast—including Tim Colceri, Kubrick’s original choice for Hartman. The unsparing probe uncovers the exhilarating but nightmarish realities of working in "Kubrick country.”
FROM THE AUTHOR WHO KNEW THE TRUTH As the collaborator on a novel screenplay project with Ermey himself, Valenti gained unprecedented access to fresh insights about Kubrick and the film that have never before been shared with the public. For film historians, Kubrick enthusiasts, and anyone fascinated by the dark corners of filmmaking, this book provides the definitive account of how one of cinema's most memorable characters came to life—and the personal cost.
Dan is an author whose books have made him a “six-decade man” — his titles have been published in the 1970s (1979), ’80s, ’90s, ’00s, tens (2010, 11), and 20s. He has written 25 books and edited eight more. His works have been widely quoted, cited, and anthologized. He has also written for the stage and for films.
