Ears, Open. Eyeballs, Click.

Ears, Open. Eyeballs, Click. is a thought-provoking documentary film from 2005, which showcases a vivid and gripping depiction of basic training in the United States Marine Corps. Prominently featuring Drill Instructors Maranan, Martinez, and Liebfried, the film serves an unfiltered snapshot of what it truly means to become a Marine, bringing viewers right into the heart of the intense preparations meant to shape men and women into Marines.

Helmed by director C.J. Arellano, the project was an ambitious undertaking, filmed entirely at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, a location home to the Corps' Western Recruiting Region. This gives the audience an invaluable firsthand insight into the world of military boot camp training that was previously hitherto unseen, transporting them right into the midst of the intensive 12-week regimen that is notorious for its gruelling intensity.

The film shines a spotlight on these Marines' journey, taking audiences into the midst of their transformation. But more than just a record of physical exertion, it's an exploration into the psyche of these individuals as they undergo rigorous mental and emotional conditioning. The goal is to mould them into Marines, individuals with the ability to withstand not just physical challenges but also emotional and psychological pressures that come with the unforgiving terrain of war.

The title itself, ‘Ears, Open. Eyeballs, Click’, is a commonly used phrase by the instructors during the training process. This phrase emphasises the core principles of focus, alertness, and obedience that are repeatedly instilled into the recruits while still underscoring the urgency and seriousness inherent to the role and function of the Marines.

Drill Instructors Maranan, Martinez, and Liebfried bring to the film a necessary edge, serving as the embodiment of the Marine Corps ethos. They are seen not merely as tormentors but ultimately as mentors performing a crucial task in preparing these young men and women to endure intense pressure and confront unimaginable circumstances in their duties as Marines.

The film does not shy away from showcasing the raw realities of the training process, displaying the strain and the toll the training imposes on the recruits. It is a testament to human resilience and the indomitable spirit that motivates these individuals to persevere, transforming from common civilians into soldiers ready to lay down their lives on the front lines.

Ears, Open. Eyeballs, Click. is filmed in a direct cinema style that disavows the use of narration or interviews, which works to enhance the immersive experience, contributing to the raw authenticity of its portrayal. This unique approach invites the audience to watch, listen and internalise the goings-on, creating an evocative narrative where the audience is drawn into the situation, experiencing the journey and transformation of the recruits first-hand.

However, Ears, Open. Eyeballs, Click. is far from being just a rigorous military documentary. It also delves into the anatomy of fear, endurance, resilience, principles, and the spirit of brotherhood. It provides an illuminating look into the process of making a Marine, breaking down the facade to reveal the humans beneath the uniform and the steel exterior, illuminating the personal lives and individual struggles of these recruits against the backdrop of their transformation into Marines.

If you're seeking an unfiltered glimpse into the marrow of what makes up the core of the United States Marine Corps, Ears, Open. Eyeballs, Click. is a poignant, compelling documentary that pulls no punches. This film is absorbing in its stark reality, gripping in its intensity, and ultimately, heartening in its portrayal of human resilience and unity. It explores the journey to becoming a Marine with raw candor. While not always easy to watch, it is undeniably eye-opening and provides a deeper understanding and appreciation of the young men and women who prepare to wear Marine Corps uniform.