The "oil" raining down on soldiers in the iconic burning oil field scenes was actually a mixture made from molasses .
Cinematographer Roger Deakins used specific techniques to capture the "surreal futility" of the desert. Jarhead (2005)2005
A partial "bleach bypass" process was used on the film negative to desaturate colors and enhance the harsh, gritty texture of the sand and sky. The "oil" raining down on soldiers in the
To create an organic, immersive feel, Deakins shot the entire film handheld , a rarity for his usually highly-stabilized style. Deakins shot the entire film handheld