Johnny Got His Gun

Joe Bonham, a young American soldier, experiences a life-changing moment when he is struck by an artillery shell during World War I. This traumatic event leaves him severely injured, resulting in the loss of his eyes, ears, mouth, nose, and limbs.

After the injury, Joe regains consciousness in a hospital bed. He finds himself trapped in his own body, unable to move or communicate, yet fully aware of his surroundings, making him feel like a prisoner in a living nightmare.

As Joe lies in his hospital bed, he drifts between reality and fantasy, reminiscing about his previous life. He reflects on his upbringing with his Christian Science family and cherishes memories with his girlfriend, Kareen.

In the midst of his suffering, Joe forms a subtle bond with a compassionate young nurse. Although the medical staff believes he is in a vegetative state, the nurse recognizes his distress and attempts to connect with him.

Desperate to convey his consciousness, Joe starts banging his head against his pillow to communicate via Morse code. He spells out the word 'help,' which highlights his need for assistance and acknowledgment.

When Joe manages to get the attention of his doctors, he expresses a dark request for the Army to display him in a glass coffin as a freak show. This request serves as a haunting testament to the horrors of war that he has endured.

The response from the doctors to Joe's request is a firm denial, as it goes against military regulations. Overwhelmed by despair, Joe starts pleading for euthanasia, expressing his hopelessness in a world where he feels trapped.

Moved by Joe's condition, the sympathetic nurse takes it upon herself to assist him by attempting to clamp his breathing tube for a quick end to his suffering. However, her attempt is halted by her supervisor, preventing Joe from escaping his misery.

Joe comes to a heartbreaking realization that the U.S. Army will not fulfill either of his wishes. He understands that he is likely destined to live in a state of 'living death' for the remainder of his life, trapped in despair.

In the final stages of his ordeal, Joe finds himself isolated in a utility room at the hospital. This solitude reflects the ultimate abandonment he feels, as he is left alone to confront his tragic reality.

Left to his thoughts, Joe begins weakly repeating the phrase 'S.O.S. Help me' to himself. This haunting repetition symbolizes his desperation and desire for escape from the unbearable pain of his existence.