If I remember right, Kubrick originally wanted the whole scene scripted (because again, we are talking about the physical embodiment of "Demands perfection") with a different actor, and Ermey was brought on to ensure authenticity in the script. He pointed out that it is literally impossible to script a Drill Instructor because they are supposed to find weakness in a recruit and attack it so they can eventually be molded into a better soldier, and that requires improv. Kubrick balked at this ('natch), but changed his mind after Ermey submitted a video of himself chewing out a bunch of Marines, as they threw rotten fruit at him, and he didnt repeat himself in a 10 minute rant. Kubrick made Ermey the Drill Instructor, gave him free reign, and the rest is history.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqa5CPLlw-U
RIP R. Lee Ermey. One of my favorite actors.
You know you are a badass when you get carte blanche to improv from "Mr. Perfectionist" himself, Stanley Kubrick.
Drill Instructor Improv has always been pretty good.
If I remember right, Kubrick originally wanted the whole scene scripted (because again, we are talking about the physical embodiment of "Demands perfection") with a different actor, and Ermey was brought on to ensure authenticity in the script. He pointed out that it is literally impossible to script a Drill Instructor because they are supposed to find weakness in a recruit and attack it so they can eventually be molded into a better soldier, and that requires improv. Kubrick balked at this ('natch), but changed his mind after Ermey submitted a video of himself chewing out a bunch of Marines, as they threw rotten fruit at him, and he didnt repeat himself in a 10 minute rant. Kubrick made Ermey the Drill Instructor, gave him free reign, and the rest is history.
Again, if I am remembering the story right.
That sounds like it's probably right.
Drill Instructors can also be hugely entertaining. Kubrick was probably laughing his ass off the whole time.