The first time I saw this movie I was lost, I had no clue whatsoever what was happening to Jacob. Second time around I tried harder to wrap my mind around everything that was happening and going on, still nothing at all. One of my supervisors at work was a veteran, he had asked me if I had ever read the book, "The Five Fingers", we hadn't discussed this movie at all. By the time I got to the end of the book I had come to realize it was about a military hallucinogenic drug. It hit me then, that strange movie I had never seemed to understand or get at all, the movie about this military soldier going through these strange experiments, "Jacob's Ladder" ! Want to understand this movie, put this into the google search: Jacob's Ladder military hallucinogenic drug

"Jacobs Ladder" (1990) is a dramatic horror mystery told from the perspective of a Vietnam veteran named Jacob Singer, played by Tim Robbins, as he tries to navigate his life through the physical representation of his inner demons. This film is freakishly well put together and keeps the viewer guessing how it will conclude through all of Jacob's dissociation. He lives with his girlfriend Jezzie, played by Elizabeth Peña, who tries to help him cope with life and the loss of his son Gabe, played by Macaulay Culkin. This film practices the art of multi-story sequencing in that Jacob has several stories within his main story which I truly appreciate. It forces the viewer to pay attention so as not to miss pertinent information.For a film made in the early 90s, Adrian Lyne did a marvelous job with the pacing. Still there were some areas that dragged on or could have been omitted all together. However, I feel back then the audience needed those moments for the emotional connection to Jacob. The point of this film can be taken in more than one way, but the strongest of those is shedding light on what the U.S. government did to their own soldiers. Though the payoff was very expected, due to the trailer, it was still sadly fulfilling. This film was on my bucket list for a long time and now having viewed it, I am happy I did. I recommend this film to all who enjoy films that have a purpose and force you to think but skip the trailer.

This is simply one of the best films hardly anyone ever saw (OK - it's got 80+ thousand votes on IMDb - but I'm still amazed that it's not 3 times that number). Amazing script, acting, story, visuals; it makes you wonder why Adrian Lyne didn't make more films of that caliber. Don't get frustrated if you don't understand the film at first. It DOES make sense, but it usually takes repeat viewings to figure this one out. 9 stars out of 10.In case you're interested in more underrated masterpieces, here's some of my favorites:imdb.com/list/ls070242495

Jacob's Ladder is a very rare psychological exploration of the human mind under extreme stress. A film that gets under your skin and stays with you for years after watching it. What's the secret formula? How were the creators able to accomplish such a smart movie that touches you to the bottom of your soul? I strongly believe the subliminal messages conveyed through very abstract and surreal imagery, as well as juxtaposing specific emotional moods - was what made it so impactful. The story itself is very moving and not for the light hearted. Can't really label it as a horror, thriller, or a drama. It's so unique that it deserves its own category: perhaps something like: Melancholic Horror. The story arc is poetic and the cinematography is extremely immersive. Not many other works came close to achieving this same sense of perpetual thought and reflection. Definitely a classic to be watched by the generations.