IIRC, Roger Ebert gave Full Metal Jacket a Thumbs Down in the same show he gave Benji the Hunted a Thumbs Up.

What's remarkable about this clip, and Kubrick films in general, is that he uses extremely long takes. The first part is a continuous tracking shot that runs well over a minute.

Another thing that gives Kubrick films a unique look is that he uses natural or existing lighting whenever possible. This scene is probably lit from the windows, which are covered on the outside with paper. If studio lights were used, they would be outside the windows.

In this clip, Private Pyle is played by Vincent D'Onofrio, who's on Law & Order: Criminal Intent, and also played Orson Welles in the movie "Ed Wood" (although Welle's voice was dubbed by cartoon voice-actor Maurice LaMarche).

I didn't believe it at all...not even on the first viewing. That snake was about as believable as something from an Ed Wood film!