Scenes of Jude smashing strawberries to make art--they later appear to be bleeding. These scenes are intercut with Vietnam War footage. Themes of regret, youth, the Vietnam war, love, racism, the assassination of Martin Luther King, death of a child, freedom, patriotic duty, success, bravery, heroism, death of a loved one, friendship, narcissism, leaving home, hate, dropping out of college, privilege, young people going to war, adventure, military draft, deportation, heartbreak, dreams, life choices, imperialism, jealousy, soldiers, and sexual orientation are all explored in the film.
The scene that involves "Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite" may appear to be quite surreal.