Dr. Strangelove Or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb Reviews
Bitingly satirical and passionately executed, Dr. Strangelove Or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb masterfully reminds us of our ugly tendencies as people--what makes us tick in times of crisis, and our saddening inability to understand the consequences of our choices on a personal level--all while exemplifying to-be-expected technical prowess from Stanley Kubrick and a uniquely engaging visual atmosphere.
Even though Dr. Strangelove is a comedy, the first act is very serious and makes us directly aware of the impact such a crisis can have on the world. Sixty years after its release, the context of a potential nuclear war is unfortunately still relevant. And the fact that this film was released only 2 years after the Cuban Missile Crisis is incredible and reflects the fear of the population at the time. It is when we realize the almost inevitability of the annihilation of the human species that we can truly laugh at the characters and their personalities. The characters are stressed by the situation and all try to reduce their stress with chewing gum. The humor isn't always hilarious, but under this stress that we perceive on screen, we can't help but have a nervous little laugh when the American President and the Premier of the USSR bicker about who is more sorry. It is worth noting the theatrical performance of George C. Scott in the role of General Buck and the exceptionally incredible performance of Peter Sellers, who manages to play 3 different roles in the same film, including 2 present in the same room. If I hadn't looked up the actors' names for each character, I would never have believed that Group Captain Mandrake, the American President, and Dr. Strangelove were played by the same actor. This is thanks to Stanley Kubrick's subtle camera angles and Peter Sellers' acting talent. It is impossible to be bored during the 95 minutes of screening, which pass with breathtaking speed. Stanley Kubrick provides us with an exceptional film with a memorable ending that, unfortunately, does not alleviate our fears regarding nuclear bombs. Read more on my Substack: https://lennycritiques.substack.com/p/dr-strangelove-or-how-i-learned-to
Things just don't seem to change, do they? Just as if not more relevant today as it was back then. As good as 2001 in my opinion but they are two very different movies, with this one being more straightforward in its endeavor (is it any wonder John Wayne turned down the role of "King" Kong?). Slim Pickens is a riot as Kong but for me Scott steals the show.
Brilliant encapsulation and parody of the military and political leadership of the time. Kubrick somehow manages mixing nuclear war, the red scare, and humor in this must see film.
Definitely my favorite movie, make sure to protect your precious bodily fluids though.
Here's a good Kubrick picture, markedly contrasted to a BAD Kubrick picture made five years later, 2001. A lot happens in 90 minutes in this one; in the other nothing happens in 2 hours. This one has competent actors; the other has a bunch of stiffs.
A great film from a great director
One of the best Kubrick movies. The best Peter Seller's performance by far.
A perfect and genuinely funny script coupled with amazing direction performances from everyone, but mostly Sellers in all of his three roles, including the iconic title character. A truly time-proof satire.
Intelligent. Funny. Brilliant acting. A true satirical cinematic masterpiece. Perhaps, the greatest comedy film ever made and one of the greatest films, regardless of genre, of all time. Two words, Stanley Kubrick! I most definitely recommend. 100/100 🏆
It is a very current movie.
In sum: true craftsmanship. So funny, cleverly written, well-controlled, vivid characters perfectly performed, and above all else it’s v impressive that this movie was made at all in the era it was, given the tone, but I sure am glad it was!!
One of those classic movies by a renowned director that everyone must watch at least once in their life. A classic and probably more meaningful to those of us of the 60’s and 70’s generations when nuclear war was always a part of our daily lives from school training to young adults.
The humor just doesn't work past it's time.
I think a lot of this went over my head but it was an entertaining film. I enjoyed the comedy and genius idea of the plot. Very fun and good acting. This is definitely a worthy comedy
This is Film making at its finest.
Great movie that is still relevant today.
Favorite movie of all time
This truly is a dark comedy classic and George C Scott is pure comic genius!
One of the best and important comedy movies ever made.