100 Movie Scratch-off List/Selection #2: DR.STRANGELOVE or HOW I LEARNED TO STOP WORRYING AND LOVE THE BOMB

DR.STRANGELOVE is a film that I have avoided all of my moviegoing life until now, thanks to the 100 Movies Scratch-Off List. I always thought that STRANGELOVE was too smart of a film for me to watch and possibly like. For many years, I've read how highly regarded this film is in the film enthusiast world. They are right. STRANGELOVE is one of the greatest films I've never seen until now.

Let me briefly describe this film in my dumbed down way instead of using the typical synopsis that is used for this film. STRANGELOVE is Stanley Kubrick's 1964 satirical look at the Cold War. The world is plunged into chaos when a United States General orders a nuclear attack on Russia. The story unfolds in three different areas. On a U.S. Military Base, an airplane(bomber plane) and the Pentagon with the President (played with a straight face by the brilliant Peter Sellers). What transpires over the 95-minute runtime begins as a political thriller laced with witty comedy. As the plot unravels, it descends into comedic chaos, stopping just short of becoming a full-blown Mel Brooks movie. This is all due to the masterful storytelling by Stanely Kubrick. Each scene builds upon the other, heightening the dramatic threat of nuclear war in the hands of men who are themselves on the brink of their own personal insanity. Peter Sellers plays three different roles all with different comedic approaches. First, there is Captain Mandrake, a man who witnesses discover that a madman he works for has ordered a nuclear attack on Russia. His portrayal is of a man trapped on a military base with his insane boss. At first, he is in denial of what he is witnessing then finds himself trying to outwit the man who has plunged the world into Doomsday. He does this with a staggering sense of humor. Next, there is the serious portrayal of the President with a dash of comedic wit. And then there is Dr. Strangelove himself. At first, he sits in the background, but as the film unfolds, you discover that he is more than meets the eye.  The cast also features excellent performances by Sterling Hayden as the insane General, George C. Scott as the General at the Pentagon giving his two cents worth on the disaster at hand while going up against a Russian Ambassador (played by Peter Bull). Then there is Slim Pickens as the bomber pilot who deals with the impending doom up close and personal.
   STRANGELOVE is a satirical comedy directed with a subtle approach, at least at first. It includes superb set designs, a witty script and excellent performances. It also is a film that demands that you use your brain. The film is full of witty humor.
I give DR. STRANGELOVE or HOW I LEARNED TO STOP WORRYING AND LOVE THE BOMB an A+.