Wednesday, October 3, 2007

Imagined Futures in Sci-fi: Dr. Strangelove

I am taking a course called "Utopia/Dystopia: Imagined Futures in Sci-fi" which focuses on science fiction films from the fifties to the present. I will be writing a few words about each of the films I watch in class.

Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb
Directed by Stanley Kubrick
Released January 29, 1964

Kubrick's brilliant classic follows the escapades of three different Peter Sellers characters: an English officer trying to talk a crazed general out of his plan, the somber and serious President of the United States, and the bizarre but memorable Dr. Strangelove. This comedy is defined well by its second title. The arms race may have slowed and faded to the back of everyone's minds, but the threat of a doomsday machine and nuclear annihilation are still important themes. From the film's not-so-subtle character names (General Jack Ripper) and cowboy hat-wearing majors to the dark humor and theme, this is one great and probably timeless movie. Peter Sellers and George C. Scott spearhead a tremendous and amazing cast that will keep you laughing for quite some time.

A-

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