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I have mixed feelings about Stanley Kubrick. I’m intrigued by his work – and I just keep going back and watching more – yet I typically walk away wondering what the heck just happened. After all, Kubrick’s films make viewers think – and I usually prefer a nice, mindless escape.
Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb, however, is different. It’s not like the other Kubrick films I’ve seen. Perhaps it’s because it’s one of his early films – before he started making films that make my head spin (and hurt). Whatever the case, I liked it. I’m not saying it’s mindless – you will, however, understand it (kinda).
Dr. Strangelove tells the story of one big political blunder. A powerful, yet crazy, general (who’s under the impression that the communists are taking over Americans’ bodily fluids through the fluoride in drinking water) takes matters into his own hands and sends a fleet of bombers to the USSR. And he’s the only one who knows the secret code that can cancel the mission.
The president (Peter Sellers) meets with his officials to discuss the matter, and he decides to get the Russian ambassador – and the Soviet Premier – involved. That’s when the ambassador announces that the USSR has a Doomsday Device that will destroy life on Earth if it’s set off (and it will be if the bombers are successful in their mission).
Time’s running out…
Dr. Strangelove is an excellent film about politics, war, and nuclear destruction – and the people who control them all. It’s hilarious and satirical – with an obvious message. Definitely a classic that’s worth seeing. And if you get your hands on a copy of the DVD, be sure to check out the special features – there’s a great documentary about Kubrick’s early career.
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