Today’s quick review: The Manchurian Candidate. Returning home from the Korean War, Major Bennett Marco (Frank Sinatra) is plagued by nightmares that suggest that Raymond Shaw (Laurence Harvey), an unpopular man in his unit, has been brainwashed by Communists. Investigating his suspicions, Bennett learns that Shaw is the perfect assassin: a war hero, the stepson of a US Senator, perfectly controllable, and unaware of his own programming.
The Manchurian Candidate is a Cold War political thriller. The Manchurian Candidate makes good on an interesting premise, spinning out the ramifications of a successful Communist brainwashing operation. Weighty and often tragic, the movie follows the two men closest to the investigation: Bennett Marco, whose accusations are met with skepticism, and Raymond Shaw, a disagreeable man trying to escape the control of his manipulative mother (Angela Lansbury).
The Manchurian Candidate is most notable for its memorable premise and its tense plot. Frank Sinatra makes for a capable underdog, a soldier discredited and driven to his wit’s end by a truth that proves difficult to confirm. Laurence Harvey cuts an oddly sympathetic figure as Raymond Shaw, whose disagreeable personality, scheming family, and hidden programming make him almost alone in a hostile world.
The Manchurian Candidate sets up a comprehensive and suitably intimidating political conspiracy for the two men to investigate. Though it drip-feeds the viewer moments of genuine progress, the movie keeps up the tinge of futility throughout. The events portrayed are much bigger than either of the men involved in them, and the film does a good job of cultivating a sensation of paranoia and helplessness.
The Manchurian Candidate does have its drawbacks. The inevitable, tragic tone of the movie dulls Bennett’s accomplishments and makes the story feel more passive than it actually is. The plot relies on coincidences in a few key places, although the bulk of it is logical and governed by the actions of its characters. The film also plays with Cold War politics, particularly the Red Scare, in ways that are effective but may not hold appeal for every viewer.
Fans of classic thrillers should give The Manchurian Candidate a shot. Its tense plot capitalizes on a strong premise and is backed by careful writing and a trio of impressive performances from Frank Sinatra, Laurence Harvey, and Angela Lansbury. Its heavy tone and sense of helplessness won’t please everyone; steer clear if you’re looking for a modern-style action thriller. For a classic thriller without the politics, check out North by Northwest.
8.0 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.5 for a tense premise and solid execution.