“Gentlemen, you can’t fight in here! This is the War Room.” —President Muffley
Today’s quick review: Doctor Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb. When General Jack Ripper (Sterling Hayden) of the US Air Force decides to deploy his nuclear bombers to attack Russia, he brings the world to the brink of nuclear war. Deep beneath the Pentagon, President Muffley (Peter Sellers) and his advisor General Buck Turgidson (George C. Scott) scramble to get the situation under control.
Doctor Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb is a Cold War-era satire from director Stanley Kubrick. Doctor Strangelove is a dark and deeply cynical look at the nuclear arms race that skewers the military, the government, and nuclear war itself. Featuring a talented comedic cast, an absurd tone, and iconic moments throughout, the movie is a pointed, topical classic that sums up the worst fears of the Cold War.
Doctor Strangelove sets up an elaborate but disturbingly plausible worst-case scenario for the world’s nuclear superpowers. A deluded general launches a attack that will trigger nuclear war, and the attempts to recall it are thwarted by the military’s own anti-Soviet security mechanisms. The result is a catastrophe in slow motion, a comedy of errors where every passing moment brings the world closer to destruction.
Doctor Strangelove is a movie steeped in absurdity. Peter Sellers throws himself into three roles with gusto: the hapless Captain Mandrake, the ineffectual President Muffley, and the odd Dr. Strangelove. George C. Scott plays General Turgidson, whose misguided patriotism and boisterous personality are an active hinderance. Slim Pickens plays Major Kong, a bomber pilot determined to deliver his payload, while Sterling Hayden plays the unhinged General Ripper.
As a result of these colorful characters and their inane behavior, the situation moves from bad to worse. Doctor Strangelove masters the sinking feeling; each new development is another mark against the parties responsible. At the same time, the movie peppers in enough farcical silliness to keep the tone from being too dour. Doctor Strangelove very deliberately sets up a situation where the only rational reaction is to sit back and laugh.
Watch Doctor Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb if you enjoy black comedies, take a wry view on the military, or simply haven’t seen it yet. The film is worth checking out if only for its reputation, but its unusual tone, sound writing, strong comedic performances, and creative satire make it a worthy choice on substance as well. Skip it if you are looking for a more conventional comedy or a proper nuclear thriller.
8.5 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.5 for sharp and well-delivered satire; your score will be higher depending on how well you like the humor.