I have seen “Dr. Strangelove” over 100 times which proves either I need to get a life or I have very good taste. I hope it’s the latter.
This is, quite simply, the most complete and the most brilliant film ever made. There is not one boring, poorly acted or superfluous scene in the entire movie. The performances are simply outstanding. Peter Sellers in his three roles is, as always, superlative. But George C. Scott, not generally noted for comedy, proves he is a comedic actor of the highest order.
Slim Pickens gives an absolutely hilarious performance as Major Kong. Watch how he takes his cowboy hat out of the safe, and his accent when he delivers the classic line, “A fella could have a pretty good weekend in Vegas with all that stuff!”
Keenan Weenan delivers an absolutely dead-on performance as Bat Guano (“if that really is your name…”) and Kubrick somehow managed to drag a riveting performance out of Sterling Hayden, not normally known as any great shakes in the acting department.
This film is gorgeously directed, paced and is literally perfect. Watch particularly the lengthy scenes in the war room, with Sellers as President Muffley delivering his lines in a flat midwestern American accent to Dimitri, the fun-loving Russian premiere.
If you have never seen “Dr. Strangelove,” you’re in for a cinematic experience you’ll never forget. You can watch it dozens of times and still laugh, still appreciate the outstanding performances and marvel at this perfect motion picture.
Tags: Dr. Strangelove