Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964)

: Hot Potato

Directed by: Stanley Kubrick
Starring: Peter Sellers, George C. Scott, Sterling Hayden

It was interesting to watch this movie, keeping in mind that it was released in 1964, and see how relevant it is to today. I guess that makes it timeless (unless anyone thinks we will ever eliminate nuclear power). Using satire, Kubrick hits you with a very serious subject indeed; the possibility of nuclear annihilation. I know, you’re thinking, “what’s funny about that?”, but it is the very absurdity of the idea…the realization that we have entrusted a very select few (who might just be idiots) with such power, that makes the use of humor so fitting. I had never seen George C. Scott in a comedic role, and I was surprised by how funny he can be, but my favorite character was the President, one of three characters played by Peter Sellers. His Dr. Strangelove character is more intentionally funny, but he plays the President in such a serious, yet pathetic way that I laughed more with him. Warning to all you Generation Y-ers, the film is in black & white – get over it. This one is worth it. It makes you see how ridiculous it is that we even have such a weapon, and that no one, not even the President of the United States, has enough power to stop things once Pandora is out of the box. It’s sobering…but Kubrick made it palatable, like those curly fries that are flavored and fun to play with as you eat.

-PotatoPatti