Dr. Strangelove: Matt Morosky
I think one of the most important issues to discuss when reviewing this film is that it is completely relevant in the world we live in today. It is a dark comedy, but the issues in the film are as serious as they can be. The technologies used in the film speak wonders about the current lack of human communication and knowledge on the possible effects of the weapons we have collectively created. My favorite scene is when Peter Sellers as the President calls the head of Russia to tell him what is going on. I feel that the use of the telephone makes it both hilarious and haunting at the same time. The technology is just shown as our creation that has become far too advanced for our lack of competence.
I think the film plays on cliches of both the military and the diplomats. George C. Scott is a very gung ho, pro-conflict kind of person while the President is far more concerned with his image and approval ratings. To say it is unfair to the entire military as a whole wouldn't be fair, because it does show the one rogue officer who creates this whole problem. I do find it interesting that he was American while the british officer was sensible and against what the American was doing. This could be a shot by Kubrick at the way he feels the American military is being run. As far as critics not getting it, I'm not quite sure I get it. I just know that the characters all seem to be walking cliches of what may have already been assumed by the outside world.
I do believe they're loveable lunatics and I think that is done by Kubrick to really force us the audience to take a look at ourselves and really , honestly look at how ridiculous we've become in terms of war and conquest. I think it says that we're in over our heads and that our creations will ultimately run us.
I find this type of storytelling very useful, just look at the daily show or other satirical programs...there is humor, but the issues are of great importance and nobody looks at them lightly, we just use humor as a way of dealing with issues that would otherwise keep us in tears 24/7. I believe that the final shots of the film are frightening and anyone who doesn't see that it is highly anti-Nuclear war is not really reading between the lines.