Dr. Strangelove (1964)
About This Movie
A deranged Air Force general orders a nuclear strike on the Soviet Union, and the President, his advisors, and a former Nazi scientist scramble to prevent the end of the world in a Pentagon war room that becomes a theater of absurdity. Stanley Kubrick took Cold War terror and turned it into the blackest, sharpest comedy ever made. You will laugh, and then feel uneasy about laughing.
Why It's a Classic
Kubrick originally planned to make a serious thriller about nuclear annihilation, but realized during the writing process that the logic of mutually assured destruction was inherently absurd. Peter Sellers plays three roles, each brilliant: the mild mannered President, the stiff British officer, and the titular wheelchair bound ex-Nazi whose arm keeps involuntarily snapping into a salute. George C. Scott's General Turgidson, who argues for 'acceptable losses' of twenty million dead, captures the insanity of military thinking with terrifying precision. The war room set, designed by Ken Adam, is one of the most iconic interiors in film history. The film's subtitle, 'How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb,' perfectly captures the gallows humor that runs through every frame.
Fun Fact
The original ending featured a pie fight in the war room, which was filmed but cut because Kubrick felt it undermined the tone. Peter Sellers was supposed to play a fourth role as the bomber pilot, but he injured his ankle and the part went to Slim Pickens, who was never told the film was a comedy and played his role completely straight. The famous line 'Gentlemen, you can't fight in here! This is the War Room!' was improvised by Sellers during shooting.
Parent Note
The film deals entirely with nuclear annihilation, which is played for dark comedy rather than horror. There are sexual innuendos throughout, including sight gags about the sexual psychology of militarism. No graphic violence or language. The satire is dense and requires some knowledge of Cold War politics to fully appreciate, making it most rewarding for older teens and adults.
Quick Facts
- Year
- 1964
- Type
- 🎬 Movie
- Category
- Comedy
- Age Group
- Adults (Ages 18+)