I didn't quite understand all of the jokes, but I enjoyed this movie enormously. It is essentially one of the best satirical comedies out there. Peter Sellers was hilarious here in no less than 3 roles. My personal favourite was the president. My favourite line of the film is actually in the title of this review, as Dad and I watched this at midnight and couldn't stop laughing. I loved Sellers also as the man in the wheelchair Strangelove, who tries to impersonate Hitler, I think. There was a brilliant performance from fine actor George C. Scott, who I really admire. I personally think there isn't enough of these two stars on television, I really don't. I noticed a young James Earl Jones too, and the camera-work and direction were both excellent. Got to love the music, I did, a bit ironic, but that was the intention. Great movie! 9/10. Bethany Cox
1,117 Reviews
It's still such an interesting and unique film.
Sleepin_Dragon17 September 2023
A somewhat unhinged US General goes rogue, and orders a bombing raid on The Soviet Union. His actions send The War Room into a panic, various personalities clash, as they try to avoid a nuclear holocaust.
I have really enjoyed reading the reviews, especially the numerous 10 star reviews, it's clear that this film is loved my many, personally I enjoyed it, I'd say it's a very good film, I'm not sure I see it as a great.
When it comes to Kubrick I still think 2001 is my favourite, followed by Clockwork Orange.
The acting is phenomenal, Peter Sellers gives one of his best (and let's be honest there are many) ever performances, he is phenomenal, each character he plays is so different.
I enjoyed the cleverness of it, it's very sharp and witty, I thought some of the laughs were a little flat, and at times it was just a little too clever for its own good.
I loved the visuals, it looks so sharp and polished, the black and white fits the story incredibly well.
How gloriously unexpected that moment where Dame Vera Lynn comes blasting out with we'll meet again.
Sellers is a joy to watch.
7/10.
I have really enjoyed reading the reviews, especially the numerous 10 star reviews, it's clear that this film is loved my many, personally I enjoyed it, I'd say it's a very good film, I'm not sure I see it as a great.
When it comes to Kubrick I still think 2001 is my favourite, followed by Clockwork Orange.
The acting is phenomenal, Peter Sellers gives one of his best (and let's be honest there are many) ever performances, he is phenomenal, each character he plays is so different.
I enjoyed the cleverness of it, it's very sharp and witty, I thought some of the laughs were a little flat, and at times it was just a little too clever for its own good.
I loved the visuals, it looks so sharp and polished, the black and white fits the story incredibly well.
How gloriously unexpected that moment where Dame Vera Lynn comes blasting out with we'll meet again.
Sellers is a joy to watch.
7/10.
Extremely entertaining
bertrambuchert18 July 2020
This movie had humor to an intelligent extent and was one of the most entertaining "older" movies. The story was told nice with cuts from the war room, mandrakes story, and the flight. A very linear composition but filled with humor and action. I still love the iconic scene where "yee haw" is being screamed while riding nuclear weapon. ICONIC!
Sharp and outrageously entertaining
gogoschka-126 December 2013
I never really bought into the Kubrick hype. I mean: don't get me wrong; I like all of his films very much - but to me, they all feel somewhat over-constructed and lack a natural flow. And then I finally got to see 'Dr.Strangelove'. Wow. What a terrific, pitch black satire. This film is so wild and mean and funny - and Peter Sellers gives THE performance of his career. Unlike in any of Kubrick's later works, there's a sense of playfulness here that gives the whole movie a crazy kind of energy; I'm guessing that Seller's love for improvisation forced Kubrick to ditch his usual perfectionism to a certain degree (and the film is all the better for it). Sharp, outrageously entertaining comedy/satire by one of the most revered directors of the past century. 10 out of 10.
Favorite films: http://www.IMDb.com/list/mkjOKvqlSBs/
Lesser-known Masterpieces: http://www.imdb.com/list/ls070242495/
Favorite Low-Budget and B-Movies: http://www.imdb.com/list/ls054808375/
Favorite TV-Shows reviewed: http://www.imdb.com/list/ls075552387/
Favorite films: http://www.IMDb.com/list/mkjOKvqlSBs/
Lesser-known Masterpieces: http://www.imdb.com/list/ls070242495/
Favorite Low-Budget and B-Movies: http://www.imdb.com/list/ls054808375/
Favorite TV-Shows reviewed: http://www.imdb.com/list/ls075552387/
"Gentlemen, you can't fight in here! This is the War Room."
elvircorhodzic29 July 2017
Warning: Spoilers
DR. STRANGELOVE.... is a satirical black comedy or rather an ironic approach to decisions and information in the Cold War madness. The smart choice is the mother of all wisdom. It is loosely based on Peter George's novel "Red Alert".
A crazy American general has ordered, due a bizarre reason, a nuclear attack on the Soviet Union. A bit absentminded captain has realized that a general has lost his mind. Meanwhile, a President meets with his top Pentagon advisors, including a passionate super-hawk general, who sees this as an opportunity to do something about Communism in general and Russians in particular. However, the Russians have an "automatic" response...
This film loses all touch with the reality on the one side, and yet, it directly affects an image of a disturbed political reality on the other side. The irony stems from human stupidity, irresponsibility, suspicion and arrogance. Mr. Kubrick has created a satirical hopeless situation, through a conflict of mentality and a sense of patriotism, after which, a bizarre - moral winner rises. The highlight of satire is that world diplomacy rejects itself on multiple occasions.
However, there is a lot of questions. Why give so much power in hands of a few people? One of them, I mean all, are mostly crazy. Why use energy resources to build nuclear weapons? Probably because we do not have better things to do. Is it wise to make fun of a defense system of the strongest force in the world? Of course it is, one day, we have to stop being afraid of each other.
That's why this film is a satirical warning in an universal time, because we live in a time of a political satire with very serious consequences.
I am thrilled with a fact that this film does not have a trace of cynicism. Of course, there is plenty of satire, sarcasm, irony, perhaps exaggerated caricature, but there is no cynicism. Mr. Kubrick, you're a genius! The characterization is excellent.
Peter Sellers (Captain Lionel Mandrake, President Merkin Muffley and Dr. Strangelove, the wheelchair-using nuclear war expert and former Nazi) is simply awesome as a kind of voice of reason, incompetence and insanity at the same time. It is a strange kind of patriot, savior and avenger.
Sterling Hayden (Brigadier General Jack D. Ripper) is a paranoid ultra-nationalist, who shows his madness through a serious facial expression.
George C. Scott (General Buck Turgidson) is the personification of chauvinism. He expresses his anger and paranoia of communism in a very comical way.
A crazy American general has ordered, due a bizarre reason, a nuclear attack on the Soviet Union. A bit absentminded captain has realized that a general has lost his mind. Meanwhile, a President meets with his top Pentagon advisors, including a passionate super-hawk general, who sees this as an opportunity to do something about Communism in general and Russians in particular. However, the Russians have an "automatic" response...
This film loses all touch with the reality on the one side, and yet, it directly affects an image of a disturbed political reality on the other side. The irony stems from human stupidity, irresponsibility, suspicion and arrogance. Mr. Kubrick has created a satirical hopeless situation, through a conflict of mentality and a sense of patriotism, after which, a bizarre - moral winner rises. The highlight of satire is that world diplomacy rejects itself on multiple occasions.
However, there is a lot of questions. Why give so much power in hands of a few people? One of them, I mean all, are mostly crazy. Why use energy resources to build nuclear weapons? Probably because we do not have better things to do. Is it wise to make fun of a defense system of the strongest force in the world? Of course it is, one day, we have to stop being afraid of each other.
That's why this film is a satirical warning in an universal time, because we live in a time of a political satire with very serious consequences.
I am thrilled with a fact that this film does not have a trace of cynicism. Of course, there is plenty of satire, sarcasm, irony, perhaps exaggerated caricature, but there is no cynicism. Mr. Kubrick, you're a genius! The characterization is excellent.
Peter Sellers (Captain Lionel Mandrake, President Merkin Muffley and Dr. Strangelove, the wheelchair-using nuclear war expert and former Nazi) is simply awesome as a kind of voice of reason, incompetence and insanity at the same time. It is a strange kind of patriot, savior and avenger.
Sterling Hayden (Brigadier General Jack D. Ripper) is a paranoid ultra-nationalist, who shows his madness through a serious facial expression.
George C. Scott (General Buck Turgidson) is the personification of chauvinism. He expresses his anger and paranoia of communism in a very comical way.
Russians In The War Room
francozeff17 May 2017
Spectacular and chilling to watch Dr. Strangelove in May 16, 2017. I'm not going to talk about prophecy not even coincidence. Art has a way to warn, express or simply entertain in a way that its relevance will always be renewed. That opening with George C Scott's secretary, in her underwear, answering the phone for her boss in the most professional tone imaginable, is a masterful way to introduce us to the normal absurdity we're about to embark on. Terry Southern's extraordinary script (sharing credit with Peter George and Stanley Kubrick himself) is a masterpiece of intention and execution. The film doesn't have a moment of emptiness nor a single cheap shot. Everything works with the irrational logic of tradition and set standards. How can something so serious and ultimately terrifying can be so funny. I think that's the definition of film art. I don't want to sound pompous but that's exactly how I feel. I've seen a 1966 movie by Stanley Kubrick in 2017 that's better, more relevant, ingenious and even revolutionary than anything we've seen in a long, long time. Peter Sellers, fantastic three times over (and he was also going to play the Slim Pickens part) George C Scott in one of the greatest comic performances ever put on film and Sterling Hayden in a frighteningly credible show of abuse of power, complete the pleasures of this remarkable film.
Laughing at Fear
Sickfrog14 August 1998
What makes this film so powerful is the message that it made at the time of its release. This film came out at a height of paranoia of the nuclear age and the Cold War, right around the time of the Cuban Missile Crisis. This film depicts a horrible, tragic incident in which a breach in the government and a few diplomatic mistakes result in nuclear holocaust. So, why didn't this film inspire panic? Because of the brilliant way in which Kubrick presents it... as a satire. The scariest thing about this film in retrospect is not how it depicts the impending doom of the Cold War, but how it makes you laugh at it. By presenting it with humor, it conveys just how much of a farce the nuclear arms race was in real life. And I don't think that any other film has captured the absurdity of war nearly as well as this one has. And I am not likely to believe that one ever will. In my opinion, Kubrick has never made a better film since. And kudos to George C. Scott for his astounding performance, as well as Peter Sellers for the most versatile acting I've seen from an actor in one film, and to Sterling Hayden, for performing the most serious, yet the most hilarious role in film with perfect accuracy. Beware of fluoridation!
Frighteningly hilarious
archyon14 October 2000
This movie is possibly the best comedy ever made, only with one fact against it: it's not very "comical". Hilarious? Yes. Comical? Absolutely not. The horrors of the nuclear war caused by a simple mistake materialize before us, directed with skill by the late maestro, Kubrick.
There are simply not enough words to describe Peter Sellers's BRILLIANT performance in three roles: A british officer, the U.S president and Dr. Strangelove. He is hilarious as the british officer, with his wonderful accent, gloomy and neurotic as the president and simply insane as Dr. Strangelove.
Also note that this movie includes a performance by very young James Earl Jones, who we now all know as the voice behind Darth Vader.
The ending scene is also a masterpiece.
There are simply not enough words to describe Peter Sellers's BRILLIANT performance in three roles: A british officer, the U.S president and Dr. Strangelove. He is hilarious as the british officer, with his wonderful accent, gloomy and neurotic as the president and simply insane as Dr. Strangelove.
Also note that this movie includes a performance by very young James Earl Jones, who we now all know as the voice behind Darth Vader.
The ending scene is also a masterpiece.
Truly, an incredible and innovative movie
Ignorant Bastard26 June 2001
Stanley Kubrick's first and only comedic masterpiece is still the finest ever made. I love everything in the movie: the brilliant acting, sensational script, flawless direction, and even those quirky visual effects. Not only was this film hilarious, it was a breakthrough for the entire film industry when first released. In addition to it's amazing satirical basis, the film also played a major role in how films were advertised and marketed... as if Peter Seller's performance wasn't enough! The sets were also very convincing and just plain great! So realistic in fact, that the FBI almost investigated how they got the B-52 Bomber replicated to near perfection!
In the end, 'Dr. Strangelove: or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb' is the best comedy. It's also another milestone in film making and another reason to be astonished when looking at the work of Stanley Kubrick.
An obvious perfect ***** / *****
In the end, 'Dr. Strangelove: or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb' is the best comedy. It's also another milestone in film making and another reason to be astonished when looking at the work of Stanley Kubrick.
An obvious perfect ***** / *****
The only movie that makes you laugh at the end of the world.
Boba_Fett11381 October 2005
Warning: Spoilers
This movie is absolutely brilliant! It might not be THE best movie ever made but it certainly is one of the most entertaining and fun movies ever made. It isn't even Kubrick's best but it certainly is perhaps his most accessible and entertaining movie.
The movie its story and humor are subtle and perfectly makes fun of the whole Cold War situation in the '60's. With some subtle dialog Kubrick perfectly makes fun of a very serious and relevant topic. I mean, the story of this movie isn't that unlikely and could had actually really happened. As a matter of fact, it could still happen today. It's frightening but thanks to Kubrick's directing the movie never really becomes serious and remains fun, hilarious and entertaining from beginning till end. It is the only movie that makes you laugh at the end of the world.
The actors are also what makes this movie fun to watch. Peter Sellers is nothing short of brilliant in the three different roles that he plays; Group Captain (G/C) Lionel Mandrake/President Merkin Muffley/Dr. Strangelove. But also George C. Scott is comically brilliant in this movie as Gen. 'Buck' Turgidson and he perhaps plays his very best role. Other actors that stood out were; Slim Pickens and Peter Bull. This movie also marks James Earl Jones his very first appearance in a movie.
This is perhaps the most subtle and 'darkest' comedies ever made. Everything about it is shear brilliance and even now 40 years later, it hasn't lost any of its power. The movie still looks like it could had been made a couple of months ago. A movie that will never feel outdated or too 'old fashioned' to watch. In 50 years from now, this movie will be just as good and hilarious, as it is now. Mark my words.
The movie is filled with some truly classic long sequences and has countless unforgettable moments and dialog in it. Especially the last sequence, involving Dr Strangelove, is absolutely priceless and unforgettable.
Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant!
10/10
http://bobafett1138.blogspot.com/
The movie its story and humor are subtle and perfectly makes fun of the whole Cold War situation in the '60's. With some subtle dialog Kubrick perfectly makes fun of a very serious and relevant topic. I mean, the story of this movie isn't that unlikely and could had actually really happened. As a matter of fact, it could still happen today. It's frightening but thanks to Kubrick's directing the movie never really becomes serious and remains fun, hilarious and entertaining from beginning till end. It is the only movie that makes you laugh at the end of the world.
The actors are also what makes this movie fun to watch. Peter Sellers is nothing short of brilliant in the three different roles that he plays; Group Captain (G/C) Lionel Mandrake/President Merkin Muffley/Dr. Strangelove. But also George C. Scott is comically brilliant in this movie as Gen. 'Buck' Turgidson and he perhaps plays his very best role. Other actors that stood out were; Slim Pickens and Peter Bull. This movie also marks James Earl Jones his very first appearance in a movie.
This is perhaps the most subtle and 'darkest' comedies ever made. Everything about it is shear brilliance and even now 40 years later, it hasn't lost any of its power. The movie still looks like it could had been made a couple of months ago. A movie that will never feel outdated or too 'old fashioned' to watch. In 50 years from now, this movie will be just as good and hilarious, as it is now. Mark my words.
The movie is filled with some truly classic long sequences and has countless unforgettable moments and dialog in it. Especially the last sequence, involving Dr Strangelove, is absolutely priceless and unforgettable.
Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant!
10/10
http://bobafett1138.blogspot.com/
Just didn't do it for me
kaiser4416 January 2005
Warning: Spoilers
I really wanted to like this movie. Sometimes Peter Sellers makes me laugh and sometimes I just think the way he plays the characters are too OTT.
This movie is currently No.16 of all time and I just don't get it. Yes I know its a black comedy and your not necessarily supposed to be laughing out loud but for pity's sake a black comedy is still supposed to be funny.
The first 30 minutes of the film passed without any comedy at all in my opinion. It then turned slightly more comical but an all time classic. Not for me. The only line that I can really recall was the 'no fighting, this is the war room'. That raised a smirk.
Maybe this film worked well 41 years ago when it would have been controversial indeed but in these days there's just not enough there.
The Dr. Strangelove character was worst of all. I felt like I was watching an episode of The Young Ones or something.
Overall an okay way to spend a couple of hours, but oh so disappointing.
I score it a 6
This movie is currently No.16 of all time and I just don't get it. Yes I know its a black comedy and your not necessarily supposed to be laughing out loud but for pity's sake a black comedy is still supposed to be funny.
The first 30 minutes of the film passed without any comedy at all in my opinion. It then turned slightly more comical but an all time classic. Not for me. The only line that I can really recall was the 'no fighting, this is the war room'. That raised a smirk.
Maybe this film worked well 41 years ago when it would have been controversial indeed but in these days there's just not enough there.
The Dr. Strangelove character was worst of all. I felt like I was watching an episode of The Young Ones or something.
Overall an okay way to spend a couple of hours, but oh so disappointing.
I score it a 6
The Ultimate Black Comedy
justusmcqueen16 February 2001
Few films are able to take a deadly serious issue and place it within the context of a broad comedy successfully. Dr. Strangelove does exactly that. Kubrick's masterpiece illustrates in brilliant fashion the idiocy of nuclear war and the idiots who are orchestrating it. What strikes one most however in this cinematic gem are the individual characterisations of Sellers, Scott, Hayden and Pickens. To refer to them as memorable roles is a gross understatement. With names such as President Merkin Muffley, General "Buck" Turgidson, General Jack D. Ripper and Major T.J. "King" Kong, you know that these characters will not be soon forgotten. Other features of the film such as the remarkably designed "war room" set, the hand-held camera techniques employed by Kubrick and the black and white cinematography of Gilbert Taylor only add to the power and impact of "Strangelove." Quite simply, the greatest American film by the greatest American director.
...I don't get it
cartesianthought16 May 2016
Yeah. It was funny. It was entertaining. It's not a bad movie by any means. I think Kubrick did a great job with the visuals and the settings.
Beyond that, it's not very dramatic or suspenseful. There's not much depth or intellect. I laughed modestly a few times, but mostly, the humor consists of lazy military stereotypes. The premise was interesting. I could've done with less cockpit and gun firing scenes. Perhaps the general and his descent into madness could've used more fleshing out. I don't know. It feels like it's missing something.
Maybe it's one of these meme movies like Napoleon Dynamite that you either "get" or you don't.
Beyond that, it's not very dramatic or suspenseful. There's not much depth or intellect. I laughed modestly a few times, but mostly, the humor consists of lazy military stereotypes. The premise was interesting. I could've done with less cockpit and gun firing scenes. Perhaps the general and his descent into madness could've used more fleshing out. I don't know. It feels like it's missing something.
Maybe it's one of these meme movies like Napoleon Dynamite that you either "get" or you don't.
I'm glad Kubrick gave up on comedy
Bored_Dragon4 November 2018
I understood sarcasm and the message this movie brings, but the idea doesn't make a good movie. This was one of the most boring movies I have ever seen, and I've seen thousands. In what universe this may pass as a comedy?! Besides a few mediocre jokes, most of it wasn't funny at all. I barely endured to the end and I wouldn't watch it again even if my life depended on it. For entertainment qualities I would rate it zero out of ten, but because the essential idea is good I'll compromise with
4,5/10
4,5/10
Still laughing, long past the end credits...
TBJCSKCNRRQTreviews22 December 2004
Who'd have thought that Kubrick had such a great sense of humor? I mean, in most of his films, there are snippets of humor, and Barry Lyndon has a definite irony, but I hadn't expected him to be able to direct such a hilarious and thoroughly entertaining comedy. I had known for a while that this was the highest rated Kubrick film here on IMDb, so naturally, I was excited to find out if it was really his best film. Even though I haven't seen Lolita, Spartacus, Eyes Wide Shut or his first few films(the shorts he made before his feature), and even though I thoroughly enjoyed his other films, this very well may be his best film. Made in a period of time where the thought of nuclear war was a terrifying idea, that was believed to be a reasonable fear, the film takes this idea and turns it around, makes us laugh at it. The film was made during the Cold War, which must have taken quite a lot of guts on Kubrick's side... then again, he did start out, intending to make a thriller/suspense film about the subject, but ultimately realized that a comedy with a lighthearted look on the situation would be a better idea. So, he turned the idea of impending doom from nuclear holocaust into a black comedy. Personally, I think he did a damn good job of it. I haven't laughed that hard and for so long at any one time for quite a while... in fact, I might never have. The comedy isn't overplayed, in fact most of it is presented in a dead-pan, matter-of-fact-like type of way... what's even more hilarious is that the better part of it is completely accurate. No dumb stereotypes, no old clichés... just logic and simple, good old-fashioned observation. The plot is excellent, and very well-paced. In my opinion, Kubrick's most well-paced film. The plot takes off almost immediately and moves at a great pace throughout the film. The acting is flawless. Absolutely flawless. Not something completely unusual for a Kubrick film, but still. George C. Scott and Peter Sellers are amazing. Normally, I'm not too fond of Sellers, but here he was brilliant. The characters are well-written, diverse and interesting. The cinematography is great. Just like Kubrick's other films, this one has some very memorable scenes, one of which(the bomb-riding sequence) has been referenced and spoofed a huge number of times... possibly more times than any other sequence in Kubrick's films, which is quite impressive. The dialog is well-written, well-delivered and memorable. Plenty of quotable lines. I can't really say much more about the movie without ruining one or more of the innumerable great jokes... so I'll just suggest you see it. Seriously, if you enjoy Kubrick's sense of humor as seen limited in his other movies, you're going to enjoy this film. Maybe not as much as I did, but you'll most likely laugh. A lot. I recommend this to any fan of Kubrick, black comedies, Peter Sellers or just comedies with a dark basic theme to watch this. I can't praise it enough. See it, unless you are offended by the themes the film presents. You won't regret it. I know I didn't. Not by a long shot. Hilarious film with a provocative plot and basic idea. 10/10
This gets better with repeated viewings--what a film!
planktonrules15 November 2006
I saw this film originally when I was about 12 and I wasn't super-impressed by it--particularly since my father was a bit like George C. Scott's character in the film!! However, years later (long after the threat from nuclear annihilation from the Soviet Union has greatly diminished), I was a lot older and experienced and thought the film was brilliant--and not the "Commie Plot" my Dad had envisioned!
The film features some amazing performances that are absolutely mesmerizing. Sterling Hayden is excellent as the schizophrenic general that orders a first strike on the USSR--he's gruff, weird but pretty believable. However, his performance is unfortunately overshadowed by two other actors. My favorite of these was George C. Scott. Although he didn't need to do the amazing multiple roles that Peter Sellers did (the man was AMAZING), the one character he played was hilarious and chilling. He was the Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff and you just have to see and hear him to believe him. Although technically NOT schizophrenic like Hayden, he was a totally insane general that actually seemed to look forward to a nuclear war with the "!@&%@# Ruskies!". His swagger and bravado was perfectly balanced with all the truly stupid things the character unintentionally said--again and again.
Now as for Sellers, he was such a great character actor but all too often, he was remembered more for Inspector Clousseau (a good character, but only one of MANY the man was capable of doing) or he was remembered for all the BAD movies he did in his lifetime. It seems for every great film he made (such as THE MOUSE THAT ROARED or BEING THERE), he also made crap (such as THE PRISONER OF ZENDA or THE FIENDISH PLOT OF FU MANCHU). His lack of discernment tended to hide his brilliance. And, in Dr. Strangelove he was absolutely brilliant--playing three totally different roles. As the British Colonel, he was quite believable and underplayed the role. As the President, he was a little more comical and yet pretty convincing. And, as Dr. Strangelove, he was an over-the-top ex-Nazi (not all that "ex" if you ask me) madman. The variety was stunning and almost without precedent--except for a very similar multiple role situation Sellers also played in 1959's THE MOUSE THAT ROARED--another brilliant comedy about nuclear war.
In addition to the great acting and writing, I do have to take my hat off to Stanley Kubrick. In past IMDb reviews, I was not particularly kind to several of his "masterpieces" (I am one of those who actually disliked 2001, CLOCKWORK ORANGE and BARRY LYNDON). However, I hope I am intellectually honest enough to view his films individually (PATHS OF GLORY, THE KILLING and SPARTACUS were wonderful).
The bottom line is that this is a great film and can be enjoyed by anyone who has a decent handle on world events and history. Unfortunately, for a generation that now is at times obsessed with Paris Hilton and SURVIVOR, I also believe that the film is quickly becoming one that is simply beyond the capacity of many to even comprehend, as they can't even remember the past and have no trouble living that way.
The film features some amazing performances that are absolutely mesmerizing. Sterling Hayden is excellent as the schizophrenic general that orders a first strike on the USSR--he's gruff, weird but pretty believable. However, his performance is unfortunately overshadowed by two other actors. My favorite of these was George C. Scott. Although he didn't need to do the amazing multiple roles that Peter Sellers did (the man was AMAZING), the one character he played was hilarious and chilling. He was the Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff and you just have to see and hear him to believe him. Although technically NOT schizophrenic like Hayden, he was a totally insane general that actually seemed to look forward to a nuclear war with the "!@&%@# Ruskies!". His swagger and bravado was perfectly balanced with all the truly stupid things the character unintentionally said--again and again.
Now as for Sellers, he was such a great character actor but all too often, he was remembered more for Inspector Clousseau (a good character, but only one of MANY the man was capable of doing) or he was remembered for all the BAD movies he did in his lifetime. It seems for every great film he made (such as THE MOUSE THAT ROARED or BEING THERE), he also made crap (such as THE PRISONER OF ZENDA or THE FIENDISH PLOT OF FU MANCHU). His lack of discernment tended to hide his brilliance. And, in Dr. Strangelove he was absolutely brilliant--playing three totally different roles. As the British Colonel, he was quite believable and underplayed the role. As the President, he was a little more comical and yet pretty convincing. And, as Dr. Strangelove, he was an over-the-top ex-Nazi (not all that "ex" if you ask me) madman. The variety was stunning and almost without precedent--except for a very similar multiple role situation Sellers also played in 1959's THE MOUSE THAT ROARED--another brilliant comedy about nuclear war.
In addition to the great acting and writing, I do have to take my hat off to Stanley Kubrick. In past IMDb reviews, I was not particularly kind to several of his "masterpieces" (I am one of those who actually disliked 2001, CLOCKWORK ORANGE and BARRY LYNDON). However, I hope I am intellectually honest enough to view his films individually (PATHS OF GLORY, THE KILLING and SPARTACUS were wonderful).
The bottom line is that this is a great film and can be enjoyed by anyone who has a decent handle on world events and history. Unfortunately, for a generation that now is at times obsessed with Paris Hilton and SURVIVOR, I also believe that the film is quickly becoming one that is simply beyond the capacity of many to even comprehend, as they can't even remember the past and have no trouble living that way.
"You can't fight in here. This is the war room."
jlspenc-846305 March 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Although the Cold War has been over for more than thirty years, Stanley Kubrick's DR STRANGELOVE, OR HOW I LEARNED TO STOP WORRYING AND LOVE THE BOMB never ceases to be relevant. Kubrick made this masterpiece at a time when tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union were at an all-time high, with recent memories of the Berlin Wall's construction, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the worsening situation in Vietnam. DR STRANGELOVE has been analyzed and written about almost to death since its release in 1964. Even the adjective Strangeloveian has been appropriated in numerous political articles and essays.
Long concerned about the possibility of nuclear confrontation, Kubrick believed that a truly great motion picture could be harvested from that nightmarish scenario. He pondered several stories concerning thermonuclear war before coming across the book "Red Alert" by Peter George. Kubrick quickly bought the rights and then proceeded to work on a screenplay with the author.
Originally intended as a serious drama, the project began to take on comedic proportions during one marathon brainstorming session. Mentally exhausted, Kubrick and George's mood took on overtones of silliness, and that's when DR STRANGELOVE evolved from its deadly serious significance to that of a comedy, albeit a dark one. To help out with the satire, they brought on bohemian essayist Terry Southern, whose iconoclastic brand of humor would smooth out the script's rougher edges.
Kubrick already worked with Peter Sellers on LOLITA and was highly impressed with the chameleonic actor's comic timing and improvisational skills. Although Sellers played three different roles in STRANGELOVE ~the U. S. President, a Royal Air Force captain, and the title character~ Kubrick wanted him to take on at least one more. Sellers managed to master the Texas drawl of Air Force Major Kong, but just before he was due to shoot his scenes inside the B-52 cockpit, he broke his leg. Slim Pickens was brought in to replace him.
DR STRANGELOVE opens at Burlpelson Air Force base, commanded by the amusingly named General Jack D Ripper 😆. Executive officer Captain Lionel Mandrake is contacted by his boss, who informs him that the base is to be put on red alert immediately. Apparently, the Russians have begun launching an attack on the United States, which will require a retaliatory response from the airborne planes already flying over the Arctic. Ripper orders Mandrake to issue the attack codes to the aircraft, followed by the standard procedure of sealing off Burlpelson.
Meanwhile, in Washington DC, General Buck Turgidson (George C Scott), the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is in the process of doing something....uh, personal when he receives a call from an aide, alerting him about Ripper's actions. Turgidson convenes an emergency meeting at the Pentagon war room to inform the President about Ripper's impending military strikes against the Russians.
Back at Burlpelson, Mandrake becomes increasingly aware that something is amiss. Putting two and two together, he's now convinced that the Soviet Union is not attacking America after all. It's only after taking his suspicions to Ripper that he realizes his fanatically anti-communist boss ordered the strike on his own hardline volition. And this madman is the only person who knows the three letter recall code!!!!
There are many memorable moments in DR STRANGELOVE, but my personal favorite is the the hotline conversation where the President is about to inform the Soviet Premier of the rogue general's actions. "Well, what happened is, one of our base commanders had a sort of....well, he went a little funny in the head. You know, just a little....funny. And he went and did a silly thing. Well, I'll tell you. He ordered his planes....to attack your country ". Sellers reportedly improvised much of that monologue with the perfectionist director's enthusiastic approval.
It's not all dark laughs however. There's a serious military confrontation between Ripper's men and the troops ordered by the President to seize Burlpelson and take the general into custody. As bullets are whizzing around and destroying his office, Ripper casually rambles on about Communist plots to "sap and impurify all of our precious bodily fluids", while Mandrake desperately tries to pry the recall code from his mad boss
When I first saw DR STRANGELOVE in the Eighties, I thought it was somewhat farcical, particularly the scene with Ripper's water flouridation monologue. I only discovered much later about these John Birch Society types in America's non-intellectual elite that actually fell for those farfetched conspiracy theories. Alex Jones would certainly have fitted in. These people were so far to the right they believed Eisenhower was a communist sympathizer. Kubrick was obviously well informed and well read on the politics of the day.
People watching DR STRANGELOVE for the first time should be cautioned that it's nowhere in the same comedic vein as Sellers' Pink Panther movies. They're likely to go in with preconceived slapstick notions and then become disappointed with the final result. The best advice I can offer is to watch DR STRANGELOVE from a dramatically serious viewpoint, as you would with FAIL SAFE....and then allow the darkly comic moments to unfold organically.
Sellers gives his greatest performance (s) in the multiple roles, especially as the creepy Strangelove, an ex-Nazi scientist and architect of the Doomsday machine. Scott is his match as Turgidson, a general nearly as unhinged as Ripper.
A special tip of the hat should be gestured to the work done by production designer Ken Adam. In addition to the splendid layout of the war room, Adam found the construction of the B-52 cockpit just as challenging. With no clear idea of what the interior of a modern fighter plane looked like, and no cooperation forthcoming from the U. S. Air Force, Adam had to rely on his imagination....and a partial photograph inside a book jacket. He later recalled that Air Force officials were invited to the STRANGELOVE set in England, and their ashen reaction to his design indicated that Adam's recreation was spot on.
Like good wine, there's just a handful of movies that improve with age. DR STRANGELOVE is one of them. 🔚
Long concerned about the possibility of nuclear confrontation, Kubrick believed that a truly great motion picture could be harvested from that nightmarish scenario. He pondered several stories concerning thermonuclear war before coming across the book "Red Alert" by Peter George. Kubrick quickly bought the rights and then proceeded to work on a screenplay with the author.
Originally intended as a serious drama, the project began to take on comedic proportions during one marathon brainstorming session. Mentally exhausted, Kubrick and George's mood took on overtones of silliness, and that's when DR STRANGELOVE evolved from its deadly serious significance to that of a comedy, albeit a dark one. To help out with the satire, they brought on bohemian essayist Terry Southern, whose iconoclastic brand of humor would smooth out the script's rougher edges.
Kubrick already worked with Peter Sellers on LOLITA and was highly impressed with the chameleonic actor's comic timing and improvisational skills. Although Sellers played three different roles in STRANGELOVE ~the U. S. President, a Royal Air Force captain, and the title character~ Kubrick wanted him to take on at least one more. Sellers managed to master the Texas drawl of Air Force Major Kong, but just before he was due to shoot his scenes inside the B-52 cockpit, he broke his leg. Slim Pickens was brought in to replace him.
DR STRANGELOVE opens at Burlpelson Air Force base, commanded by the amusingly named General Jack D Ripper 😆. Executive officer Captain Lionel Mandrake is contacted by his boss, who informs him that the base is to be put on red alert immediately. Apparently, the Russians have begun launching an attack on the United States, which will require a retaliatory response from the airborne planes already flying over the Arctic. Ripper orders Mandrake to issue the attack codes to the aircraft, followed by the standard procedure of sealing off Burlpelson.
Meanwhile, in Washington DC, General Buck Turgidson (George C Scott), the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is in the process of doing something....uh, personal when he receives a call from an aide, alerting him about Ripper's actions. Turgidson convenes an emergency meeting at the Pentagon war room to inform the President about Ripper's impending military strikes against the Russians.
Back at Burlpelson, Mandrake becomes increasingly aware that something is amiss. Putting two and two together, he's now convinced that the Soviet Union is not attacking America after all. It's only after taking his suspicions to Ripper that he realizes his fanatically anti-communist boss ordered the strike on his own hardline volition. And this madman is the only person who knows the three letter recall code!!!!
There are many memorable moments in DR STRANGELOVE, but my personal favorite is the the hotline conversation where the President is about to inform the Soviet Premier of the rogue general's actions. "Well, what happened is, one of our base commanders had a sort of....well, he went a little funny in the head. You know, just a little....funny. And he went and did a silly thing. Well, I'll tell you. He ordered his planes....to attack your country ". Sellers reportedly improvised much of that monologue with the perfectionist director's enthusiastic approval.
It's not all dark laughs however. There's a serious military confrontation between Ripper's men and the troops ordered by the President to seize Burlpelson and take the general into custody. As bullets are whizzing around and destroying his office, Ripper casually rambles on about Communist plots to "sap and impurify all of our precious bodily fluids", while Mandrake desperately tries to pry the recall code from his mad boss
When I first saw DR STRANGELOVE in the Eighties, I thought it was somewhat farcical, particularly the scene with Ripper's water flouridation monologue. I only discovered much later about these John Birch Society types in America's non-intellectual elite that actually fell for those farfetched conspiracy theories. Alex Jones would certainly have fitted in. These people were so far to the right they believed Eisenhower was a communist sympathizer. Kubrick was obviously well informed and well read on the politics of the day.
People watching DR STRANGELOVE for the first time should be cautioned that it's nowhere in the same comedic vein as Sellers' Pink Panther movies. They're likely to go in with preconceived slapstick notions and then become disappointed with the final result. The best advice I can offer is to watch DR STRANGELOVE from a dramatically serious viewpoint, as you would with FAIL SAFE....and then allow the darkly comic moments to unfold organically.
Sellers gives his greatest performance (s) in the multiple roles, especially as the creepy Strangelove, an ex-Nazi scientist and architect of the Doomsday machine. Scott is his match as Turgidson, a general nearly as unhinged as Ripper.
A special tip of the hat should be gestured to the work done by production designer Ken Adam. In addition to the splendid layout of the war room, Adam found the construction of the B-52 cockpit just as challenging. With no clear idea of what the interior of a modern fighter plane looked like, and no cooperation forthcoming from the U. S. Air Force, Adam had to rely on his imagination....and a partial photograph inside a book jacket. He later recalled that Air Force officials were invited to the STRANGELOVE set in England, and their ashen reaction to his design indicated that Adam's recreation was spot on.
Like good wine, there's just a handful of movies that improve with age. DR STRANGELOVE is one of them. 🔚
A true masterpiece!
tellymustard21 January 2022
Doctor Strangelove or: How I Learned To Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb is truly a masterpiece. It manages to be a hilarious comedy while still being a film with very serious themes. It is just the perfect balance, and it is truly overall a flawless film.
Not for everybody (load up on snacks, drinks and take pee breaks)
martinvonmartian4 July 2021
It's slow, old, boring and not exciting.
That is what most people who dont watch a lot of movies probably think.
You dont watch this unless you love movies, you definitely dont watch this with a date or casual friends.
A movie for movie lovers full of humor and exaggerated characters.
Watch it, you won't regret it.
That is what most people who dont watch a lot of movies probably think.
You dont watch this unless you love movies, you definitely dont watch this with a date or casual friends.
A movie for movie lovers full of humor and exaggerated characters.
Watch it, you won't regret it.
Dr. Strangelove: A Masterpiece of Satire and Drama
nickykelly-651347 September 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Stanley Kubrick's "Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb" is cited as one of the director's best films, and one of, if not the best satirical comedy in cinema history, and with very good reason.
Dr. Strangelove exceeds exponentially in many ways, the three main being the direction, writing and the unforgettable performances from George C. Scott, Sterling Hayden and of course, Peter Sellers.
Kubrick's direction is perfect, the film is perfectly paced, no scene overstays it's welcome and the editing and camera angles do their jobs greatly at conveying a time of nuclear crisis but at the same time remaining darkly humorous. One of the more obvious factors of the film is that it is shot and presented in black and white which works perfectly with the film, the dark representing the terror of the situation and the white representing the comedic side of the film. Kubrick also manages to assist in the comedic side of the film, he achieved this through using 'rehearsal' takes and allowing Peter Sellers to improvise. The level of film making is exquisite, Kubrick uses mostly steady camera shots when in the War Room, and hand-held camera shots when inside the B-52 bomber, he also frames each image with perfection and creates incredible compositions. He never cuts too often or ever drastically changes the angle, thus never confusing the viewer and allowing the scenes to flow. The B- 52 models on real life footage backgrounds may look dated, but oddly enough it still works well with the overall tone of the film, in fact it could be argued that it even adds a small comedic aspect to the film.
In my opinion, this film's writing was quite underrated, many people remember the genius unforgettable lines that were likely ad-libbed by Peter Sellers, but overall the film's dialogue and plot is incredibly well written. The plot goes that the general of an air force base goes mad and without-authority, commands a large number of B-52 bombers to attack their targets in Russia, and the men and President in the War Room, desperately attempt to prevent this from happening. This plot is outright brilliant and is executed brilliantly, there is no outright exposition in the dialogue, and any exposition there is, is not jarring or comes of as lazy at all. The film does an incredible job at creating an environment of sheer crisis, with George C. Scott's character explaining that there are very few options in resolving the matter, and the reveal of Russia's top secret 'Doomsday Machine' which adds an almost unbearable amount of tension to the film. The film reaches it's inevitable end of Nuclear Annihilation, after one of the B-52 bombers manages to hit one of it's targets, thus triggering the Doomsday Machine and ending all life on Earth. I found this ending not only to make sense, but also to fit perfectly into the film's tone, there is also a great comedic value to the end, with it coming so suddenly and playing classic music over the footage of many nuclear bombs detonating.
Overall, I hope it is clear that I see this as simply one of the best comedies ever made, or even perhaps one of the best films ever made. The film is incredibly unique and although the more satirical points of the film may not be quite as relevant now, they are still hilarious to experience. The film holds up incredibly well even with it's clearly dated visual effects and somewhat dated humour, but Peter Seller's performance alone will allow for this film to be seen as one of the funniest satires ever made even long after the events the film is poking fun at have ended. And even if you don't find the film particularly funny, you can still be in awe of the genius film making and incredibly suspenseful plot.
Dr. Strangelove exceeds exponentially in many ways, the three main being the direction, writing and the unforgettable performances from George C. Scott, Sterling Hayden and of course, Peter Sellers.
Kubrick's direction is perfect, the film is perfectly paced, no scene overstays it's welcome and the editing and camera angles do their jobs greatly at conveying a time of nuclear crisis but at the same time remaining darkly humorous. One of the more obvious factors of the film is that it is shot and presented in black and white which works perfectly with the film, the dark representing the terror of the situation and the white representing the comedic side of the film. Kubrick also manages to assist in the comedic side of the film, he achieved this through using 'rehearsal' takes and allowing Peter Sellers to improvise. The level of film making is exquisite, Kubrick uses mostly steady camera shots when in the War Room, and hand-held camera shots when inside the B-52 bomber, he also frames each image with perfection and creates incredible compositions. He never cuts too often or ever drastically changes the angle, thus never confusing the viewer and allowing the scenes to flow. The B- 52 models on real life footage backgrounds may look dated, but oddly enough it still works well with the overall tone of the film, in fact it could be argued that it even adds a small comedic aspect to the film.
In my opinion, this film's writing was quite underrated, many people remember the genius unforgettable lines that were likely ad-libbed by Peter Sellers, but overall the film's dialogue and plot is incredibly well written. The plot goes that the general of an air force base goes mad and without-authority, commands a large number of B-52 bombers to attack their targets in Russia, and the men and President in the War Room, desperately attempt to prevent this from happening. This plot is outright brilliant and is executed brilliantly, there is no outright exposition in the dialogue, and any exposition there is, is not jarring or comes of as lazy at all. The film does an incredible job at creating an environment of sheer crisis, with George C. Scott's character explaining that there are very few options in resolving the matter, and the reveal of Russia's top secret 'Doomsday Machine' which adds an almost unbearable amount of tension to the film. The film reaches it's inevitable end of Nuclear Annihilation, after one of the B-52 bombers manages to hit one of it's targets, thus triggering the Doomsday Machine and ending all life on Earth. I found this ending not only to make sense, but also to fit perfectly into the film's tone, there is also a great comedic value to the end, with it coming so suddenly and playing classic music over the footage of many nuclear bombs detonating.
Overall, I hope it is clear that I see this as simply one of the best comedies ever made, or even perhaps one of the best films ever made. The film is incredibly unique and although the more satirical points of the film may not be quite as relevant now, they are still hilarious to experience. The film holds up incredibly well even with it's clearly dated visual effects and somewhat dated humour, but Peter Seller's performance alone will allow for this film to be seen as one of the funniest satires ever made even long after the events the film is poking fun at have ended. And even if you don't find the film particularly funny, you can still be in awe of the genius film making and incredibly suspenseful plot.
Outstanding, timeless classic!
RufusT19 January 1999
One of the best films ever made, this remains timeless despite changes in technology, foreign policy and world politics; the military/political madness remains the same. Gets better all the time, with successive viewings and its luster has not dimmed since its first release.
With three show-stopping performances from Sellers (amongst his best work, if not THE BEST), and an unexpectedly hilarious turn by George C. Scott (if Sellers weren't SO dead on-target, Scott would easily steal the show), STRANGELOVE is filled with cartoonish, over-the-top characters that, despite the lunacy, still ring true. Special mention must be made for Sterling Heyden's controlled, brooding paranoia as General Jack D. Ripper. He's funny, he's scary.
All-in-all, a brilliant piece of work by all involved.
With three show-stopping performances from Sellers (amongst his best work, if not THE BEST), and an unexpectedly hilarious turn by George C. Scott (if Sellers weren't SO dead on-target, Scott would easily steal the show), STRANGELOVE is filled with cartoonish, over-the-top characters that, despite the lunacy, still ring true. Special mention must be made for Sterling Heyden's controlled, brooding paranoia as General Jack D. Ripper. He's funny, he's scary.
All-in-all, a brilliant piece of work by all involved.
I Know This Is an Unpopular Opinion but...
vinnie-7906220 May 2021
I just don't find this movie very funny. I chuckled at a handful of lines and scenes. But overall I just did not like it very much. Peter Sellers and the rest of the cast were great but overall the movie is not.
Sorry.
Sorry.
Kubrick takes a whack at comedy- and the cold war
Quinoa198413 February 2000
Stanley Kubrick always likes to try something new with each movie he does, and this proves it. This is truly one of the grittiest, and best dark comedies I've ever seen with some crude moments and some odd ones (who'd think to have Slim Pickens riding a bomb on it's way down). It turns into a flat out masterpiece though with the spectacular acting by Peter Sellers (in three separate roles), George C. Scott (his facial expressions are a crack up every time), and a supporting cast of crazies in a government of loons, the most impressive of these being the incomparable Sterling Hayden in his best dramatic/funny role. It contains a resonance as well that sticks till today, as corruption and pig-headedness rules in all sorts of governments, but most of all in those with the most power. It's almost worth it just for the opening credits and end sequence with "we'll meet again".
Before Watching: Dr. Strangelove (1964)
josephrygaard9 September 2019
"Dr. Strangelove" (1964) is an iconic satire about the consequences of nuclear war and arms race. If you want to get as much out of it as possible, there are a few things you need to keep in mind before watching:
It is important to remember that Dr. Strangelove is a movie from 1964 and was thereby released soon after the culmination of the Cuba Crisis two years earlier. At its face value, it is a slow-burning feature filled with a unique, dark and time-stamped humor when all things are considered. Expect a lot of dialogue with over-the-top patriotism and prejudice against communists, with a few scenes and conversations sprinkled with a hint of sexuality.
Going deeper into the movie however, this was a very real threat that was closer to explode than what most people think, and it that light, Dr. Strangelove is... quite something. Some will find it tedious with clumsy special effects, and other will find it an intriguing reflection of a tense era, capsulated in an hour and a half.
My personal grade: a peculiar 6/10. If you found this helpful, check my profile for more reviews.
It is important to remember that Dr. Strangelove is a movie from 1964 and was thereby released soon after the culmination of the Cuba Crisis two years earlier. At its face value, it is a slow-burning feature filled with a unique, dark and time-stamped humor when all things are considered. Expect a lot of dialogue with over-the-top patriotism and prejudice against communists, with a few scenes and conversations sprinkled with a hint of sexuality.
Going deeper into the movie however, this was a very real threat that was closer to explode than what most people think, and it that light, Dr. Strangelove is... quite something. Some will find it tedious with clumsy special effects, and other will find it an intriguing reflection of a tense era, capsulated in an hour and a half.
My personal grade: a peculiar 6/10. If you found this helpful, check my profile for more reviews.
Very funny in parts, but sadly not all of this worked for me
jimbo-53-1865118 May 2015
Dr Strangelove is a film that is sitting high up in the IMDb Top 250 films (it's currently sitting at number 49 on the list) and therefore it's clearly a film that is generally loved by the public - the critics also have a strong liking for this film. I personally found this film a little uneven if I'm honest....
I think where this film is at its strongest is once we get to The War Room; the scenes within the War Room are easily the funniest and best examples of satire. The phone calls between the US President and the Russian President did have me really laughing and I also liked the interplay between President Muffley and the militant Buck Turgidson and thought their various exchanges were absolute gold. Peter Sellers was fantastic in his three different roles although I must admit he was definitely at his best as the German Weapons Researcher. Sellers clearly had a lot of fun here and his performance(s) in this film do almost make up for some of the more tedious aspects. Likewise, Scott was great in his respective role and Hayden was good as the insane general and gave a real scenery chewing performance - did that cigar ever leave his mouth? I think the funniest part of the film was the scene where Mandrake is trying to get through to the President, but runs out of money and asks a soldier to shoot the Coca Cola machine so that he can get some more money in order to get through to the President. The soldier then utters the line "If you don't get through to the President, you'll end up in trouble with Coca-Cola". A very funny exchange and quite unexpected if I'm honest.
Where the film falters slightly is in most of the scenes outside the War Room. There were far too many scenes from within the war planes that were quite dull if I'm honest. I can understand the opening plane scene and the closing plane scenes, but the constant cuts from the War Room to the planes just seemed pointless. If there was any humour to be found in the 'plane' scenes then it was clearly lost on me. Unfortunately these dull scenes did drag the film down slightly for me despite the fact that the majority of The War Room scenes were very funny.
Dr Strangelove isn't a bad film, but it's a very uneven film that was both very funny and very tedious. Unfortunately the good and the bad pretty much cancel each other out hence the score of 5 out of 10.
I think where this film is at its strongest is once we get to The War Room; the scenes within the War Room are easily the funniest and best examples of satire. The phone calls between the US President and the Russian President did have me really laughing and I also liked the interplay between President Muffley and the militant Buck Turgidson and thought their various exchanges were absolute gold. Peter Sellers was fantastic in his three different roles although I must admit he was definitely at his best as the German Weapons Researcher. Sellers clearly had a lot of fun here and his performance(s) in this film do almost make up for some of the more tedious aspects. Likewise, Scott was great in his respective role and Hayden was good as the insane general and gave a real scenery chewing performance - did that cigar ever leave his mouth? I think the funniest part of the film was the scene where Mandrake is trying to get through to the President, but runs out of money and asks a soldier to shoot the Coca Cola machine so that he can get some more money in order to get through to the President. The soldier then utters the line "If you don't get through to the President, you'll end up in trouble with Coca-Cola". A very funny exchange and quite unexpected if I'm honest.
Where the film falters slightly is in most of the scenes outside the War Room. There were far too many scenes from within the war planes that were quite dull if I'm honest. I can understand the opening plane scene and the closing plane scenes, but the constant cuts from the War Room to the planes just seemed pointless. If there was any humour to be found in the 'plane' scenes then it was clearly lost on me. Unfortunately these dull scenes did drag the film down slightly for me despite the fact that the majority of The War Room scenes were very funny.
Dr Strangelove isn't a bad film, but it's a very uneven film that was both very funny and very tedious. Unfortunately the good and the bad pretty much cancel each other out hence the score of 5 out of 10.
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