sophistry of logic and lunacy of war

Rating: Null/10 (26 May 2001)

Nichols caught sophistry of logic and lunacy of war on film. He does not take you by the hand through Heller's realm. We are scarcely guided by music. It will not come AT you. Except for the ominous roaring of the bombers, the excellent cinematography, and all-star cast (with justice). Many fabulous background details, surrealistic flashbacks, and stupefying conversations: where MASH (1970) is good Catch-22 (1970) is brilliant and it's still under-valued after 31 years. Probably because we're used to being flooded with easy-to-digest crap. Cpt. Yossarian tries to be recognized as being crazy, but he is probably the only sane soldier in the world. Orr is he? After the eighties and the early nineties, todays audiences should again be able to appreciate non-straightforward cinema. Could this be 'Alan in Wonderland'? 'A very few good men' maybe? 'Dr. Verystrangelove'? Aware of the fact that it would probably take 9 sequels to catch all the contents of Heller's anti-war novel, Henry and Nichols together with David Watkin make a fine selection and create a masterpiece. Why o why can't we vote 11 :(