Cold War as Comedy

Rating: 9/10 (7 January 2010)

An unstable general initiates the doomsday scenario by ordering a nuclear attack against the Soviet Union. Filled with quotable lines and memorable characters, this is the ultimate black comedy, finding absurdist humor in a deadly serious subject, especially relevant when the cold war was raging. Kubrick's stark, documentary style contrasts perfectly with the comic proceedings, creating a sense of uneasiness. Sellers is excellent playing three characters, including the title role of a mad scientist. Scott is hilarious as a war hawk general. Hayden has the role of his career as the demented general railing against the "Russkies." Pickens and Wynn round out the superb cast.