"Well, boys, I reckon this is it; nuclear combat toe to toe with the Russkies."

Rating: 8/10 (17 February 2012)

Stanley Kubrick's distinctively named "Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb" arrived in theatres at a time when nuclear annihilation was a very real threat to a lot of people. The Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962 was hardly a laughing matter but Kubrick somehow managed to find the humour in the ever-escalating arms race.
This is no frivolous comedy, though. The script by Kubrick and Terry Southern (based on Peter George's non-comedic novel "Red Alert") is full of pointed satire and black comedy. Accentuating the story's absurdities proves to have been an inspired choice. The possibility of a nuclear holocaust may be frightening but the ineptitude of those who hold it in check is undeniably laughable.
Bringing this story to life was entrusted to a cast headed by Peter Sellers in no less than three different roles. For his exemplary performance he was deservedly rewarded with an Oscar nomination. In support, Sterling Hayden, George C. Scott & Slim Pickens all contribute excellent performances while the rest of the cast is above average as well.
On the technical side, the strength of Kubrick's Oscar-nominated direction should surprise no-one familiar with his work. The cinematography's attractive as well, though many of the special effects are less than convincing. Meanwhile, Laurie Johnson's score is decent but not particularly memorable.
Ultimately, I think that "Dr. Strangelove" is a classic that deserves to be seen by any self-respecting film buff. Though there are other Kubrick films that I'd rank above this one, it's only a slight step below Kubrick's best and, by extension, the best of cinema in general.