One of the greatest movies and greatest comedies ever

Rating: 10/10 (4 March 2005)

Yes, a black comedy, but one of the greatest. I have seen the movie at least 5 times and will watch it whenever possible. Every time I gain some new insight and will continue to seek this movie out. Perhaps I should buy the DVD? There are nothing but excellent acting performances in this movie. Where do you start? To have multiple actors at the very top of their game, Peter Sellers at his best, George C. Scott matching his role as Patton and clearly this movie is where the idea of casting him as Patton came from, Sterling Hayden driving you crazy with his craziness, Slim Pickens over the top, and Peter Bull as a lovable Russian, is one amazing facet of this film. How no actor won an Oscar is perhaps the greatest injustice in Academy history. The editing is crisp, well paced, perhaps perfect. Cinematography is beautiful. And this film is Kubrick directing at his best. Not until the Shining and Full Metal Jacket would he see this level of directing again. Given that it may be the greatest comedy and one of the greatest movies of all time, speaks volumes for the quality of the screen play. Everything works in this film. I assume that only a great director like Kubrick could provide the motivation and energy for this to happen. This movie, more than any of his other's, demonstrates why Kubrick has to be considered one of the greatest film directors.