If there's one thing I love, it's satire. Of any kind really. I can't help but take some form of absurd pleasure in holding a mirror up to society and seeing how ridiculous we all are, when all is said and done. Not many films do it better than Stanley Kubrick's "Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned To Stop Worrying and Love The Bomb".The plot begins with a wayward US Air Force General giving a 'code red' order. Thus engaging the Russians (or "The Rooskies" as they are commonly referred to) in apparent nuclear warfare and setting off a chain of events that begin the end of the world.
Much hilarity ensues, but in the most subtle of ways. None of these characters ever signals that this is a comedy at all, however the sheer absurdity of everything unfolding makes it one, and a brilliant one at that. Even more relevant in today's political climate too.
From the President's telephone call to the Russian Premier, to the General's confession of not allowing women his fluids (during a fierce gun battle with his own army), to Mandrake's desperate attempts to call the president collect, to Dr. Strangelove's independent Nazi hand (which is pure genius from Peter Sellers), this film is one to be treasured. Even better is that for cinephiles like myself, it is all shot and directed wonderfully by the hand of Kubrick.
In short, watch it. At once.
"Gentlemen, you can't fight in here. This is the War Room!"
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