It's hard to believe that Stanley Kubrick, the man who brought us such wild and bizarre films as A Clockwork Orange and 2001: A Space Odyssey could also direct the quintessential black comedy. The entire cast does such a great job of playing their roles with such straight faces that some of the funniest lines don't hit until a few seconds (or even minutes) after they've been uttered; this is probably the type of comedy that gets funnier with repeated viewings. The story, for those not aware, concerns a deranged US general who orders a fleet of B-51 bombers to attack Russia at the height of the Cold War. His second in command, Col. Mandrake (Peter Sellers), tries to get the Gen. Ripper to divulge the call-back code, while the President (Sellers again) and Gen. Turginson (George C. Scott) meet with other officials at the Pentagon's War Room. While inside the room they try and explain the mistake to the drunken Russian premier, while also seeking advice from former Nazi Dr. Strangelove (Sellers again, completing his brilliant trifecta). As I said, the way the actors play everything with such grim resolve adds to the brilliance of the film, because there aren't any cutesy "wink wink nudge nudge" moments. While the audience may be laughing at the film's dark satire of the Cold War, the characters are stuck in a perpetual state of dread for the possible nuclear holocaust. Filled with memorable scenes and great comedic performances, this is one comedy that is just as brilliant today as it was 30 years ago.
Grade: A
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