Dr. Strangelove

Dr. Strangelove is a 1964 black comedy that satirized the nuclear scare during the cold war. The movie deals with a General (Jack D. Ripper) who goes insane and launches a nuclear attack on Russia believing that the US will have to commit to a nuclear war to avoid being wiped out. However, the Americans are unable to recall the bombers and are searching for the code to stop them. The Americans are then informed of a Doomsday Machine created by the Russians that has the potential to destroy all life on Earth and will detonate if and when any attack on Russia is made. Believe it or not, this is a problem.

For those of you who do not know exactly what 'satire' means it is a use of irony, sarcasm, ridicule, or the like, in exposing, denouncing, or deriding vice, folly, etc. I think this is a very effective form of humour, however, it a style of comedy more directed towards educated people. If you don't understand the cold war and the nuclear era, you will not catch onto many of the jokes. So, to sum it up simply- if you are stupid and have a slapstick sense of humour just don't watch this movie.

I thought the acting by Peter Sellers was amazing as he tackled three separate roles: the U.S. President, Colonel Mandrake and Dr. Strangelove. I think Peter Sellers deserved to win the Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role! My favorite line in the entire movie is "Gentlemen, you can't fight in here, this is the war room," said by the U.S. President. Apparently I'm not the only one who found this funny as it is ranked #64 on the AFI's Top 100 Movie Quotes.

Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb not only wins the award for the longest movie title ever but was also nominated for four Academy Awards. These nominations include Best Actor in a Leading Role, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Director, and Best Picture. It has also been recognized by the American Film Institute rankings of #26 Top 100 Movies, and #3 100 Laughs.