Director: Stanley Kubrick | UK/USA | Fiction | 1964 | 95 mins
Film source: Sony Pictures Repertory
Sponsor: Eyes of the World
BAFTA Award for Best British Film, 1964
Writers Guild of America Best Written American Comedy Award, 1964
New York Film Critics Circle Best Director Award, Stanley Kubrick
Has it really been 50 years since Stanley Kubrick’s Cold War masterpiece made the fallout shelter generation fall out of its seats laughing at the terrifying yet absurd prospect of mutual assured nuclear destruction? Originally conceived as a deadly serious thriller—like Fail-Safe, released later that year—the unique impact of Dr. Strangelove stems from its combination of a documentary aesthetic and cinéma vérité-influenced cinematography with ribald black comedy and a cultural irreverence which dared to mock the president, the military and the general paranoia of the American public in the aftermath of the Cuban Missile Crisis. With an all-star cast, including George C. Scott, Sterling Hayden and Peter Sellers (in three roles), Dr. Strangelove remains the benchmark for political satires.
Internationally renown best-selling author, historian, award-winning television producer, and film scholar, Taylor Downing will introduce the student matinee screening of Dr. Strangelove. He has produced more than 300 historical documentaries, many of which have been shown on television in the US., including the Peabody Award winning 24-part series “The Cold War.” Mr. Downing regularly gives talks and lectures on history and the media, and his knowledge and expertise will surely enhance an already amazing viewing experience.
