|
Post by texasgal on Jul 15, 2004 21:04:12 GMT -5
How many of you have seen "The Manchurian Candidate"?
Not the new one about to open starring Denzel Washington but the original one from 1962 starring Angela Lansbury, Lawrence Harvey, and - I think - Frank Sinatra?
The original 1962 version was a stunning movie that seemed to be years ahead of its time. In 1962 the plot seemd far-feteched, but now it seems more plausible than far-fetched.
Most people who saw the 1962 version think it's a great movie. But some younger people who see the dvd of it now don't think it's all that. A same-age friend of mine & I were talking about it and concluded that one should have experienced the Cold War at its climax - the Cuban missile crisis - to get the full impact of this movie.
Any thoughts on this?
I am so looking forward to seeing the updated version. Not only because Denzel's performance is sure to be excellent, but I am curious to see what new theme-twist it will have. I doubt it will have anything to do with the Cold War. That's a safe bet.
|
|
|
Post by Librarian on Jul 16, 2004 0:35:54 GMT -5
It's one of my favorites TG! My husband does several film series in Birmingham and he included it one year. We own it on DVD.
Angela Lansbury is unrecognizable in that role. She is so delicously evil. I know she had to enjoy every scene she was in. There is some misinformation that Frank Sinatra had the film supressed after JFK's assasination when actually it was the studio that held it back thinking it was in bad taste.
I have forgotten who played Angela Lansbury's Senator husband that is loosely based on Joe McCarthy - (who died recently -- incidently). He was amazing as well. It is a great statement about politics and propaganda. So you are dead on -- it is very much applicable now.
Lib
|
|
|
Post by texasgal on Jul 17, 2004 0:23:14 GMT -5
Lib, James Gregory played Angela Lansbury's husband, Senator John Yerkes Iselin.
Yes, you're right about Ms. Lansbury. She was unspeakably evil.
I look forward to seeing the new version with Denzel Washington. The plot and his acting are sure to be compelling.
|
|