THE CLASS HAS BEEN SENT AN EMAIL WITH A PDF ATTACHED; it is a critical article on Kubrick's Dr. Strangelove.
We will discuss the article and the film together on Monday. Pick out key themes, moments, and compositional modes (camera angles, lighting, mise en scene, etc.) that you noticed during our viewing or through the critical essay. Be prepared to discuss the material on Monday and note that there will be a writing assignment for the film later in the week. Feel free to write general questions or statements about the film on the comment function. What did you think of the scenes below?
Well, I don't think I have my head in the gutter or anything, but it seems like a recurring theme in the movie and especially in these pictures is that of a sexual theme or idea. I think even when the general of the airbase is talking about water/impurity of bodily fluids. The picture of the two place one on top and one below and the picture of the captain riding the bomb somewhat give off a sexual image that maybe that's just part of the humor of this movie
ReplyDeleteThe camera angle I think is most interesting in this movie is when it is down below the person's head looking up at them. I'm not really sure what it is supposed to represent or symbolize, but it is something I don't recall seeing on any other movie.
ReplyDeleteThere are several sexual references throughout the film, such as the scene showing Major "King" Kong riding the bomb like a cowboy. The camera angle used in the second scene of the post above makes General Ripper appear like a more powerful figure.
ReplyDeleteThe final image of the fellow riding the bomb down is really goofy but pretty disturbing if it were real. Whats different from this and the crazy kamikazes who will take there lives in order to kill their enemy? This guy is riding the bomb down knowing he is gonna die but is acting like its a cowboy all pumped up knowing he is about to kill thousands upon thousands of people.
ReplyDeleteFreud would have a field day with this film. Most of the imagery involving weapons and war machines are sexual. The dialog and actions of the characters also hinge on sex. One of the Generals is pestered by his mistress, and the airplane's survivla is described as fun for a night in Vegas.
ReplyDeleteThe nature of the Big Board shows the anglo-centric view of the United States during the Cold War. The Board depicts swollen versions of the US and USSR and little else. Nations without nuclear arsenals were considered pawns in the war against Communism that could be bought with economic and military aid.
The shot of the man smoking the cigar was done in a way that you knew something was going to happen to him. The rest of his surroundings darkened while his profile remained bright. I think this shot was taken before the man killed himself. They man riding the bomb seemed so happy in the movie but its ironic because he is about to kill so many people including himself. This shot also tied in with the music and videos of nuclear bombs at the end of the film which was somewhat disturbing as well because the music was so happy.
ReplyDeleteThe scene where the man with the cigar. The scene is dark and grim at the same time. The man looks serious as if he is thinking about doing something big but at the same time seems not to notice the cigar. But I think that the director tried to make the cigar looks like as it is a missile and could explode any minute. To Thing of it, it did explode after the smoker killed himself.
ReplyDeleteI found the image of Major Kong pretty disturbing. I found it difficult to discover a meaning or message to be portrayed by his enjoyment on his ride to oblivion. It is pretty certain that Kong has gone crazy along with Ripper. Perhaps it is Kong's yearning to repay the communists for what he suspects has been done to the U.S.. I think he went crazy though. I also think that his craziness while riding the bomb could convey a message that only a crazed person could really drop a nuke onto fellow human beings.
ReplyDeleteThis movie definitely plays on the romanticism of war and death that was present during the cold war era. In the opening scene where the bomber is being refueled there is a certain intimacy represented. Refueling is a delicate process that is necessary for the survival of the aircraft. All throughout the movie there is an infatuation with the 'war machine' that was present at the time. This is true all the way to the end of the movie when Maj. Kong rides the bomb to his inevitable death. As disturbing as the scene is it shows his commitment to the whole idea of war.
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