MovieChat Forums > Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964) Discussion > Where was the funny again?

Where was the funny again?

posted 8 years ago by WoodCheese
41 replies | jump to latest

I just watched Dr Strangerlove for the 3rd time. It often bothers me when I don't like movies that are highly regarded, but this must be one of the most overrated comedies, if not THE most overrated.

There were a few bits to chuckle at: phone conversations, the survival kit, etc. They're not hilarious jokes, just "huh, that's funny" type of thing you think to yourself, and maybe smile.

How is this one of the best comedies of all time? Please, someone, give me actual moments from the movie that you thought were hilarious, and why.

All I can see on these boards from people defending this movie are vague responses: "this is satire, you don't understand, this is dark humor about politics and war." Okay then; if you find this movie so hilarious, it must be easy for you to give me at least three scenes and explain why they're are GENIUS. I have yet to see someone come up with this...

I don't hate the movie, I like it and I'd give it a solid 7/10. I thought Kubrick did an awesome job, and Sellers and C. Scott as well as a few other actors were amazing to watch. However, none of that was 'haha funny' and given the premise and plot, the comedy is the only thing this movie had going for it. I just don't see any funny in it; mostly just entertaining.

[–] Information-Police (4896) 8 years ago

Oh come on, it's brilliant comedic writing. Like when they are in the war room discussing how many millions would die from a first strike attack and Gen Turgidson says, "Look, I'm not saying we aren't going to get our hair mussed..." totally downplaying the idea of 10s of millions dead.

There is the broad farce of some of the sexual humor which is very dated, sure.

But then theres some of the subtle bits - like the scenes in the bomber with the omnipresent "When Johnny comes Marching Home" playing in a mood so completely serious while insanity is going on. And the huge irony, that after a nuclear war, Johnny isn't going to come marching home...

[–] robocat893 (16251) 8 years ago

"Gentlemen, you can't fight in here! This is the War Room." Too funny! 😋

[–] lordofthelake (147) 8 years ago

I was born in 1960, have watched this film several times, and have never understood why it is considered to be funny or is so highly regarded.

Yet I have so many friends who adore this film.

[–] TheUltimateHippo (2250) 7 years ago

"Gentlemen you can't fight here this is the war room" funniest line ever

[–] TheArgentinian (7251) 5 years ago

The first time I watched it, I felt the same way as you. But I was too young to appreciate it (I didn't even know what the cold war was! Or even heard the word patriarchy). Now, more than a decade later, I've seen the new 4k bluray and I think it's fucking hilarious. I also understand the social commentary about masculinity.

[–] modica (4169) 5 years ago

You don't know the difference between a black comedy and a Adam Sandler comedy. Peter Sellers was amazing. He played all those characters and I didn't even know it was him in some of the roles until years after I first watched it. Incredible movie.

[–] MovieChatUser497 (18943) 4 years ago

Are you kidding? This film is hilarious.

[–] Heisenberg (6730) 4 years ago

I'm a Kubrick fan.
The idea of it is GENIUS. The execution is great.
The result is...not as funny as expected?

But I'm not sure this was ever meant to be hilarious that way.
It's a humor similar to A Clockwork Orange. You are smiling in your head but also appalled by the meaning. You chuckle at these monkeys from a distance, instead of being surprised by the humor gags.
There are no ambushes here. Everything here is satirized, but is not condensed into a twist.
Sellers in The Pink Panther Strikes Back can show easily that this movie is not that kind of laugh riot.

[–] kwestmo (4385) 4 years ago

Kubrick is overrated and has extreme
zealots as phan bois and gurlz.