I know that communism was and is still a big deal in USA and I do savvy the essence of the subtle political scenario between USSR and USA back then. But what struck me odd is; I don't understand the humor in this movie and I know it's just me. So my question is; Do you need be an American Patriot to enjoy this movie?
shareThis film is as much, if not more, British than American: Made in the UK, British production company, largely British crew, one of the writers is British, lead actor (for 3 of the roles) is British, composer is British, etc...
For me, the style and the humour is more British than American as well. So no, you don't have to be American
I'd say you will enjoy the movie even more if you are not an American but understand its culture. And no, American Patriot will not enjoy this movie.
shareI was going to write that it helps to have been alive during the Cold War but reading some of the other responses, that's obviously not necessary. No background on the history/geopolitics needed.
If you like black humor and satire, this is some of the best, and I know several American Patriot types that love it.
Recommended!
As an American, I know there's a lot of humor in this movie that would probably be American audience-specific, like the Nazi scientist working for the U.S., the warmongering general, the inept president trying to appease everybody, Slim Pickens playing a cowboy in charge of a nuclear bomber, etc.
I'd assume that Americans (especially during the time the film came out) would've been more receptive to such stereotypes, but then again American culture seems to get exported everywhere so I guess it just depends on how familiar you are with American history & culture at the time.
Of course, it probably isn't just you that doesn't understand the humor. Lots of people (Americans too) don't find this film funny, sometimes because this kind of dark humor isn't necessarily someone's forte, sometimes because people don't get the historical satire.
Besides, there were crazy things going on all around the world during the Cold War, aside from the U.S. and USSR. The Albanian countryside is littered with 1-2 person bomb shelters, Nikolai Ceausescu carried a scepter, Winston Churchill wanted to attack the USSR with Operation: Unthinkable before WWII even ended, etc. Although the film was intended for American audiences, I think people around the globe can at least appreciate that there were plenty of leaders during the Cold War who weren't entirely stable.
Me, I'm bit of a Cold War-history nut so even though I don't really laugh or cackle out loud at every joke in Dr. Strangelove (though Ripper's rant on "loss of essence always gets me), I get the little satirical references to people and organizations from the time period and can at least appreciate what the film's trying to convey.
Humor is like music, some people like certain things and others don't; nothing wrong with that.
Can't be too careful with all those weirdos running around.
yes,
it's not allowed to enjoy this movie in Russia
in the US it's ok, as long as you get Congressional approval, now controlled by Republicans, and Donald Trump
marc
😁
I know that communism was and is still a big deal in USA and I do savvy the essence of the subtle political scenario between USSR and USA back then. But what struck me odd is; I don't understand the humor in this movie and I know it's just me. So my question is; Do you need be an American Patriot to enjoy this movie?Good grief no. In fact, I think only an American could interpret it this way. This film is anything but a polemic about capitalism/democracy and communism. It's black humour and satire about two competing systems of military power and their willingness to blow up the entire world. That is set against the background of incompetence, inflexible systems and the sheer lunacy of MAD. share
Well put, mister!
shareNo, but it helps.
Schrodinger's cat walks into a bar and doesn't.
I doubt I missed any of the humor since most of it is presented in a such an over-the-top ham-fisted way. There was not a single moment when I wondered what this or that was referring to, but understanding the humor does not necessarily mean I like it.
Most of the jokes and jabs are presented in a way that is anything but subtle. Even if you do not get the punch line, you always know there is one and that the movie is desperately trying to be funny.I personally found that the satire was presented in such a histrionic fashion, which is very evident in the performances of George C. Scott and especially Sellers, that it makes everything seem forced. I know people will jump all over me for being so blasphemous so far, but I'll go even further since this is strictly opinion - Peter Sellers simply ruins the movie with his exceptionally hammy performance as the doctor.
I guess it is all a matter of taste - if you like that kind of over-the-top hyper-farcical humor, you're bound to adore Dr. Strangelove and the overwhelming majority of people who have seen it apparently do. Yet for me, it is the only Kubrick movie I do not like and revisit (yes, I've seen Fear and Desire, but it is at least very short and has its amateurish charm for me).
I'm here, Mr. Man, I cannot tell no lie and I'll be right here till the day I die
This movie is less about USA/USSR politics and more about sex.
Just about every name and scene and conversation is a veiled reference to sex.
Watch the opening sequence with the lush romantic music (the type of music people would put on their HiFi in '65 when they wanted to create a "mood") that plays when the B52 is getting refueled.
It is really poking fun at how the cold war paranoia was very similar to sexual paranoia and aggression.