If you want to see what a US-Soviet nuclear war might have looked like, then watch this. And while you're watching you'll be reminded of just how similar this film is to 'Dr. Strangelove.' But there are no laughs in this movie; it's deadly serious.
Truly, this movie took me in and provided a convincing depiction of what could have happened in the 60s. What this film lacks though is emotional connection with the characters. When the wife of the bomber pilot screamed over the radio to ask her husband to abandon his mission, I felt it. Otherwise the film had a problem with shallow characterizations that affected all but the Professor and before mentioned pilot.
Sydney Lumet deserves credit for the pacing and harsh tone of the film. And yet since this is a work of fiction I have to dock it a little due to the characters. Just look to 'Dr. Strangelove' when thinking of how important interesting characterization matters.
Truly, this movie took me in and provided a convincing depiction of what could have happened in the 60s. What this film lacks though is emotional connection with the characters. When the wife of the bomber pilot screamed over the radio to ask her husband to abandon his mission, I felt it. Otherwise the film had a problem with shallow characterizations that affected all but the Professor and before mentioned pilot.
Sydney Lumet deserves credit for the pacing and harsh tone of the film. And yet since this is a work of fiction I have to dock it a little due to the characters. Just look to 'Dr. Strangelove' when thinking of how important interesting characterization matters.