ALO - The Cold War
There's lots of films out there, which begs the question - why are there so many films about (or set within the context of) the Cold War? Think about when the films were made (course theme of technology), but also about the effect the Cold War might have had on culture (course theme of American Identity). Also, why are there so many spy movies and sci-fi movies?
Again, the reminder, that not every film on the list is "about" the Cold War, so be careful in choosing a film to review. Films "about" the Cold War will lend themselves to an easier review; the less it is "about" the Cold War, the more historical information you need to mention in your review (and, it might require more analysis, too).
A re-creation of the decisions faced by the Kennedy administration during the Cuban Missile Crisis. The DVD has an interactive component with biographies of major players, etc. Try watching this film with someone who lived at the time - it adds an emotional aspect.
Dr. Strangelove, 1964, dir. Stanley Kubrick; Peter Sellers, George C. Scott, Slim Pickens, James Earl Jones
A brilliant use of humor (sarcasm and satire). One of the funniest films with one of the 50 all-time greatest movie scenes (riding the bomb). Peter Sellers (Inspector Clouseau of the Pink Panther movies) plays several roles. Highly recommended.
Some have called it the "documentary" or "serious" version of Dr. Strangelove - American planes are sent to deliver a nuclear attack on Moscow, but it's a mistake due to an electrical malfunction. Can all-out war be averted?
Controversial for its conspiracy theory about the JFK assassination. Watching this film requires some outside research - how accurately does the film portray the events of the past?
James Bond films
The older, the better (not just in terms of being "about" the Cold War, but in terms of acting, style and charm. OK, they're not better in terms of special effects, but get over it). Try:
1990s silliness, but you couldn't have it without James Bond, which you couldn't have without the Cold War.
1980s silliness. Not highly recommended.
The frightening story of the weeks leading up to and following a nuclear strike on the United States.
Godzilla, 1956 (not the new one! But, a comparison to the new one would tell you a lot about the different times in which these films were made - and the people who made them). http://us.imdb.com/Title?0197521
So classic, it's classic. Will we ever stop going to war? "Klaatu Barada Nikto!"
Watch for the sharp dialogue - it's masterful.
The 1982 version, directed by John Carpenter (Halloween), is just as suspenseful and probably a better film, but the context (Cold War) of the original gives it a deeper meaning.
Sneak preview of upcoming ALO (related to the Cold War):
Apocalypse Now, 1979, dir. Francis Ford Coppola; Martin Sheen, Marlon Brando, etc.
Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness set in Vietnam. I watched this at I.H.S. one night with Dr. Mosenthal when we were reading the novel in his English class. http://us.imdb.com/Title?0078788
Great film, but a challenge to connect to the specific historical conditions of the Vietnam conflict.
