THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE Blu-ray is 30% off at Foxconnect.com if you use the promotion code "REFUND".
I think the code expires today. I got THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE along with THE GREAT ESCAPE, THE TAKING OF PELHAM 123 (Walter Matthau), THE FRENCH CONNECTION (remastered) and CASINO ROYALE (Peter Sellers) for $45.45.
Which begs the brilliantly-belated Kosmic Kuestion, Watcher-San: what'ja think of the remake? Down below near the bottom of This Syde's page, we await thy pronouncements with acute anticipation ...
Alas, I've procrastinated in seeing the remake. Maybe I'll pick it up from Netflix for a gander.
I should add that from a new introduction to Condon's novel, clearly there are varied assessments of the literary qualities of same. Examples provided show some of the shortcomings in Condon's narrative style, although (IMO of course) these issues do not detract from the entertainment value of the book. Condon was a former screenwriter who wrote CANDIDATE in a highly cinematic style, in full anticipation of a movie deal. The brainwashing scenario was a hot topic in the late 50's, as he well understood.
I think it's an absolutely brilliant film, and I don't even quite understand it. That hardly matters. Everything just seems so perfectly right in it. It does demand a repeat viewing of course. More than one. I've only seen it twice and am ready for a third go. So much detail that slips one by on first viewing, like the Queen of Hearts design in the title sequence (featuring David Amram's exquisitely haunting theme).
I'm not really into reading dozens of reviews on films I've seen, nor do I spend a huge amount of time with DVD commentary tracks, so I'll just ask you erudite foks here... at the risk of sounding like a numbskull -
Is it important to believe that the Janet Leigh character is in on it all from the start? Or is she just really romantic padding?
I just watched it to renew acquaintance. Tried to see the new version from my dad's collection . . . alas . . . dad 'disappeared' it because he didn't like it much either.
I'd swear the fight between Sinatra and Silva was a precursor to the regular 'bundles' tween Clouseau and Kato.
I just thought I'd weigh in again for the sole purpose of acknowledging and praising many of you for the speed with which you raced to disregard Neotrinity's plea against spoilers. Truly an impressive performance by all concerned, but especially, of course, by you, Member. Such meticulous attention to detail. Nothing escaped your attention. Congratulations!
Heavens 2 Mergatroid, gee willikers and gawrsharoonie, Pres: don't be so goldurn bashful und repressive with those shy syllables of yorn - say wot u RILY mean ...
I think Sinatra is brilliant in this, he looks terrible, covered in sweat & looking like he's just about to have a breakdown. Certaintly not the vain singer worried about his good side!
Making films must have been more fun in those pre-digital days. That great circular pan, from the old ladies to the soldiers, all in one take, you can imagine all the running around once people were out of shot!
1. What's your favourite character from "The Manchurian Candidate"? 2. What's your favourite scene from "The Manchurian Candidate"? 3. What's your favourite quote from "The Manchurian Candidate"?
1. What's your favourite character from "The Manchurian Candidate"? 2. What's your favourite scene from "The Manchurian Candidate"? 3. What's your favourite quote from "The Manchurian Candidate"?
1. Character: Captain Bennet Marco
2. Scene: Captain Marco's troubled meeting with Eugene Rose on the train.
3. Quote: "Profit? Fiscal year? Tsk! Tsk! Tsk! Beware, my dear Zilkov. The virus of capitalism is highly infectious. Soon you'll be lending money out at interest!" —Dr. Yen Lo
Someone somewhere else raised the issue of Janet Leigh's character being some sort of plant. I don't know where that kind of impression springs from because as far as the scene continuity in the film goes, all one can surmise is she's just someone Sinatra meets on the train by pure chance. Why she decides to terminate the courtship she accidentally on purpose relates to Sinatra, frankly, had me initially non-plussed. Telling someone you're starting with them while finishing with someone else completely out of the picture is nonsensical at best. The way she tells it though, I'm inclined to think she's very sympathetic to Sinatra's semi-fragile state and that he gets her sympathy vote which she vocalises loudly in an attempt to rally his wits from the shellshock she sees written all over his face. Anyone concur?
Heavens 2 Mergatroid, gee willikers and gawrsharoonie, 
