1966
Directed by John Frankenheimer
I, once again, persuaded non list followers to watch a List movie with me (this time victimizing my parents) and they were, once again, weirded out and wished that they hadn't. Kind of the like when a guy goes on a date with me...ouch, that was mean, me!
Arthur Hamilton is in the middle of a mid life crisis when he is approached by the Company. The Company fakes people's deaths, then gives them a new face and identity to start their life over. Hamilton decides "wait, who wouldn't want to look like Rock Hudson?" and goes along with it. Then there is a weird scene with hippies and alcohol that is sure to give you trippy nightmares.
I am not a huge fan of Frankenheimer's psychedelic directing style, but that really is not what bothered me about this film. The story simply was not sustainable for an entire movie, at least with the way it was handled in this film. It would have been a great episode of the Twilight Zone; unfortunately, after the first forty five minutes, it lost its way significantly, and become a slight shit show.
Additionally, if you want to see great acting, a Rock Hudson movie isn't exactly the place to start. Still, it had exciting moments and some good twists.
RATING: **---
Interesting Facts:
Panned by critics upon its release.
The director originally wanted Kirk Douglas or Laurence Olivier for the lead role, but ended up casting Hudson instead. Frankenheimer went on to believe that Hudson was perfectly cast.
Trailer:
