The Manchurian Candidate

Timeless masterpiece and undisputed pinnacle of the political thriller genre, “The Manchurian Candidate” is based on Richard Condon’s exceptional 1959 novel of the same name, and was the first chapter of director John Frankenheimer’s “Paranoia Trilogy”.

After a highly conceptual first reel, strewn with psychoanalytic themes and Pavlovian echoes, the film takes the shape of a dark thriller laden with mystery and angst. Exemplary from a technical point of view (splendid B/W cinematography by Lionel Lindon), the film also excels on the content front: the director doesn’t hold back on his sarcastic, caustic barbs directed at the political sphere, particularly America’s widespread Cold War obsession following World War II.

Amid a truly first-class cast, Angela Lansbury’s superb performance stands out. As the diabolical Mrs. Iselin, she’s rightfully earned her spot on the American Film Institute’s top 50 screen villains of all time. No less impressive is the bald Dr. Yen Lo, played by Khigh Dhiegh, a nefarious shrink with an innocent appearance and a ready quip: “Profit? Fiscal year? Beware, my dear Zilkov. The virus of capitalism is highly infectious. Soon, you’ll be lending money out at interest!“; “Do you realize, comrade, the implications of the weapon that has been placed at your disposal? […] A normally conditioned American who has been trained to kill, and then to have no memory of having killed. […] Having been relieved of those uniquely American symptoms, guilt and fear, he cannot possibly give himself away“.

The karate-infused clash between Frank Sinatra and the legendary Henry Silva is hard to forget, as is the incredible scene at the assembly of Communist military brass where the brainwashed victims are convinced they’re at a humdrum meeting of the ladies’ garden club.

The disappointing 2004 remake is one of the great director Jonathan Demme’s few false steps.