The Manchurian Candidate

The Manchurian Candidate is probably one of top 5 favorite films. Frankly (puh-dum-pish), I think it’s Sinatra’s best film, but mostly because the entire cast is so well integrated together and perfect for their roles. When you realize that Sinatra did his own stunts – including breaking a finger during the fight scene – you begin to understand the dedication the actors brought to their roles. There aren’t very many films where an actor such as Laurence Harvey would walk into a frozen lake to sell the role.

For all of that, Angela Lansbury not getting the Oscar for her role as Mrs. Iselin was a crime. Sixty years later, her character will still send chills up your spine when you realize just how banally evil, she is.

If you haven’t seen it, you should!

On October 24, 1962, audiences across America were introduced to a political thriller that would challenge the very core of their beliefs about power, politics, and the nature of influence. “The Manchurian Candidate” remains an essential work in the annals of cinema, a commentary on Cold War fears and the fragility of the human mind. 

Directed by John Frankenheimer and based on Richard Condon’s 1959 novel of the same name, “The Manchurian Candidate” is a chilling tale of Cold War-era espionage and brainwashing. The story revolves around Major Bennett Marco (Frank Sinatra) who, along with Sergeant Raymond Shaw (Laurence Harvey), is captured during the Korean War and subjected to Communist brainwashing. Shaw is programmed to become an assassin upon his return, and Marco begins to have recurring nightmares that suggest something insidious at play. The plot thickens with political conspiracies, taking the audience on a roller-coaster ride of suspense.

Frank Sinatra’s portrayal of Major Marco is an example of the singer’s often underappreciated acting prowess. He delves into the complexities of a man grappling with reality, torn between loyalty and fear. Laurence Harvey, with his cold demeanor and intense screen presence, was perfectly cast as the manipulated and tragic figure of Raymond Shaw. Angela Lansbury’s portrayal of Mrs. Eleanor Shaw Iselin, Raymond’s manipulative mother, was particularly mesmerizing, showcasing her versatility and earning her an Oscar nomination.

Released at the height of the Cold War, the film tapped into the prevailing paranoia of the era, making it both unsettling and compelling. While it was a moderate success at the box office, critics lauded it for its daring narrative and stellar performances. Over the years, its stature has only grown, with many regarding it as a masterclass in suspenseful storytelling.

“The Manchurian Candidate” is more than just a political thriller; it’s a commentary on the nature of influence, the manipulation of public opinion, and the dangers of unchecked power. To the 1962 audience, living under the looming shadow of nuclear annihilation and the pervasive fear of communist infiltration, the movie wasn’t just fiction; it was a reflection of their deepest anxieties. Its exploration of brainwashing can also be viewed metaphorically, representing the media’s influence and the vulnerability of the public mind.

The film was nominated for two Academy Awards: Angela Lansbury for Best Supporting Actress and Ferris Webster for Best Film Editing. While it didn’t win in these categories, its nomination was a testament to the movie’s prowess.

Over the decades, “The Manchurian Candidate” has solidified its place as one of the finest political thrillers ever made. It has influenced numerous filmmakers and has been referenced in various pop culture contexts. Its themes remain relevant, and its narrative approach continues to be studied in film schools globally. In 1994, the film was deemed “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant” by the Library of Congress and selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry.

“The Manchurian Candidate” stands as a testament to cinema’s power to both reflect and shape societal perceptions. It delves deep into the psyche of its audience, compelling them to question, to think, and, most importantly, to feel. As we look back on its impact and legacy, it’s clear that its relevance will remain undiminished for generations to come.