The Parallax View
The Parallax View, a superb drama about one man's paranoia that turns out to be total, incredible fact, ranks among the best political thrillers. Warren Beatty is a news reporter who, along with seven others, witnesses the assassination of political candidate. When the other seven die in "accidents," the newsman begins to doubt the official position: that a lone madman was responsible for the crime. He imagines a sophisticated network of highly trained murderers. But his nightmares pale against the bizarre truth he uncovers.
Member Reviews
Great, boldly dark conspiracy thriller - filmcmnt
I may be over-rating this, but it's so underrated in the few reviews here. This is one of the benchmark Watergate era conspiracy films. What's particularly complex about it, although it takes a few viewings to catch this, is the suggestion that Beatty's character is himself perfect fodder for the Parallax Corporation, which recruits anti-social misfits to become patsy assassins of political candidates. It sounds strange, but the original theatrical trailer on the DVD in some ways makes this element of the film clearer. As we hear in voiceover the characteristics of the perfect assassin, we see Beatty's various "heroic" actions in montage. Who is Joe Frady (the Beatty character) except an anti-authoritarian loner with aggression issues? So what's particularly eerie about this one is that even as Beatty thinks he's getting closer to exposing or stopping the Parallax Corporation, he is actually playing right into their hands. The Corporation uses our strengths against us and so resistance is pointless. It's a very dark cynical idea that Pakula refuses to compromise on - the ending of this film is exactly what it has to be, but it won't make most viewers happy. There's a wonderful scene on an airplane where Beatty is the only one who knows a bomb is on board and, aside from a car chase with Dukes of Hazard music in the background, I can't see the dated-ness that other reviewers are commenting on here. Watch this in a double feature with Pakula's All the President's Men.Interesting conspiracy movie - Coconut_Willy
Often considered as a classic thriller, this Allan Pakula film might not be for everyone as there is not a lot of action. The storyline is excellent and is presented in such a way that the viewer has to fill in a few blanks himself. This again might not apppeal to everyone and may lead some to say that the plot does not make much sense. Still, I did enjoy this film very much. The cast is very good doing a good acting job with a well written dialogue. Warren Beatty and Hume Cronyn are both excellent in their respective roles. All other production elements are of high standards; good sets and locations, appropriate soundtrack and good camera work. If you're in the mood for something a little more cerebral, this is a pretty good one.
The transfer to DVD is of good quality with good colors and definition and little visible damage. Sadly, no extras besides the trailer.Mixed feelings about this one - lucie
It didn't feel like a suspense for me but almost like a documentary,
that's how serious the tone was. Not a bad movie at all, with an
interesting story nevertheless. One thing that did irritate me, and I
don't know if it is on purpose or if my copy wasn't good, but too
much of the movie is in the dark when it is very hard to recognize
the characters or even to know exactly what is happening. But
considering the tone of the movie, I wouldn't be surprised if it was
indeed on purpose from the director.
Member Reviews
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Great, boldly dark conspiracy thriller - filmcmnt
I may be over-rating this, but it's so underrated in the few reviews here. This is one of the benchmark Watergate era conspiracy films. What's particularly complex about it, although it takes a few viewings to catch this, is the suggestion that Beatty's ...Interesting conspiracy movie - Coconut_Willy
Often considered as a classic thriller, this Allan Pakula film might not be for everyone as there is not a lot of action. The storyline is excellent and is presented in such a way that the viewer has to fill in a few blanks himself. This again might not apppeal ...Mixed feelings about this one - lucie
It didn't feel like a suspense for me but almost like a documentary,
that's how serious the tone was. Not a bad movie at all, with an
interesting story nevertheless. One thing that did irritate me, and I
don't know if it is on purpose or if my copy ...