Inclubabu Plot so thin, it passes unnoticed.

Borgarkeri A bit overrated, but still an amazing film

RipDelight This is a tender, generous movie that likes its characters and presents them as real people, full of flaws and strengths.

Aspen Orson There is definitely an excellent idea hidden in the background of the film. Unfortunately, it's difficult to find it.

Woodyanders Unhappy middle-aged banker Arthur Hamilton (a sturdy and heartbreaking performance by John Randolph) strikes a deal with a mysterious and sinister organization that gives Hamilton a new lease on life by transforming him into handsome and successful artist Antiochus Wilson (superbly played by Rock Hudson). Director John Frankenheimer relates the gripping story at a deliberate pace, grounds the fantastic premise in a thoroughly plausible workaday reality, and skillfully crafts a strong and unsettling paranoid atmosphere. Lewis John Carlino's ingenious script smartly explores the themes of identity, the alluring, yet elusive potential that having a second chance at life offers, how all choices come with consequences, and the basic human need for both intimate emotional connection and the ability to be the master of one's own destiny. The fine acting by the topnotch cast rates as another substantial asset: Jeff Corey as friendly company bigwig Mr. Ruby, Will Geer as the ostensibly amiable, but quietly creepy old man who runs the whole show, Salome Jens as the sweet and vibrant Nora Marcus, Murray Hamilton as sly recruiter Charlie, Richard Anderson as coldblooded surgeon Dr. Innes, Wesley Addy as helpful servant John, Khigh Dhiegh as jolly psychiatrist Davalo, and Frances Reid as Hamilton's concerned, but long-suffering wife Emily. James Wong Howe's striking black and white cinematography presents a wealth of stunningly surreal and nightmarish visuals. Jerry Goldsmith's moody score hits the brooding spot, too. An excellent film.

writers_reign For reasons best known to themselves - unless, of course, it was chosen by the original novelist - the producers elected to name the protagonist Arthur Hamilton; at that time, 1966, composer/lyricist Arthur Hamilton had more or less established himself via popular songs like Cry Me A River, About The Blues, Rain Sometimes, Sing A Rainbow, the latter of course featured in the film Pete Kelley's Blues where it was performed by Peggy Lee and went on to become one of her signature songs. It is, of course, now academic whether the character played by John Randolph caused any confusion in the minds of cinema-goers who were also versed in Popular Song. Leaving that aside what we have here is a film designed to disturb and could be dismissed on a superficial level by the phrase be careful what you wish for and is in its turn dismissive of American values turning to ashes. In arguably his first role with any gravitas Rock Hudson weighs in with a half decent performance and buffs will relish the likes of Murray Hamilton, Will Geer and Jeff Corey, the latter pair, like Randolph, survivors of the blacklist that obtained in the previous decade. Hardly a date movie but a thoughtful one and well worth a look.

vincentlynch-moonoi I don't usually review films that over 100 others have reviewed, but occasionally -- when I feel strongly about a film, either positively or negatively -- I will waive that guideline. And I obviously feel strongly about this film.For starters, the initial premise that a businessman will voluntarily get into a completely dark meat truck to be taken to some secret location for a purpose he doesn't know. Ridiculous. The only thing good about the film's early scenes is the performance by character actor John Randolph.And then we have the nude hippie wine festival. To what purpose? I'll tell you what purpose -- merely to slip some pop culture into the film.The beginning and end of the film is very Rod Serlingish, which reminded me that this film had all the substance of a half-hour teleplay...well, okay, maybe an hour.The supporting actors are mostly from television...and it shows. Salome Jens...really...the female lead??? It was slightly interesting seeing Will Geer in a non-"Waltons" role.You may think I'm not into Rock Hudson films. Not true; Hudson made many fine films; this is not one of them. Similarly, director John Frankenheimer made a number of particularly fine films; again, this is not one of them.This is just a film that had potential, but never quite made it. Hudson was beginning his career decline right about this time, hence the better films were not going in his direction. I'm not into cult films...and this is a cult film that was unsuccessful upon release. And it's clear why.

zetes A fantastic existential nightmare. A middle aged man (John Randolph) is contacted by an old friend whom he thought dead. The friend offers him an opportunity to escape his ho-hum life and start a new one. For a hefty sum, an underground company gives him plastic surgery (turning him into Rock Hudson) and set him up with a new identity, faking his old identity's death. What the man quickly learns is that you might be able to change your face, but you can never change who you are. Unfortunately, the company that has provided him this opportunity isn't too keen on that discovery, and is secretly watching his every move. I feel like the second part of this film maybe needed to be a bit longer, because there are some narrative progressions that didn't quite work for me (I'm interested in reading the original novel to see if it's more fully developed). It doesn't matter too much, though, because, as cinema, this is just tremendous. It's most notable element is James Wong Howe's revolutionary black and white cinematography, which is amongst the best ever done. It really heightens the paranoia of the film. Jerry Goldsmith's subtle and sad score is also masterful. And enough credit can't be given to Frankenheimer himself! I'm woefully unfamiliar with his work, I now realize, despite being a huge fan of The Manchurian Candidate. I need to rectify that mistake immediately! The performances are also great. It's probably Hudson's best work ever. The rest of the cast is uniformly terrific, as well. A great movie.