best conspiracy-related movies

[h.p. Love]

Conspiracy Theory was on basic cable yesterday and a few days before I rewatched Manchurian Candidate with Frank Sinatra.

Obviously, Manchurian Candidate is at the top of the heap, but I guess I like a lot of weaker conspiracy movies too. I'm kinda on a conspiracy kick and am looking for others to see.

Off the top of my head I quickly think of:

Chinatown
Conspiracy Theory (so-so plot, but some very cool depictions of control)
X-Files movie
Arlington Road (love it)
Dr. Strangelove
(I hate any movie versions of Ludlum books)

More please!

[Fearless Freep]

Well, there's alwasy the sci-fi versions like "The Matrix" and "Dark City"...

[h.p. Love]

I saw Dark City when it came out (ten years?), that would be a good one to see again.

I never got around to seeing the final Matrix, I only have immediate access to the full screen version. I'll wait for widescreen.

others that come to mind:
Eyes Wide Shut (want to see again)
Rosemary's Baby (and other Polanski movies)

[Mr_Vindictive]

H.P.,

I must agree about Arlington Road.  That is one of the finest forgotten flicks from the 90s.

I'd also have to throw A Clockwork Orange into the mix.

[kriegerg69]

.....both versions, the 1956 original as well as the 1978 remake. Surprised no one else mentioned those.....they were the first ones which came to my mind when I saw this thread.

[The Burgomaster]

How about:

* THE PARALLAX VIEW
* THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE
* INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS
* SEVEN DAYS IN MAY
* SOYLENT GREEN

[h.p. Love]

I also added: Ninth Gate (Polanski) and The Odessa File (w/John Voight).

How about a list of "documentaries" also? I started a list below the regular list.

Conspiracy movies:

(No Ludlum-based movies with Matt Damon please!)
Arlington Road (love it - really captures paranoia)
Chinatown
Conspiracy Theory (so-so plot, but Mel locks his fridge AND the containers inside)
Dark City
Dr. Strangelove
Eyes Wide Shut (want to see again)
Invasion of the Body Snatchers
Manchurian Candidate
Matrix trilogy
Ninth Gate
The Odessa File
Parallax View
Rosemary's Baby
Seven Days in May
Soylent Green
X-Files movie

"Documentary" movies:

Conspiracy of Silence (notorious - no where on imdb - http://www.vote.org/silence/)
Farenheit 9/11
Paradise Lost I and II



Post Edited (06-07-05 11:46)

[SaintMort]

The conspiracy scene in Slacker

[h.p. Love]

Is that where the strange woman is talking on the sidewalk? I can't remember, it's been a long time.

[Dr. Kobb]

Big favorite here is "Boys From Brazil" with Gregory Peck.

 On a similar Nazi-note, the blissfully bizarre Xmas horror, "Elves", with Dan Haggerty has an insane conspiracy plot to it.

Probably my favorite has to be the retina-ruining independent film "Tribulation 99", by Craig Baldwin.  His "Spectres of the Spectrum" is also packed with multiple conspiracy-theories.

There's another oddity called "Alternative 3".  It's a British movie with secret agandas galore.

[SaintMort]

nah it's where the guy is going on and on about the moon landing

Also the scene where the guy is talking about his book on the JFK assassination

[Scott]

All the films mentioned are good (havn't seen eithier Mancurian Canidate yet, but plan to sometime this year).

The best of the latest ones are in my opinion CONSPIRACY THEORY and ARLINGTON ROAD. Both good films.

Burgomaster mentions the best one though with SEVEN DAYS IN MAY. This film is really good starring Burt Lancaster and Kirk Douglas. Just saw it last year. Surprised you don't see it aired on TV



Post Edited (06-08-05 00:33)

[Dr. Kobb]

Given the recent clamour over the 'Deepthroat' revelations, it might be interesting to dust-off that old `76 flick with Dustin Hoffman and Robert Redford, "All the President's Men"...

[Mr_Vindictive]

Scott,

I recommend picking up the Sinatra version of Manchurian Candidate up immediatly.  I had never seen either version until I recieved both for Christmas this year on DVD.  The new version is trash while the Sinatra version is absolutely amazing.  Really a film that you should see.

[h.p. Love]

I'm really surprised you haven't seen Manchurian Candidate yet. I won't say anything about it that will spoil it for you. It's a great film on all levels. And the conspiracy is extremely alive and well today.