SECONDS: highly recommended

[The Burgomaster]

My DVD of John Frankenheimer's SECONDS arrived yesterday and I watched it last night. All I can say is, if you're a Frankenheimer fan (and even if you aren't), get your hands on a copy.

We've all seen the plot before: a middle-class "regular guy" decides to have plastic surgery, abandon his boring life, and begin life anew with a different identity. Of course, this is a Frankenheimer film, so things begin to go chillingly wrong and the suspense, paranoia, and impending doom grow until the memorable ending.

This is probably Rock Hudson's finest performance. The cinematography creates a sense of dizziness and claustrophobia. And there is a surprising amount of nudity (full frontal female nudity, in fact) involving a bunch of people frolicking in a vat of grapes. I was surprised because this was released in 1966.

Anyway, if you haven't seen it, don't hesitate. It's excellent.

[AndyC]

I love this movie. Bought a copy a couple of years ago, and have shown it to a few people. A complex, twisty story with a simple message about finding happiness. Really freaky camera work too. I enjoyed the mysterious company, its folksy founder and the casual, almost disinterested way they deal with people paying big bucks to get a new face and a new life. My favourite has to be the guy talking about destroying most of the identifying features of a cadaver while eating dinner.

"Now, let's discuss the details of your death. This chicken is really good; sure you don't want some? What we've chosen for you is a hotel room fire."

Best part, hands down, has to be the ending, where everything really becomes clear. Don't want to spoil it for anyone, but it is one of the best.