Dr. Strangelove (1964)

 Stanley Kubrick's "Dr. Strangelove"

Perhaps I am being a bit too pompous by saying this, but I believe that Stanley Kubrick created a whole new comedic tone with his 1964 satire "Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb." The film parodies Cold War fears and nuclear war, making it a very black comedy, but it also contains some of the most mockish and silliest characters I've ever seen in a film. It is also a film that makes me laugh every time I sit down and watch. 

The film details the absurd chain of events that would unfold if a United States general decided to send nuclear bombs to Russia unprompted. Obviously, the President and whatever other Commanding Officers would issue a code to bring the planes back. However, the General, a 'General Ripper,' has sealed off the base and any sort of communications with the planes. 

Many films have tried to replicate the hyper-specific tone of "Dr. Strangelove," including Paul Thomas Anderson with his 2025 film "One Battle After Another." The comedy is not so slapstick and silly that it is unbelievable. However, there is a thin film of absurdity underlying every scene and character that creates an atmosphere of the slapstick and silly. With the context of this absurdity being the United States government and military, its characters are both real, structural people while also being completely laughable. 

One of the things I noticed on the second viewing was the extreme use of phallic and sexual imagery throughout. To me, Kubrick is using this assorted imagery to convey the notion that these men are attempting to sexually dominate one another. In doing so, they are making irrevocably idiotic choice and making fools of themselves for the sake of appearing more powerful and superior. 

What's great about the film is that each character is uniquely absurd and laughable. They're all distinct in their own bizarre way of thinking, which allows each one to be comedic in their own avenue. All of the characters, because of this staunch individuality amongst them, feel that much more real. This is practically impressive given their own preposterousness. However, this blend of real and surreal makes for this exact tonal atmosphere that separates "Dr. Strangelove" from any other film.

Due to the uniqueness of character, pointed satire, laughably ridiculous people, and absurdism of the catastrophic and apocalyptic scenario, "Dr. Strangelove" is one of the greatest comedies of the 20th century. It's existence in the middle of Cold War anxieties makes it all the more relevant to its context. It's a film that makes one laugh at the absurdity of our post-war situation and the inevitable threat of nuclear fallout. It's a film that makes you laugh to keep from crying. In the end, you just have to stop worrying and love the bomb.