> >Another aspect of this escalation (or is it a desensitization?) is in the >portrayal of the Bomb itself. What had been a source of apocalyptic fury >in the past (see KISS ME DEADLY for what even a "small" atomic bomb >represents) becomes just another weapon for blowing things up real good >in recent films. The emblematic image has to be Curtis and Schwarznegger >embracing in front of a nuclear explosion at the end of TRUE LIES. It's >a long way from DR. STRANGLOVE. > I actually think Dr. Strangelove is an argument on the other side. I see it as one of the first horrifying film views of nuclear war threat. The final blow-up image, yes, but also its constant diegetic insanity -- the characters and the cinematography (Peter Sellers in a schizophrenic three roles). The film is claustrophobic, scary, and charmingly and eerily entertaining. In a way, I think it was the precursor for many that followed and failed. The True Lies explosion looks different, more MTV 90's perhaps, but is it "bigger?" -- Jennifer ---- To signoff SCREEN-L, e-mail [log in to unmask] and put SIGNOFF SCREEN-L in the message. Problems? Contact [log in to unmask]