Fail Safe

This film truly stands the test of time, and I can see myself giving this film 5 stars on future rewatches. I've heard this film compared to Dr. Strangelove (1964)— which also deals with the implications of nuclear warfare but in a more satirical and dark comedy manner; I think my expectations for this film were somewhat high (though I gave Dr. Strangelove a light 8/10). I heard this film is even darker in some respects, and I would agree and add that this decision of being strictly dramatic/suspenseful works in this film's favor as it pulls no punches in outlining the nuanced implications of nuclear warfare, even in the more dated sense. What I also enjoyed most about the film in its respect is that the story excels and explores a building construct of tension between characters, relationships, and foreign influences on each side of the Cold War era conflict. The film conveyed that both parties have respective differences, but a tangible sense of humanity is within the film, grounding itself in the characters involved, specifically characters like Henry Fonda.  I think Sidney Lumet is a master of films set within confined spaces. There is a degree of intimacy between all parties involved, and the film is claustrophobic when needed— but not throwing too much at the audience narratively. What this film also excels in (which I feel falls short in other nuclear warfare films I've seen) is the human repercussions of such vein warfare— how there is a somberness to the idea that warfare and machinery have progressed so rapidly that (in theory) with a slight miscommunication (which likely would not happen as stated by the film towards the end) could lead to such spiraling attacks and defenses deployed to avoid total war. I would give this film a 9.5 out of 10 on initial viewing. I will watch the supplements and read the essay, looking forward to engaging with other analyses of this film to see if I should give this the full five stars. I would love to revisit this film, as I feel this is a masterpiece of its time, and I intend to recommend it to those who appreciate period filmmaking.