The absurdity of nuclear politics is dialed to an 11 in Dr. Strangelove (1964), Stanley Kubrick’s seriously funny film about dropping the H-bomb. Based on British writer Peter George’s novel Red Alert, which imagines rational and responsible responses to a nuclear accident between the United States and the Soviet Union, in Kubrick’s reimagining, madness and paranoia fully take over the proceedings. Led by a superb cast that includes hilarious turns from Sterling Hayden, George C. Scott, and Peter Sellers at the peak of his comedic genius, the film has lost none of its satirical bite, and is arguably more relevant today given the propensity of our current administration to drop bombs, and our seemingly frozen acquiescence to the present state of world affairs. Viewed through the lens of modernism, Dr. Strangelove depicts a world where rational design—epitomized by Ken Adam’s iconic War Room—cannot contain the bunker mentality it houses, turning architecture itself into a stage for human folly. And what a stage!
Adam’s set design is so stylishly good that the idea of nuclear apocalypse feels like a great opportunity to take an extended, if not permanent, architectural sojourn underground. And why not? Dr. Strangelove recommends it.
We’re all doomed anyway, so why not come join us for some laughter and discussion of this darkly comic masterpiece. A brief Q&A will precede the film with Lawrence Modern’s Bill Steele and KU design professor Tim Hossler. Tickets are $10 at the door or can be purchased online here. Doors open at 6:30 p.m, film starts at 7:00. Runtime is 94 min. Wine and popcorn will be served but remember, this is a movie theater, not a War Room. No fighting.
We look forward to seeing you there.
—Tom, Bill, Dennis & Tim
Dr. Strangelove original trailer | Roger Ebert’s four-star review | Lawrence Arts Center tickets
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