lauren%LBL-CSAM@vortex.UUCP (06/22/83)
From: Lauren Weinstein <vortex!lauren@LBL-CSAM> By the way, some misguided reviewers of "Wargames" have favorably compared the film to such classics as "Failsafe" and "Dr. Strangelove". I vigorously oppose such comparisons. Both of the latter two films *did* use "gimmicks" for dramatic effect, that much is true. In "Failsafe", for example, a sensor failure combined with another mechanical failure, radio jamming, and human error, causes the "event". In my opinion, however, "Failsafe" still presented a "reasonable" scenario which did not insult the viewer's intellect. "Dr. Strangelove" combined human error, insanity, and "The Doomsday Machine". This "machine" was indeed an unrealistic gimmick, but, and here is the point, "Dr. Strangelove" was a satire, and *clearly* a satire. It had a strong message to present, but did not attempt to convince viewers that the film's events were actually close to reality. Purity Of Essence! "Wargames" cannot be compared favorably, in any way, with either "Failsafe" or "Dr. Strangelove". Attempting to force a favorable comparison would be demeaning to both of the classic films. --Lauren--