MovieChat Forums > The Manchurian Candidate (1962) Discussion > Frankenheimer's other film, Seconds

Frankenheimer's other film, Seconds

posted 13 years ago by Pearl_Jade
6 replies | jump to latest

Has anyone seen Frankenheimer's 1966 film Seconds starring Rock Hudson? That was a movie that was truly ahead of its time. It also employs many of the same techniques (and also has several similar plot points) as The Manchurian Candidate:

SEMI-SPOILERS BELOW (these don't give away the ending or premise of Seconds, but they do reveal certain scenes -- so read at your own risk):

- both are filmed in black and white
- both have an eerie and dark aura to them
- both have a nightmarish dream sequence in which a person's actions are manipulated
- both involve an organization with a rather sinister agenda
- both feature inventive camera work and distinctive visual motifs; the camera angles are especially unconventional in Seconds
- common theme: paranoia, being "handled" and "watched"

END OF SEMI-SPOILERS

Like TCM, Seconds is also based on a novel and is visually innovative in telling its story and creating an atmosphere. Seconds is even bolder and more cutting-edge than TCM in that regard. If you liked TCM, I recommend it.

[–] franzkabuki 13 years ago

The first 40 minutes of Seconds in particular is one of the greatest stretches/acts in all of film history. Things go somewhat downhill from the moment Hudson appears.

"facts are stupid things" - Ronald Reagan

[–] ilpohirvonen 13 years ago

Yea it's really an amazing film. The way it portrays total dissatisfaction is something truly monumental. I also always loved the way how Frankenheimer carries out the social themes of TMC even further in Seconds -- on the level of individual existence.

[–] first-things-first 11 years ago

I own a copy of Seconds, and agree it is a great movie. And I realize today that I didn't have any sympathy for the protagonist. His actions at the end affect his friend.

"...as long as people can change, the world can change"

[–] gorgsharpy 11 years ago

Both circle around questions of searching for identity/new identity.

[–] steve-carrasco 8 years ago

I find it very difficult to watch. I think it's an astounding film, but so bleak and depressing...so sad. I think maybe I equate Rock's character with himself... and it's ultimately tragic.

That said, I was certain that James Wong Howe was the cinematographer on both films - but it turns out, he was just DP on Seconds. So, more credit to Frankenheimer for the visual style of both films - and being able to communicate that to his DP's.

[–] Destinata (3525) 3 years ago

There aren’t very many films that creep me out to the point I can’t stand watching it again, but this one did it. That final scene. Wow.

But it proved Rock Hudson could actually act.