The directing on this one is noticeably better than usual. The lighting speaks volumes in the contrast between the blinding white "trainee's" sleeping quarters and the dark, sinister torture chamber. The scheming doctor is often seen in tight, half-shadowed close-ups that emphasize his wide, too-dark eyes, while his blond, blue-eyed employer shows up at cheerfully lit parties and rendezvous.
And the brainwashing itself,featuring giant, flashing, disconnected images foreshadows later movies like "The Parallax View" and "Conspiracy Theory."
Small visual clues lead to important information about character and plot. We know something is amiss when the usually dapper Barney goes out to fulfill his mission in an ill-fitting suit.
And who knew that distinguished, middle-aged John Mullin was once young and gawkily handsome? All around a fascinating and non-formulaic entry in the series.
And the brainwashing itself,featuring giant, flashing, disconnected images foreshadows later movies like "The Parallax View" and "Conspiracy Theory."
Small visual clues lead to important information about character and plot. We know something is amiss when the usually dapper Barney goes out to fulfill his mission in an ill-fitting suit.
And who knew that distinguished, middle-aged John Mullin was once young and gawkily handsome? All around a fascinating and non-formulaic entry in the series.
