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THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE Send This Review to a Friend
John Frankenheimer’s 1962 original is a relic of the cold war period and paranoia of that era. Johnathan Demme has not simply re-made “The Manchurian Candidate.” He has re-imagined it and related his version to the fears and conspiratorial machinations that fit today’s mood. The result is an engrossing experience if one can overlook some of the more contrived plot gyrations.
Comparisons with Frankenheimer’s classic are rather pointless. That film stands solidly on its own. Demme, abetted by writers Daniel Pyne and Dean Georgaris, basing their work on George Axelrod’s screenplay and Richard Condon’s novel, lures us into new takes on an assortment of characters. A solid cast makes the thriller as believable as possible, given the outlandish plot, which, come to think of it, these days isn’t as far-fetched as it might seem.
The minute Meryl Streep appears on screen as Eleanor Shaw, a power-wielding U. S. Senator and as domineering a politician as she is a mother, the film gains in authenticity. Once again reliable Streep delivers a commanding performance. Liev Schreiber is also good as Raymond, her controlled son, pushed through by mom as a vice-presidential candidate in place of the man who was supposed to run.
Denzel Washington is effective as Ben Marco, a Gulf War veteran wracked by frightening dreams that seem more real than his memories of what happened in action, and he is convinced Raymond holds a key to what really went on. This time around the hanky-panky depends on implanting high-tech devices rather than brainwashing. But the evil plans are back in full force, with a build-up to the climactic, suspenseful payoff.
It is all engrossing and entertaining, although the intricate lengths to which the conspirators will go to control the government may seem a bit excessive when it is possible to grab the presidency merely with manipulations in Florida and a five to four assist from the U. S. Supreme Court. A Paramount Pictures release.
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