Review of Slaughterhouse-Five (1972) by Lee B — 06 Jul 2009

I?ve always wanted to see this movie, because I honestly didn?t know the general idea of the story and the movie is talked about so much as one of those unsung gems. Well, I side with the unsung gem argument. This is a very visual movie that seems as close to a Kubrick style of movie that isn?t made by him for its time. (I don?t consider Eyes Wide Shut a Kubrick style movie because it really sucked) From the minimal action in scenes (except for the car demo derby) to the abscense of explanation as it jumps from scene to scene and ill-placed nudity, it is Kubrick-esque. But there is a bit of exposition I would have found helpful in me enjoying this more.

It is a great story of non-mainstream sci-fi, like The Fountain. Or I should say non-popularized sci-fi. Even as it is purposely fragmented, you feel for the main character. And, although the ending is neat little bow on it all, the messages of fate and when people become one-dimensional rings true. It?s a good movie that you have to sit and pay attention to. Not just for sci-fi fans, but definitely for thinkers.