The Parallax View

Directed by: Alan J. Pakula

Written by: David Giler, Lorenzo Semple Jr.

Novel by: Loren Singer

I'm not sure what inspired me to put this film on my list of movies to watch, but eventually it made its way to the top of the list. Though I was reluctant at first, I figured that I couldn't go wrong if Warren Beatty were in it. Plus, I need to beef up my knowledge of movies from the 1970's.

The movie begins with a political assassination at a campaign fundraiser (eerily reminiscent of RFK's death). As the opening credits roll, a bureaucratic committee concludes that the murder was the work of a lone shooter (eerily reminiscent of JFK's murder and the Warren Commission). But when everyone at the event starts turning up dead, dubious journalist Joseph Frady (Beatty) begins investigating. What he uncovers is the Parallax Corporation, which may or may not be behind basically all the world's major events. Frady tries to infiltrate the organization. But the question is: is he setting them up, or is he setting them up?

For a movie called "The Parallax View," I find it ironic to admit that I have a parallax view of the movie myself. In some moods, I feel like the movie is great - unhindered by the typical styles of film storytelling. In other moods, I feel like the movie failed to live up to its potential.

In the "the movie was great" corner, I contend: the political thriller plot was amazing.

In the "the movie was poor" corner, I contend that the movie took too long to move forward and that the plot was basically strung together from point-to-point.

The climax is the perfect example of my parallax interpretation of the film. On the one hand, it is an incredibly intense sequence with a surprising twist! On the other hand, it plays so incredibly slowly that it tested my patience - even after the twist was revealed.

I'd recommend this movie to those who enjoy political thrillers, but only those who have some time on their hands that can't be used in any other productive way.