Seconds (1966)
If you’ve heard about Seconds, you’ve probably heard it’s a strange, experimental drama from the 1960s that bombed at the time but has since gained a cult following. All of that is true, and if you decide to rent it, you should be prepared that it’s pretty weird. This is a psychedelic trip through 1966 as filmmakers explore a “what if” scenario in an alternative method. Canted angles, fishbowl effects and uncomfortable framing, and exploratory Oscar-nominated cinematography lend a science-fiction vibe to the film, as if the characters are being watched at every moment.
The story itself is simple: Faust in 1966. John Randolph is unhappy and bored, and after making a deal with a mysterious organization, he gets a second chance at life. Mephistopheles, in essence, is Jeff Corey, the head of the department who explains everything to John and leads him to sign the contract. His death will be staged, a body will be discovered, and then John will receive extensive plastic surgery, new fingerprints, new vocal cords, and a new name. He’ll be sent off to a different part of the country and given a fresh start. This set-up is a bit lengthy and extremely strange, but since it’s a serious decision to make, you’ve got to give John enough time to make up his mind.
Once he goes under the knife in the operating table, John disappears. After the bandages come off, he’s allowed to look in the mirror at his new face. Rock Hudson’s scarred reflection greets him in the mirror, and he cries. I’ve seen quite a few Rock Hudson movies, and I’ve never considered him a very good actor. I had no idea he was capable of giving such a wonderful performance. He weeps when he fears his second chance has been for nothing, he screams his head off when he’s frightened, and he finally lets his hair down as he succumbs to a free-love orgy. In the rehabilitation sequence after his surgery, he moves awkwardly and is clearly unsure of himself in his new skin, and when a beautiful woman confesses her feelings for him, he can’t believe he’s really gotten a second chance. It’s obvious Rock Hudson connected with this story, and his performance is so vivid, in some scenes it feels like you’re just watching him instead of his character.
This movie isn’t for everyone, since it was filmed in such an offbeat style. The story itself appeals to everyone, since Faust has been sewn into countless stories. If you like the story but this sounds too heavy or upsetting, stick with Damn Yankees or The Devil and Daniel Webster. If you think you can handle it and you want to see the best performance Rock Hudson ever gave, rent it.
DLM Warning: If you suffer from vertigo or dizzy spells, like my mom does, this movie will not be your friend. Nearly every single scene is filmed either with a handheld camera, canted angles, or swirling motions and it will make you very sick. In other words, “Don’t Look, Mom!”
Kiddy Warning: Obviously, you have control over your own children. However, due to adult content, I wouldn’t let my kids watch it.
Want to watch it? Click here to see it on ok.ru and thanks "Juhi Thaker" for posting!
More Jeff Corey movies here!
More Rock Hudson movies here!
The story itself is simple: Faust in 1966. John Randolph is unhappy and bored, and after making a deal with a mysterious organization, he gets a second chance at life. Mephistopheles, in essence, is Jeff Corey, the head of the department who explains everything to John and leads him to sign the contract. His death will be staged, a body will be discovered, and then John will receive extensive plastic surgery, new fingerprints, new vocal cords, and a new name. He’ll be sent off to a different part of the country and given a fresh start. This set-up is a bit lengthy and extremely strange, but since it’s a serious decision to make, you’ve got to give John enough time to make up his mind.
Once he goes under the knife in the operating table, John disappears. After the bandages come off, he’s allowed to look in the mirror at his new face. Rock Hudson’s scarred reflection greets him in the mirror, and he cries. I’ve seen quite a few Rock Hudson movies, and I’ve never considered him a very good actor. I had no idea he was capable of giving such a wonderful performance. He weeps when he fears his second chance has been for nothing, he screams his head off when he’s frightened, and he finally lets his hair down as he succumbs to a free-love orgy. In the rehabilitation sequence after his surgery, he moves awkwardly and is clearly unsure of himself in his new skin, and when a beautiful woman confesses her feelings for him, he can’t believe he’s really gotten a second chance. It’s obvious Rock Hudson connected with this story, and his performance is so vivid, in some scenes it feels like you’re just watching him instead of his character.
This movie isn’t for everyone, since it was filmed in such an offbeat style. The story itself appeals to everyone, since Faust has been sewn into countless stories. If you like the story but this sounds too heavy or upsetting, stick with Damn Yankees or The Devil and Daniel Webster. If you think you can handle it and you want to see the best performance Rock Hudson ever gave, rent it.
DLM Warning: If you suffer from vertigo or dizzy spells, like my mom does, this movie will not be your friend. Nearly every single scene is filmed either with a handheld camera, canted angles, or swirling motions and it will make you very sick. In other words, “Don’t Look, Mom!”
Kiddy Warning: Obviously, you have control over your own children. However, due to adult content, I wouldn’t let my kids watch it.
Want to watch it? Click here to see it on ok.ru and thanks "Juhi Thaker" for posting!
More Jeff Corey movies here!
More Rock Hudson movies here!