Movie Review: Seconds (1966)

Genre: Psychological Drama  

Director: John Frankenheimer  

Starring: Rock Hudson, John Randolph, Frances Reid, Salome Jens  

Running Time: 107 minutes  

Synopsis: Arthur Hamilton (John Randolph) is a middle class New York banking executive, living a comfortable but passionless life with his wife Emily (Frances Reid). Lured by a friend, Arthur connects with a mysterious company that fakes his death, changes his appearance through plastic surgery, and provides him a fresh start in Malibu as artist Tony Wilson (Rock Hudson). He has trouble adjusting to his new responsibility-free life, then meets free-spirited neighbour Nora Marcus (Salome Jens), who releases his inhibitions.

What Works Well: The adaptation of David Ely's book is full of thought-provoking and often startling condemnations, including torpedo shots at the inattentive descent into middle class detachment, and the enticing fantasy to start over. Director John Frankenheimer and cinematographer James Hong Howe toy with horror elements, using extreme close-ups, stark black-and-wide photography, and audacious editing to convey Arthur's psychological and physical anguish. Rock Hudson finds a career highlight in an unlikely role of personal discovery, and is ably supported by John Randolph and a small but key contribution from Will Geer as the head of the shadowy enterprise trading in "reborns". 

What Does Not Work As Well: After Arthur's transformation, the middle act exchanges subtlety for brashness featuring a Dionysian clothing-optional festival followed by an alcohol-drenched cocktail party: both are prolonged well after the point is made. 

Key Quote:

Isn't it easier to go forward when you know you can't go back?



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