The Parallax View (1974) Reviews

This is an excellent political conspiracy thriller which was unfortunately overlooked when it was originally released. The story was inspired by the Kennedy conspiracy, and writer/director Alan J.Pakula gives it an interesting twist. Highly recommended for those who like this genre of film.
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This movie has some quality to which I am drawn, but it is pretty elusive to pin down. There are several problems, though. Firstly, the basis of the plot deteriorates quickly from believable to absurd. The supposedly massive and ominously long-reaching Parallax Corporation never seems to be composed of more than a couple of people. Secondly, whether this was too drawn out or not, it ended far too suddenly. There was no explanation, no denouement, and no mind-blowing inference the audience was supposed to make. I imagine the abruptness of the ending was intended to show the omnipotence of the Parallax Corporation, but it didn't work out. The movie is a cliff-hanger episode with no sequels. In summary, this is exactly the kind of material Mystery Science Theater enjoys, and their dialog is easy to imagine while watching it.
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Wow, first Beatty Movie I didn't like! This movie must have been just as slow and boring for the "more patient" audience back then! I always saw parts of it on TV, and it didn't look that good, now I know for sure it isn't!
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