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The Parallax View (1974) Reviews

The Parallax View (1974)
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While the Watergate scandal filled the headlines, Alan J. Pakula's 1974 thriller took its inspiration from the conspiracy theories surrounding the Kennedy assassination. Journalist Joe Frady (Warren Beatty) misses witnessing the assassination of a senator at Seattle's Space Needle, but his newswoman former girlfriend Lee Carter (Paula Prentiss) was there. Even after a government commission concludes that it was a freak lone assassin, Lee tells Joe that she fears for her life since other witnesses keep dying. After she too turns up dead, Joe investigates, travelling to the small town where another witness has mysteriously expired. Stumbling on a corporate identity for the killers, Joe decides to dig deeper by infiltrating the Parallax Corporation as one of their hired assassins. As Joe becomes increasingly isolated in his assumed identity, he discovers what Parallax is all about -- but Parallax knows all about Joe too. Made between Klute (1971) and All the President's Men (1976), The Parallax View was the second film in Pakula's "paranoia" trilogy; it proved too dark even for a 1974 audience that embraced such other challenging films of that year as The Godfather, Part II and Chinatown, making The Parallax View the sole flop of Pakula's trilogy. ~ Lucia Bozzola, Rovi

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Starring:
Warren Beatty, Hume Cronyn, (more)
Director(s):
Alan J. Pakula
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R
Format(s):
DVD  | Digital SD
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Average Ratings

(12 member reviews)  

Member Reviews

Peter S.

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.

Yes   |   No


ROBIN H.

I have never been a Warren Beatty fan, and this movie is no exception. His acting style does not do the part justice. This movie is definitely dated in the 70's, but I liked it. The movie is suspenseful. The Parallax Corporation is believable. The ending is realistic. I think the movie is worth seeing.

Yes   |   No


Walter H.

Quick take on movie: slow moving story with an ending the viewer will anticipate after 30 minutes into the movie. as the "hero" is in a no win situation.

Yes   |   No


Greg J.

i saw this movie on TV years ago and i liked it then. now it shows gaps in the storyline but it's still watch able. good actors in this and still enjoyed watching this again..

Yes   |   No


RONALD F.

I saw this movie when it first came out. I loved it, and this is the 4th time I have watched it. Weather you believe in conspiracy theory, or just like a good thriller, you will like this one. I personally thought the acting was great.

Yes   |   No


Steven F.

Maybe too paranoid. I cringe at "everyone's on the take" conspiracy flicks, but enjoy dark '70s thrillers that toy with Hollywood convention. It's worth a watch if you like Klute, Three Days Of The Condor, The Conversation, etc.

Yes   |   No


Alex D.

Okay political thriller that takes a while to get going but has an ending I did not see coming. Worth checking out but there are a lot better in this genre out there.

Yes   |   No


Dorothy N.

Disappointing. I agree that it dragged on yet ended too quickly. Also the "thriller" episodes became unbelievable. They also seemed to miss something. Well cast, and fairly good acting. Movie could have been better.

Yes   |   No


William W.

boring

Yes   |   No


Rafi B.

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!

Yes   |   No


 
 
 

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Member Reviews
Read all (12)
 
Peter S.

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.

Yes   |   No

 
ROBIN H.

I have never been a Warren Beatty fan, and this movie is no exception. His acting style does not do the part justice. This movie is definitely dated in the 70's, but I liked it. The movie is suspenseful. The Parallax Corporation is believable. The ending is realistic. I think the movie is worth seeing.

Yes   |   No

 
Walter H.

Quick take on movie: slow moving story with an ending the viewer will anticipate after 30 minutes into the movie. as the "hero" is in a no win situation.

Yes   |   No

 
Read All 12 Reviews
 

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