I enjoyed this review but John Randolph's character was not in a "dead-end job." He was actually a successful banker who lived in the affluent New York suburb Scarsdale. He would not have been a target for the Organization if he weren't sufficiently affluent to FUND this "Seconds" program and to leave sufficient funds for his family as well. The fact that the central character is well-to-do and "successful" as most people define "successful" makes the message more powerful because it reminds us of what is truly important in life.
Excellent review and analysis. "Seconds" has a "Twilight Zone" feeling in many ways, complete with a shattering twist ending. And, in fact, John Frankenheimer, the director of "Seconds," was a good friend of writer Rod Serling. Serling also wrote the first screenplay for what is unofficially called Frankenheimer's Paranoia Trilogy: the political thriller, "Seven Days in May." (Frankenheimer's "The Manchurian Candidate" was the second in this series and "Seconds" was the third.) But, as they say, "Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they're not after you."
Yup, as the others have said great review. I second the part about it being a very sad film, it's not a tearjerker but does prompt the viewer to reflect. When the main character, being played by Hudson, visits his wife towards the end, her dialogue kind of kills me. Unfortunately, I feel what Frankenheimer was trying to say here is something that is relatable to many people, I know it was to me. Underrated film, great review.
Great job of young man reviewing the film. I also recommend the book that the movie was based on. The main theme that I like was that your family your kids don't appreciate you and their is nothing you can do about it. as a 60 year old it helped me settle on my fate.
Question??? Can one look at SECONDS as a metaphor of Christianity... specifically Born-Again Christianity, where a person is promised a "new life" but the convert finds they miss the life they left behind?
Pat Healy is the fucking man!!!! I can't believe how much I hated him in COMPLIANCE and loved him in THE INNKEEPERS. True testament to great acting. Also, what's the deal John? You have Pat Healy on the show and for the first time the camera is out of focus? Great show anyway.
They gave him a new handsome face and life but he was never happy then they take everything away at the end. The shocking ending is how they strapped him down and then kill him! Hideous ending!
They should make a REALITY TV SHOVV inspired by this. Also hearing Stimulant VVarfare by Front Line Assembly vvhile this vvas playing. Only so appropriate. Also there seems to be a SUBGENRE of cinema that pertains to TVVILIGHT ZONE plotting and this vvas a prime example of such a film.
