Seconds

 

 

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Though still listed in Leonard Maltin's 2006 Movie Guide, by his 2011 edition, John Frankenheimer's 1966 film classic "SECONDS" is missing altogether. Why?! How come?! Something is terribly wrong with Mr Maltin's judgment here. It has been my experience in the last few years that there have been other very mysteriously missing components to Links, YouTube Sites and Movies. It was dismaying once again to discover a truncated ending to John Frankenheimer's 1966 production of "SECONDS". As the very brusque Dr Morris (Karl Swenson) laments over the head of the heavily tranquilized "Tony Wilson" (Rock Hudson)--"You were one of my finest creations"--then directs an enormous power-drill into the "lower lobotomal portion" of his skull; the next parting scene to the whole movie depicts a dream-like memory of a father and son silhouetted on a beach. What is wholly missing in my recently acquired DVD version of the movie is the child crying out for a balloon which has slipped from his fingers. This balloon ties in to the memory regression tape recordings administered upon Tony Wilson by perhaps the most diabolical of almost all supporting cast actors ever introduced in movies: Khigh Dhiegh. Portraying the "Reborns" Company psychiatrist, "Davalo", he plays for the newly operated upon Tony some tape recordings of Tony in tranquilized regression speaking about his early desires and ambitions. The first recording which Davalo plays and dismisses as too early in Tony's life has him reminiscing about "wanting a red balloon". Apart from a following reminiscence about wishing to be a tennis pro and watercolorist, it is this early childhood desire for a balloon in the original sketchy ending which may have been have been one of the happiest events in Tony's life. Understandably open to speculation but it may further explain the movie's title, i.e., Tony was only happy in his brief life for a few "SECONDS".(?) The absence of this vital component suggests to me that films undergo as much cutting and re-cutting as bricks of cocaine. Despite the overwhelming premium price that I paid for this DVD copy ($39.99, Cdn) through Amazon, I am grateful nonetheless to have scarce ownership of this film classic.

Seconds is probably the trippiest film you're likely to see. It stars Rock Hudson as Tony, a "reborn" of John Randolph (one of the actors blacklisted under McCarthy). It's ostensibly about this guy in a midlife crisis who is forced into this super secret organization that creates second lives for people by giving them new identities. This film hit so close to home for Rock he nearly broke down during filming.

At first glance the second chance at life looks great. A new identity, a house on the beach, and a beautiful new girlfriend in the seemingly hippyish Nora (Salome Jens). Then things go downhill and into a nightmarish realm. Really the whole film is a surreal nightmare, from the meat packing district to Randolph being drugged to out-of-proportion camera lenses and strange angles. And especially inside the reborn offices; what happens there is utterly otherworldly. Filmed in black and white this captures an experiment in surrealism that a major director wouldn't dare attempt today. And like all great '60s films this has a '60s feel and atmosphere to it. Especially when Nora and Tony go to a hippy festival, though Tony feels out of place there; after all he was formerly a square banker.

When Beach Boy Brian Wilson saw this film when it was released in 1966 he literally went insane. He believed Phil Spector was beaming him secret messages through the film to sabotage his career (the main character's last name was Wilson which may have added to his paranoia). But for a relatively healthy viewer it won't drive you insane...but it'll definitely have an effect on you.

If one had to pin down what this film is a metaphor for, it would have to be the old alienation of modern society theme, but here with an intense sci-fi-like twist. A must for all Frankenheimer fans, Rock Hudson fans, and/or '60s afficionados.

Perhaps the most unknown and under appreciated American film of all time. John Frankenheimer at his edgiest and most paranoid. Rock Hudson is brilliantly cast as the young reincarnation of a middle-aged man who under goes surgery to regain his youth. A film truly ahead of its time and an inspiration to filmmakers everywhere. Story is told brilliantly with some of the most inventive camera work ever!

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5.0 out of 5 stars A Disturbing Mid-Life Crisis
Without question, "Seconds" is a disturbing and unique film. It's odd, unclassifiable, and not easily forgettable. Read more

Published on Aug 20 2003 by Echo

5.0 out of 5 stars A Time Capsule of Terror
The core concept of this film has special relevance almost 40 years after its initial release, given recent developments in genetic engineering: Recycling of human beings, whole... Read more

Published on July 23 2003 by Robert Morris

4.0 out of 5 stars A cult classic deserving of more attention
Director John Frankenheimer, cinematographer James Wong Howe, and composer Jerry Goldsmith have each produced a body of outstanding work. Read more

Published on April 29 2003 by Richard E. "Nick" Noble

5.0 out of 5 stars A Lost, Yet Disturbing Cult Classic...
Originally released in 1966, nobody saw a video release until 1996, 30 years later. I had some of the disturbing images of beautiful cinematography roaming through my thoughts... Read more

Published on April 13 2003 by Stephen Olinsky

5.0 out of 5 stars SECONDS
A movie that is true to life in how many people probably really feel about their own lives...Very haunting and disturbing...DON'T miss this movie! Read more

Published on Mar 14 2003

5.0 out of 5 stars Well Worth Buying
For anyone who's fascinated by overlooked gems, this is the film for you. Disturbing and eery from the opening credits montage to the final ambiguous scene. Read more

Published on Dec 11 2002 by Harvey Pekar

5.0 out of 5 stars Haunting chiller
This haunting chiller qualifies as director John Frankenheimer's best film. John Randolph plays a middle aged businessman who is given the chance to start is life all over again... Read more

Published on Nov 15 2002 by WTDK

5.0 out of 5 stars The Unexamined Life
About 5 years ago, at my health club, a bunch of us got to talking about movies, and some guy I barely knew grabbed me by both collars of my shirt and said, "You HAVE to see this... Read more

Published on Nov 8 2002 by P. Miller

5.0 out of 5 stars Tragedy of a Life Half Lived
Small-view carping aside, Seconds scares, disturbs, and sticks with you decades after you see it. Rock Hudson was never better. Read more

Published on Oct 13 2002 by genetically_altered_bagel

1.0 out of 5 stars Piece of [Garbage]
I am a high school student, and my class recently viewed this travesty of a movie. Along with the worst ending ever, Rock Hudson must have been high when he was TRYING to act in... Read more

Published on Sep 26 2002 by Joe Ventre

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