Seconds

Seconds is an interesting thriller. It is a little predictable but that doesn't detract from the suspense. The one problem is that it relies too heavily on the "parable" structure and does not adequately flesh out the middle part. I feel it could have done more with this.

I am glad to see iTunes selll this movie. This is a hard movie to see on TV. IT was a rare John Frankenheimer movie that came out just before his death. I think it was originally banned and hidden for some odd reason. I remember first seeing it on Bravo TV and this is a total opposite of the Rock Hudson/Doris Day/Tony Randall trilogy that he made in the late 50s/early 60s. This is a movie that all should buy and see. But be warned, this could give you nightmares.

Kudos to iTunes for adding this little known Frankenheim thriller to the $4.99 great directors series. Originally a flop, but now a cult classic, "Seconds" is the timeless story of a burned out suburbanite banker who is mysteriously handed an address in downtown NYC by a stranger. He receives calls in the middle of the night urging him to go to the address. Curious, he does so and an outfit called only The Company promises to kill off his old life, give him plastic surgery and set up a new, hedonistic life for him as an artist in Mailbu. If you liked David Fincher's THE GAME, this B&W classic is compelling. The director made innovative use of the camera in many of the more paranoiac scenes, and the hallucination stuff and ending will raise the hair on the back of your neck. Cool paranoia thriller.

A great film! The other reviewer told you right. I found the plot to be brilliant...as soon as you think you are watching a symbolism filled artsy movie..WHAM! It pulls you back to reality. This is a Thriller!

Excellent direction, incredible acting, and a surprise ending make this my all-time favorite John Frankenheimer film. The Walton's Will Gerr is devilishly evil here, as is Richard Anderson...and you'll never forget Rock Hudson's terrifying screams at the end. Buy it, you'll love this film!