Slaughterhouse-Five

While looking up Slaughterhouse Five, the Vonnegut novel, I discovered that a movie had been adapted from it, so I decided to watch it before I read the novel. Apparently Kurt Vonnegut loved this movie, and thought that it perfectly captured the tone and message of his book, and after watching it I can understand his feelings. Very interesting movie from a time when interesting movies got made. It's films like this that remind you just how idiosyncratic films used to be. It has a vibe all its own, and it will keep your attention right through to the end credits. This is not a masterpiece of filmmaking, but it's a unique film that manages to handle perfectly a subject and story that are almost intangible, and like Billy Pilgrim says at the end, "It makes sense somehow."

I had not read the book (I am a lousy reader, not for lack of will), but really wanted to see this film. I was disappointed the only way I could watch it was to buy it, not rent it on any service I could find - and the price was as high as a new release. While undoubtably an intriguing movie in 1972, its probably triggered enough derivative storytelling in the last 40 years that whatever made it great has been far too diluted by popular culture since.

The film adaptation of the book, does a wonderful job of framing the feeling and emotions of the book. Yes it is not the book, but for the time to see this movie you are set in the mood that is necessary to enjoy the purpose of Slaugherhouse Five. I was in college when this film first came out and it captured the mood at the time. It captured the audience and was talked about by the college crowd as the classic it is. If you enjoy the art of movie making and the significance of historic events and meaning, see this movie. This movie may not be for everyone, but for those that enjoy the fragrance of a good film, this is for you. Relax, Enjoy and look forward to the ride you are about to take.

I love George Roy Hill. He's directed some of my favorite films: The Sting, Slap Shot, A Little Romance, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The World According to Garp... Give it a chance. RIP GRH.