Manchurian Candidate, The  (2004)

Starring: Denzel Washington, Meryl Streep, Liev Schreiber
Director: Jonathan Demme

Rating: PG-13

Distributor: Paramount

Release Date: 07.30.04

Review Posted: 07.30.04

Spoilers: Minor

By Rachel Sexton

A Classic is Remade With Worthy Results

Hollywood’s love affair with remakes seems to have kicked into high gear recently and the succeeding films have been mixed in critical and popular attention. The 1962 John Frankenheimer-directed The Manchurian Candidate is revered. As just as that high opinion is, even those who don’t think it can be equaled should take a look at the new version. Jonathan Demme’s The Manchurian Candidate is an utterly engrossing contemporary update of political thrills with outstanding performances from Denzel Washington and Meryl Streep.

In today’s version, Captain Ben Marco (Washington) begins delving into what really happened on the Gulf War mission after a visit from one of his fellow soldiers (Geoffrey Wright) who is now distraught and has bad dreams. Meanwhile, now-Senator Raymond Shaw (Liev Schreiber), who became a war hero after being awarded the medal of honor for his bravery and action during the Gulf War mission, surprises Marco when he announces his candidacy for Vice-President. Marco struggles to push paranoia aside and connect the international conglomerate Manchurian Global to his dreams/memories of brainwashing and murder. I don’t think it would give too much away to say that Shaw’s mother, Senator Eleanor Prentiss Shaw (Streep), is somehow involved.

Let’s start with the script. Dean Georgaris (Paycheck) and Daniel Pyne (The Sum of All Fears) have been given quite a challenge to update the original script, but I think they rose to it. Instead of slavishly following the original, today’s political climate provides the two writers with the ideal environment to play out a different spin on the story while still wisely retaining its frightening paranoia and Oedipal undertones. They’ve crafted some scenes of shocking visceral power, especially the flashbacks, and well-tuned tension, such as in the climactic election victory scene. The dialogue is often exceptional. On the whole, this film impresses as an authentic and relevant cautionary tale, as evidenced by the early scene at the party’s national convention. They also smartly didn’t reveal which party the Shaw’s belong to, though individual viewers may recognize certain political beliefs or agendas.

Director Jonathan Demme (The Silence of the Lambs) has some sort of alchemy with this material that works. He begins with the title sequence, setting them in red, white, and blue and waving like a flag, set to a Wyclef Jean cover of the Credence Clearwater Revival classic “Fortunate Son.” I noticed good editing in the opening scenes, there is outstanding cinematography throughout, and Demme also stages sequences with a precise eye. The score by Rachel Portman (The Legend of Bagger Vance), and costuming work is more than adequate as well. Demme uses a couple of additional nice touches I don’t want to give away. He also presents even the most surprising scene in a straightforward way that becomes essential for the film’s tone.

I probably don’t even have to mention it, given the actors here, but the performances are Oscar-caliber. Denzel Washington is simply a craftsman, he knows what he’s doing and he does it very well. Fear and strength mix so well on his face, he’s perfectly cast in the role Frank Sinatra played in the original. Meryl Streep is at this point a living legend and I predict a nomination here. Shades of Lady Macbeth and Greek tragedy give her a phenomenal character to play and it’s a treat to see her play it. Liev Schreiber is surprisingly good also. I haven’t even mentioned Jon Voight, and another standout is Geoffrey Wright in an early scene with Washington.

Direction, acting, and script coalesce into a standout film The Manchurian Candidate, a worthy remake of a classic film. Its timely subject matter and likely award-noticed performances enrich a viewing experience that might otherwise have been a very good thriller. Only time will tell if this film will become as important as the 1962 original.

Film Rating: êêêê1/2  (out of 5)  |  Film Grade: A-

Home | Back to Top