Cast
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Steve McQueen
as Capt. Buzz Rickson
Robert Wagner
as 1st Lt. Ed Bolland
Shirley Anne Field
as Daphne Caldwell
Gary Cockrell
as 2nd Lt. Marty Lynch
Michael Crawford
as Sgt. Junior Sailen
Burt Kwouk
as Air Crewman
Bill Edwards
as Brindt: Crew of 'The Body'
Chuck Julian
as Lamb: Crew of 'The Body'
Robert Easton
as Handown: Crew of 'The Body'
Al Waxman
as Prien: Crew of 'The Body'
Tom Busby
as Farr: Crew of 'The Body'
George Sperdakos
as Bragliani: Crew of 'The Body'
Bob Kanter
as Haverstraw: Crew of 'The Body'
Jerry Stovin
as Emmet
Ed Bishop
as Vogt
Crew
Director
- Philip Leacock
Producer
- Arthur Hornblow Jr.
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The War Lover examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Philip Leacock brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1962, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The War Lover took approximately 8 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 105 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 161 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The film contains approximately 1227 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 1962, when this film was released:
- The Vietnam War was becoming increasingly controversial.
- The space race between the USSR and USA was at its height.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The War Lover shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Don't Look Now... We're Being Shot At!, which focuses more on action than character development, The War Lover offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The Rice Bomber and Catch-22 explore similar territory, The War Lover stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: October 25, 1962
- Runtime: 1h 45m
Where to Watch
