Catch-22-1970

Director Mike Nichols

Starring Alan Arkin, Bob Balaban, Martin Balsam

Scott’s Review #41

Reviewed June 18, 2014

Grade: B

Catch-22 (1970) is a satirical film similar in subject matter to Robert Altman’s M*A*S*H, released the same year, though admittedly, I have not seen that film yet.

It does remind me of Dr. Strangelove (1964) and Slaughterhouse-Five (1972) in their anti-war theme.

This film is well-made and certainly effectively portrays the outrageousness and lunacy of war.

Most of the characters are portrayed as crazy, albeit in a darkly humorous, over-the-top way.

Alan Arkin is wonderful as the protagonist trying to find a way out of the island of Italy, where he and his fellow pilots are stationed.

At times, the film feels disjointed and hard to follow, which I understand the novel is too (I have not read the entire book), but Catch-22’s (1970) message comes across loud and clear.