The Cold War between the USA and USSR of the 20th century was a time of constant survival and avoidance of the Earths destruction. In a time where a single mistake could lead to the annihilation of life on Earth as we know it, the brave men and women who put their lives on the line to maintain peace should not be forgotten in our history. Many artists have rendered their own outlook on the Cold War, and they all differ in perception. The film Dr. Strangelove by Stanley Kubrick and the novel The Spy Who Came in From the Cold by John Le Carre both offer unique viewpoints on the struggles and decisions made during this uncertain time. In this essay, I will review both works, as well as dissect each individual aspect of their Cold War vantage points.
Starting off we have Stanley Kubrick’s Dr. Strangelove. This film, released in 1964, follows the story of Brigadier General Jack D. Ripper, a crazed, paranoid man who uses a loophole to order the launch of nuclear strikes …show more content…
This novel is about Alec Leamas, a British spy in Berlin during the 1960’s. Leamas, after the death of all his agents at the hands of a German spy named Mundt, ends up getting fired from the British Intelligence agency. Now out of power, Leamas turns to alcohol, and lives in a run-down apartment. He tries and fails at several odd ball jobs before finding one at a library. There he meets a woman named Liz with whom he gets well acquainted with. Eventually, it is revealed that Liz in in fact a Communist, although Leamas likes her, he cannot help but be weary as to her loyalty. Through many plot-twists and double-crossing, it is shown that Mundt is actually a double agent, working for the British Government. Mundt tries to get both Liz and Leamas out of Berlin, assuring them that an agent of his will assist them in getting over the wall to freedom. Unfortunately, they are caught trying to climb the wall, and are killed by the border
Starting off we have Stanley Kubrick’s Dr. Strangelove. This film, released in 1964, follows the story of Brigadier General Jack D. Ripper, a crazed, paranoid man who uses a loophole to order the launch of nuclear strikes …show more content…
This novel is about Alec Leamas, a British spy in Berlin during the 1960’s. Leamas, after the death of all his agents at the hands of a German spy named Mundt, ends up getting fired from the British Intelligence agency. Now out of power, Leamas turns to alcohol, and lives in a run-down apartment. He tries and fails at several odd ball jobs before finding one at a library. There he meets a woman named Liz with whom he gets well acquainted with. Eventually, it is revealed that Liz in in fact a Communist, although Leamas likes her, he cannot help but be weary as to her loyalty. Through many plot-twists and double-crossing, it is shown that Mundt is actually a double agent, working for the British Government. Mundt tries to get both Liz and Leamas out of Berlin, assuring them that an agent of his will assist them in getting over the wall to freedom. Unfortunately, they are caught trying to climb the wall, and are killed by the border