Dr. Strangelove and Childishness

I've seen Dr. Strangelove perhaps half a dozen times, and it continues to reveal new layers to its comedic portrayal of a nuclear apocalypse.  The main satirical focus of the film seems far greater than just a cataclysmic event like the cold war instigating an all out conflict between the U.S. and Russia. The target of the movies appears to be political and military power in general.

The film offers us two different military leaders in the form of the psychotic and conspiratorial General Ripper and the manic, child-like general Turgidson played brilliantly by George C. Scott.  Most men depict military leadership as being fundamentally dillusional and banal in their obsession with secret Communist plots and power grabs. 

Turgidson is continually shown exhibiting childish behavior.  There are more overt displays such as when he wrestles with the Russian ambassador over a hidden camera (that the General might have planted) and, like a young boy, mimes the motions of an airplane while joyfully describing the maneuvering capabilities of a B-52 bomber.  Also, their are more subtle clues like Turgidson's constantly chewing of gum which is reminiscent of a baby's oral fixation. 

General Ripper is, on the surface, far more serious, but displays a similarly immature mindset, absence of logic, and boyish obsession with the flashier elements of war: big guns and big military gestures. 

The difference between these two is that, while Turgidson's paranoia is tolerated, Ripper's is not.  The difference?  Ripper challenges political authority by sidestepping the President and starting war with Russian himself.  Turgidson, whether he likes it or not, plays the game. You see, the political leaders, the U.S. President and his Russian counterpart, are equally childish as evidenced in their silly argument over who is sorriest. 

The filmmakers are saying that childishness and foolishness are tolerated in military and government powers only so long as you don't step on the toes of the bigger, more important kids sharing the sandbox.

The film succeeds quite well at its depiction of power because in operates on overt and more subtle levels.  Much of the satire was lost on me the first time I saw Dr. Strangelove, but it reveals more and more levels as you watch.  This technique is very effective and almost necessary when satirizing such hot button issues as nuclear war and current institutions like our difficult marriage of government and military powers.