Seven Days in May (1964) is a tightly woven political thriller by master of the genre Director John Frankenheimer (Manchurian Candidate). Working with a thought-provoking script by suspensemeister Rod Serling, Frankenheimer collaborated with Kirk Douglas' Joel production company to produce a cinematic gem of the first water. Casting consists of some of Hollywood's heaviest hitters, including Burt Lancaster, Fredric March, Kirk Douglas, and Ava Gardner backed up by a supporting cast of the best character actors available.

Made soon after the real-life Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962, Seven Days in May shows the paranoia of the Cold War era, perhaps better than any other film.

A lame-duck president, Jordan Lyman (Fredric March) wants nuclear disarmament with the Soviets and manages to get his treaty ratified by the Senate. Protesters picket the White House and his popularity rating sinks to 29% as the film opens. The dissatisfaction with Lyman's decision is personified in a republican senator (Whit Bissell) and more importantly in a man the people view as the savior of America, Gen. James Mattoon Scott (Burt Lancaster), Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The Lancaster character was based on a combination of the attributes of Generals Douglas MacArthur and Curtis LeMay. Taking advantage of his high profile, Scott decides to depose President Lyman and install himself. How the plot plays out makes up the substance of the film.

Although it is a drama and necessarily talky, Seven Days in May is far from dull due to Frankenheimer's cinematic treatment of his subject. Camera setups and angles are flawless, often shot from a low angle to give a sense of monumentality to the characters. Use of deep focus lenses, a technique he cribbed from Orson Welles, as well as strategic character placement, allows the viewer to see clear details in the far background as well as the foreground The result is a layered treatment that reveals new things each time the film is re-viewed. Frankenheimer also used long takes with minimal cutting in a few strategic places. This kept continuity, built tension, and is a tribute to the fine acting of his stars.

The acting is top notch, with Fredric March ( Inherit the Wind ) as the dovish president, doing a convincing job of it. Burt Lancaster, one of my perennial favorites, does his usual great job as the ambitious general willing to overthrow the government he's sworn to protect. Kirk Douglas ( Paths of Glory , Spartacus) gives his usual 110% as the aide who discovers the plot through piecing together the random clues that come across his desk. Ava Gardner, lovely as always, plays the general's jilted lover who has the ammunition to shoot down his plans -- maybe. Absolutely sterling support is given by Edmond O'Brien (The Wild Bunch, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance) and Martin Balsam (The Bedford Incident, Psycho) as two of President Lyman's top aides. All the characters are finely drawn and deliver Rod Serling's well-written dialog with punch.

The camera and lighting is by Ellsworth Fredericks and is absolutely stunning. Top it off with a great offbeat jazz score by Jerry Goldsmith, one of the best in the business, and you have what is my idea of a five star film.

The Warner Bros. DVD is presented in crystal clear 1.85:1 theatrical format in black and white. The DVD contains a feature-length commentary by the late John Frankenheimer, which is very worthwhile to listen to, containing much lore on the background to the film, camera angles and set-up choices, and anecdotes. The theatrical trailer is also included as are English and French subtitles.

Other films I enjoy in this genre include

Dr. Strangelove

The Bedford Incident

The Manchurian Candidate

Thank you for reading. Enjoy a good film tonight!

Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Fit for Friday Evening