The Manchurian Candidate

The Manchurian Candidate by Greil Marcus, published by Bloomsbury Academic on May 28, 2020, is a concise exploration of John Frankenheimer’s 1962 political thriller. This edition, comprising 96 pages, delves into the film’s intricate narrative of an American serviceman who is brainwashed in Korea and transformed into an assassin. Marcus reconstructs the drama, highlighting the film’s sophisticated portrayal of American politics and its prophetic nature regarding the socio-political landscape of the second half of the American century.

Readers will find a detailed analysis of the film’s themes and its impact on the genre of political thrillers. The book examines the performances of notable actors such as Laurence Harvey, Frank Sinatra, and Angela Lansbury, emphasizing their roles in creating a narrative that transcends typical expectations. Additionally, this edition features a new foreword that underscores the film’s relevance in contemporary discussions surrounding political dynamics, including issues related to elections and foreign interference. The focus on performing arts and film history makes this work a significant contribution to the discourse on cinematic criticism.