On the Beach (1959)
Director: Stanley Kramer
Starring: Gregory Peck, Ava Gardner, Fred Astaire
Synopsis:
In the wake of a nuclear war, the survivors try to make the most of the little time they have left.
Impressions:
A lot of artists have directed their works in opposition to nuclear weapons, but this is perhaps the most effective one I've seen. The reason it's so effective is because of how low-key it is. The war's already over when the movie starts. There's no panic in the streets, no descent into brutality. There's just grim resignation that the survivors are on short time. It's all very somber, humanity going out with a whimper. It can be hard to watch, but it's solid drama and I recommend it.
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