The Manchurian Candidate (1969) & (2004)

The Manchurian Candidate (1969)

Director:

 John Frankenheimer

Writers:

 Richard Condon, George Axelrod 

Stars:

 Frank Sinatra, Laurence Harvey, Janet Leigh

The novel of the Manchurian Candidate came out in 1962, while the film was released in 1969.
The Manchurian Candidate is a political thriller about the son of a prominent US political family who is brainwashed into being an assassin for the Communist Party.

The trailer for the Manchurian Candidate is made to create suspense and terror towards the audience, as it is about communism. This would invite the audience to watch the film, as they like to know what is going to happen in the film. 




This classic scene in the Manchurian Candidate is a key scene, as it shows how easy it is for Raymond shaw's mother to brainwash him into  doing anything she asks. Although Raymond does put up a fight. 

The Manchurian Candidate (2004)

Director:

 Jonathan Demme

Writers:

 Richard Condon, George Axelrod

Stars:

 Denzel Washington, Liev Schreiber, Meryl Streep 

In the midst of the Gulf War, soldiers are kidnapped and brainwashed for sinister purposes. This is modern version is based around the novel and old 1969 version of the Manchurian Candidate.


The trailer for the modern Manchurian Candidate is a past pacing one. As it draws the audience in to find out more about the Manchurian Candidate. It appeals to the audience as it is modern and easy to understand. 

The opening scene of the modern Manchurian Candidate sets the initial battle in Kuwait, which makes it easier for the audience to relate to. The flashback of the battle is far better than the original one. There is explosions and uses of night vision goggles, making the attack seem more believable.

Production values has changed and increased since the original Manchurian Candidate in 1969. The flashback scene is red, which represents blood and the subconscious mind. 

The Brain washing scenes are completely different. The original version has the soldiers switching from Communist soldiers to ladies at a tea party. To show hypnosis. While the modern version is more graphic, as it has scenes of brain implants and drilling. 

The original version of the Manchurian Candidate was completely full of racial stereotypes. For example they though there was mysterious and dangerous men from the east. They also had an Asian servant. Token black soldier. The modern version had a black protagonist who saves everyone. Which promotes a more multiracial society.

Both Manchurian Candidates refer to social and historical context and of tension and threat. The power of Global companies and the threat to democracy. The main purpose of the film wasn't just for entertainment but also to inform. The director says that the film is sadder, darker
  and stranger than real life, which i agree with as there isn't actually people in real life that brainwash people. Although, no one knows.