Retro Film Review: The Manchurian Candidate (2004)

The very factors that elevate one film into a classic can consign another to oblivion. The 1962 rendition of The Manchurian Candidate achieved timelessness by embodying the essence of its era. In contrast, the 2004 remake, helmed by Jonathan Demme, faded into obscurity due to being the product of its time.

The screenplay by Daniel Pyne and Dean Georgaris transposed Richard Condon's original Cold War narrative into a modern backdrop. Set in 1991 during the first Gulf War, the film follows a US Army patrol led by Captain Bennett Marco (portrayed by Denzel Washington) ambushed by Iraqis. Amidst the chaos, Staff Sergeant Raymond Shaw (played by Liev Schreiber) valiantly saves his comrades, earning the Medal of Honor that propels his political ascent. Years later, Major Marco grapples with haunting nightmares hinting at obscured truths, leading him to question his own recollections when fellow survivors recount similar disturbing dreams. Meanwhile, Eleanor Shaw (portrayed by Meryl Streep), Shaw's ambitious mother and influential US senator, orchestrates her son's selection as a vice-presidential candidate through manipulation of the Democratic Party. As the political campaign unfolds, Marco delves into his own investigation, uncovering a sinister plot involving brainwashing orchestrated by scientists in the employ of Manchurian Global, a potent multinational corporation.

While the original The Manchurian Candidate captivated audiences by tapping into Cold War anxieties, the new iteration attempts a similar feat with the War on Terror theme but with diminished coherence and success. Shifting focus from global terrorists to malevolent corporations exploiting terrorism for profit and power at America's expense and democratic institutions' detriment reflects a critique often levied at major backers and influencers of the Republican Party. Implicitly targeting George W. Bush and his policies without naming him directly, the film aligns with its 2004 release during the presidential campaign. By painting a dystopian portrait of America teetering on the brink of corporate dominance and semi-totalitarianism, the filmmakers seemingly aimed to sway voters against Bush.

Regrettably, the bid to render the new The Manchurian Candidate politically pertinent marred its impact. Discrepancies in the original plot become glaring chasms in this rendition. The script fails to rationalise why powerful businessmen would resort to elaborate, costly, risky, and ultimately impractical mind control methods when conventional corruption could suffice to influence politicians. Many scenes that resonated in the original now ring hollow in this version, culminating in a lacklustre finale.

Despite some redeeming qualities such as intriguing dialogues and commendable performances - notably Liev Schreiber's standout portrayal surpassing Laurence Harvey's original role - Denzel Washington's effectiveness falls short while Meryl Streep, despite her prowess, struggles to match Angela Lansbury's intensity from the 1962 film. Even without comparisons to its predecessor, The Manchurian Candidate disappoints on multiple fronts and stands out as one of Hollywood's lacklustre remakes in recent memory. Given Hollywood's trend of mediocre remakes during that period, this serves as a telling reason for the 2004 version's failure alongside its underlying cause.

(Note: Original version of the review is available here.)

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