SECONDS

“Seconds” is a psychological thriller directed by John Frankenheimer and stars Rock Hudson. Released in 1966, the film delves into themes of identity, societal expectations, and the pursuit of happiness.
The story revolves around Arthur Hamilton (played by John Randolph), a middle-aged, successful banker living an unfulfilling life in New York City. Disenchanted and burdened by a sense of emptiness, Arthur is contacted by a mysterious organization called “The Company.” The Company offers him a chance to start a new life, free from his current existence.

Skeptical but intrigued, Arthur is taken to a secret facility where a radical ” rebirth ” procedure is performed. With the help of advanced plastic surgery, Arthur’s appearance is completely transformed, and he is given a new identity as Tony Wilson (played by Rock Hudson).

As Tony, Arthur is relocated to Malibu, California’s vibrant and bohemian community. He is surrounded by beautiful people, indulges in pleasurable experiences, and lives an extravagant lifestyle. At first, Tony revels in his newfound freedom and the opportunity to relive his life. However, he soon realizes that pursuing happiness can be elusive, and the price he pays for a second chance may be too high.

Haunted by the memories of his previous life, Tony grapples with the loss of his identity and struggles to find a genuine connection in his new existence. As his disillusionment grows, he becomes increasingly suspicious of The Company’s true motives and their ultimate control over his life.
As the tension builds, Tony embarks on a desperate quest to reclaim his former identity and escape the clutches of The Company. His journey leads him to confront the dark secrets behind the organization and the sinister nature of its operations.

“Seconds” is a film that delves into the existential crises faced by individuals trapped in a society driven by conformity and artificiality. With its innovative cinematography, atmospheric soundtrack, and strong performances, the movie explores personal identity, alienation, and the human desire for genuine connection.

As Tony Wilson, Rock Hudson delivers a captivating performance, showcasing his range as an actor by portraying the character’s internal struggles and transformation. John Frankenheimer and the film’s eerie atmosphere create a gripping narrative that keeps audiences on edge until the shocking and poignant climax.

It’s also worth noting that Frankenheimer used as director of photography James Wong Howe who was known for bending the rules and pushing the story visually. Hence the use of fisheye 9.7mm lenses that had not been seen in movies until this point. Howe, a seasoned veteran with some 50-plus films under his belt, including two Oscars for “The Rose Tattoo”(1955) and “Hud” (1963), was a crucial collaborator for Frankenhiemer on this film. When asked about it later, Frankeheimer said. The central visual metaphor of Seconds emerged from Howe and Frankenheimer’s experimentation with a 9.7mm fisheye lens. “In Seconds, the [idea of] distortion was terribly important,” Frankenheimer told Gerald Pratley in 1969. “The distortion of what society had made this man, what the Company then turned him out to be, and finally, when he was going to his death, everything had to be that complete distortion of reality and the fact that it was all just utter nonsense.”

Available to buy via The Criterion Collection or stream on Prime Video.