The Manchurian Candidate (HBO)

About The Manchurian Candidate (HBO)

The Manchurian Candidate, released in 2004, is a political thriller directed by Jonathan Demme. It is a remake of the 1962 film of the same name and is based on Richard Condon's 1959 novel. The film's storyline is centered around the life of Raymond Shaw (Liev Schreiber), a U.S. Army officer, who becomes a pawn in a political conspiracy. Maj. Bennett Marco (Denzel Washington) struggles with nightmares regarding his platoon and uncover the truth before it's too late.

Making / Production

The Manchurian Candidate was produced by Paramount Pictures and released in July 2004. The direction was helmed by Jonathan Demme, with a screenplay by Daniel Pyne and Dean Georgaris. The film was shot on various locations in New York and New Jersey to depict the political environment effectively.

Actors

• Denzel Washington as Bennett Marco: Washington brilliantly portrays a former officer faced with the challenge of uncovering the truth.
• Meryl Streep as Eleanor Shaw: In an astounding performance, Streep stands as Raymond's power-hungry mother orchestrating the conspiracy.
• Liev Schreiber as Raymond Shaw: Schreiber plays the pawn in a political conspiracy, providing an intense performance.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The Manchurian Candidate is a remake of a 1962 movie.
• The phrase "Manchurian Candidate" has been used widely in U.S. politics as a term for politicians who are perceived to be manipulated.

Awards

Meryl Streep was nominated for a Golden Globe for her performance in the "Best Actress in a Supporting Role" category.

Quotes

• "Raymond Shaw is the kindest, bravest, warmest, most wonderful human being I've ever known in my life." - Bennett Marco
• "This is a new kind of war. A war without bullets. Are you ready to fight it?" - Eleanor Shaw

Music, Soundtrack

• "Fortunate Son" by Wyclef Jean ft. Redman
• "The Killing Zone" by Psychedelic Furs