George Clooney Reveals His Favorite “Pro-American” Movies of All Time
George Clooney recently shared his top favorite movies in Cindy Pearlman’s 2007 book You Gotta See This, giving fans a look into his personal tastes in cinema.
When asked to name a single favorite film, Clooney surprised the author by picking not one, but two movies that are deeply connected.
“It’s a tough one. It’s a dual pick for me. It’s two that go hand in hand because they’re both from the same book,” Clooney explained. His choices were Stanley Kubrick’s Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964) and Sidney Lumet’s Fail Safe (1964).
Both films deal with the tense subject of nuclear warfare, but approach it in very different ways. Dr. Strangelove is a satirical black comedy that takes a sharp, hilarious look at the absurdity of the nuclear arms race, while Fail Safe is a dramatic thriller that examines the terrifying consequences of a nuclear standoff.
Clooney described them as “One is hysterically funny, and the other is terrifying. They’re just beautifully made films. Wait, I already said that, but write it down again, please.”
Critics have long praised these films. Dr. Strangelove is widely considered one of Kubrick’s best works, celebrated for its sharp wit, dark humor, and daring social commentary. Fail Safe, while often overshadowed by its satirical counterpart, has been acclaimed for its intense tension, precise direction, and the way it captures Cold War anxieties.
Both movies continue to be studied and admired for their impact on American cinema and political storytelling.
Clooney also emphasized the films’ connection to American values, particularly the importance of questioning authority. “Both films are pro-American. They tell me that the whole idea of America is based on dissent and raising questions. That’s why we left King George over in England. We wanted to speak out. These movies remind us that we need to always speak out. They say that it’s not just your right, but your duty to ask questions.”
Adding a surprising third choice, Clooney mentioned Hal Ashby’s 1971 cult classic Harold and Maude. “Can I add Harold and Maude too? Come on! Three films as my favourites aren’t too long of a list. I think it’s a beautiful story about feelings,” he said.
The movie tells the unconventional love story between a young man and a 79-year-old woman. Praised for its quirky humor, emotional depth, and unique perspective on life and love, it has earned a devoted following over the years.
- Dr. Strangelove (Stanley Kubrick, 1964)
- Fail Safe (Sydney Lumet, 1964)
- Harold and Maude (Hal Ashby, 1971)
Clooney’s picks reveal a mix of comedy, drama, and thoughtful storytelling, highlighting his appreciation for films that challenge audiences while reflecting important cultural and personal themes.
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