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Catch 22 Details

1970 DVD Certificate 15.gif
  • Rated:
  • 60
  • from 2699 members

Based on Joseph Heller's much-loved best-selling novel, this sometimes disturbing antiwar satire centers around a group of World War II fliers in the Mediterranean and the insanity of war. The catch-22 of the title deals with a military snafu that results when a bombardier in the war attempts to get out of the military by .. Read more

Starring Martin Balsam, Richard Benjamin, Anthony Perkins, Jon Voight
Director Mike Nichols
Genres Comedy

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Catch 22

Based on Joseph Heller's much-loved best-selling novel, this sometimes disturbing antiwar satire centers around a group of World War II fliers in the Mediterranean and the insanity of war. The catch-22 of the title deals with a military snafu that results when a bombardier in the war attempts to get out of the military by feigning insanity--however, completing the paperwork for this proves him sane. Mike Nichols (THE GRADUATE) directed this wacky romp, getting supporting help from such stars as Alan Arkin (who makes the perfect Yossarian), Art Garfunkel, Bob Newhart, Anthony Perkins, Martin Sheen, and Orson Welles.

Starring Martin Balsam, Richard Benjamin, Anthony Perkins, Jon Voight, Alan Arkin, Orson Welles, Buck Henry, Art Garfunkel, Jack Gilford, Bob Newhart, Paula Prentiss, Martin Sheen
Director Mike Nichols
Studio PARAMOUNT HOME ENTERTAINMENT
Run time DVD: 1 hr 56 mins
Certificate DVD Certificate 15.gif
Genres Comedy
Language English
Released DVD: 07 Oct 2002
Production year: 1970
Format DVD

  • Critics' reviews (2) of Catch 22

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  • 1 stars out of 4

    Intensely black comedy, more so than M*A*S*H and less funny, effectively mordant in places but too grisly and missing several tricks.

    • Halliwell's Film Guide
    • Posted 02 Mar 2006

  • Faced with the impossibility of filming Joseph Heller's marvellous novel (the ultimate World War II purgatorio),... read more on Time Out

    • Time Out
    • Posted 15 May 2009

  • Most helpful member's review of Catch 22

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  • 5 out of 5 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 4 stars

    Unfortunately, this could never make the bar set by the book.

    Joseph Heller wrote the book on which this is based, but was only really after the paycheck the movie offered and did not contribute personally to the script(apart from giving it the go ahead). It was widely understood that the movie format would be hard pressed to match the books unique and gritty take on World War 2.

    As expected there were huge problems translating this magnificet piece of work to the silver screen and the idea was passed around hollywood for a few years before someone found the guts to do it (Mike Nichols). It has a great cast and is very entertaining but looses steam towards the end. The alternate ending is worth waiting for and it is reasonably funny but I wish they had been able to maintain a bit more of the wit and humour found in the book. Watch it, if you have read the book - it is not a replacement.

      • Max from London
      • Posted 14 Dec 2004 16:35

  • Most recent members' review of Catch 22

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  • 2 out of 2 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 4 stars

    Underrated big-budget 70s Hollywood gem.

    The scene where Yossarian (a brilliant Alan Arkin) has to pretend to be dead for the dead soldier's parents is one of most amazing scenes I've ever seen. There are so many great scenes in this film, but it doesn't quite gel together, I must admit. Nevertheless, I still feel that it is one of the best big-budget films ever made.

    Gorgeous "2pm" cinematography by the great David Watkin.

    "Does anyone know what a chair is?"

      • Arkadin from ABERDEEN
      • Posted 11 Apr 2005 06:54

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      • Based on Joseph Heller's much-loved best-selling novel, this sometimes disturbing antiwar satire centers around a group of World War II fliers in the Mediterranean and the insanity of war. The catch-...