EXPLOSION (1969)

Title: EXPLOSION

Year of Release: 1969

Director: Jules Bricken

Genre: Drama

Synopsis: A disturbed young man teams up with a hippie in order to avoid being drafted for Vietnam, but his fragile emotional state, and actions, causes his friend no end of angst.

Within a film history context: Movies which explore post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of military participation have been around for many years onscreen. One of the first was William Dieterle's THE LAST FLIGHT (1931). Young veterans from World War I spend their hours whiling away time in Paris, drinking excessively to dull their pain, and become involved with a woman, among their exploits. William Dieterle also directed another film about PTSD, being I'LL BE SEEING YOU (1944), this time, with an American setting. In this movie, a man suffering from shell shock falls for a woman just released from prison to spend time with family at Christmas, but her past may get in their way in this sentimental romance. Edward Dmytryk's TILL THE END OF TIME (1946), concentrated upon several World War II veterans, and the difficulties they faced in coming to terms with their lives as civilians. One of the most famous films dealing with returning veterans was THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES (1946), directed by William Wyler. A touching exploration of veterans, and their return to society, albeit with great hurdles, it was one of the highest-grossing films of the decade, and a triumph for all involved. Anthony Kimmins' MINE OWN EXECUTIONER (1947), featured a character who suffered from psychological trauma after being trapped in a Japanese prisoner of war camp. 

At the beginning of the 1950s came one of the most famous films dealing with PTSD, being THE MEN (1950), directed by Fred Zinnemann. Focusing upon a World War II army veteran who lost the use of his legs after being shot in the spinal region, and his relationship with his fiancée, it gave Marlon Brando a meaty part as the young veteran. Another closeup of emotional issues caused by war could be found in Fred Wilcox's SHADOW IN THE SKY (1952). Here, a man has been placed in a mental facility as his psychological issues have taken over his life, but his return to society is successful in the end. 5 AGAINST THE HOUSE (1955), directed by Phil Karlson, had a character who suffered from PTSD after his stint in the Korean War. On the other hand, Richard Thorpe's TIP ON A DEAD JOCKEY (1957) showed how a man who fought in the Korean War experienced PTSD, manifested in his behaviour, such as divorcing his wife, and falling into drink and gambling. The real-life story of American Indian Marine Ira Hayes was dramatized in THE OUTSIDER (1961), directed by Delbert Mann. In this film, Mr Hayes' depression after serving in the Marine Corp during the Iwo Jima battle, and subsequent alcoholism, were spotlighted, with Tony Curtis in the lead role. A rare film dealing with PTSD was Bobby Davis' A TORN PAGE OF GLORY (1968). Concentrating upon the problems of Vietnam veterans, and the emotional upheaval they experienced, it was mainly notable for starring Aldo Ray in the central role. EXPLOSION was an entirely different view of PTSD than previous entries for one striking reason.

All the films above had a protagonist who directly suffered from PTSD after serving in a war, with THE LAST FLIGHT, TILL THE END OF TIME, THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES, and A TORN PAGE OF GLORY containing a number of male characters in this predicament. The lead character of EXPLOSION, though, did have PTSD, but did not himself serve in the Vietnam War. His PTSD was as a consequence of the death of his brother, who fought in the war, but died in combat. This was one of the rare occasions when the impact of the death of a family member from war was explored in cinema, and how it manifests in the younger brother's emotional problems. In the other films, the reactions of family members to the veteran's return are of a supporting, or secondary nature, to the lead's emotional issues. In EXPLOSION, the brother's feelings about his older brother's death, coupled with a cold and domineering father, and the absence of his mother, take center stage. These conditions are seen to create a combustive atmosphere for the young brother, who cannot come to terms with the loss of his sibling. It is a unique view of PTSD, and the consequences of war, which far too often is overlooked with an emphasis on the direct impact of war on the particular soldier. A striking view of PTSD, EXPLOSION is an underrated examination of this in film. 

Overview: Jules Bricken was an American director of three motion pictures in his fifteen-year career. He was more active on television, directing and producing episodes of prime-time television such as The Ford Theater Hour, Four Star Playhouse, The Ray Milland Show, Studio 57, Naked City, and Dr. Kildare. His first film, DRANGO (1957), was a western about a remorseful man who becomes governor of a city, but was involved in unrest which caused death and destruction, unbeknownst to the city's citizens. In Mr Bricken's final movie, DANNY JONES (1972), a young Welsh man wants to make his mark on the world, rebelling against his father in the process. EXPLOSION was Jules Bricken's second picture, and a very good effort.

With EXPLOSION, Jules Bricken has crafted an original, haunting film. Following the life of a young man mourning the loss of his brother in Vietnam, and the fallout from this event, it is an unusual, yet oddly compelling tale. From the outset, the narrative appears to be constructed in a loose manner, the chain of events not organized in an obviously logical way, but as the picture unravels, this is dispelled. It does feel as if it has been slapped together in the first half, but this is just an example of its freeform, labyrinthine structure which keeps one guessing. EXPLOSION picks up considerably in its second half, with the elements coming together in a most unexpected way. All the pieces of narrative and character information which the movie gradually releases begins to make sense, providing insight into its tortured protagonist, and why he acts and feels the way he does. This is admirable to witness, but in pursuing a fluid sequence of events in its structure, EXPLOSION misses out on important plot points which would have further boosted the picture.

Alan's father Mr Evans has an important place in the movie in its first half, but in the second is largely nowhere to be seen. His callous and indifferent treatment of his sons, which leads his eldest to fight in Vietnam to keep up appearances of a wealthy family, is quite powerful, but his no show later in the story is a letdown. Having Alan's psychiatrist Dr Neal function as a surrogate father does fill the void, but hearing Mr Evans' reaction to Alan's plight would have added immeasurably to the film. As with Mr Evans, Peter's girlfriend Doris is prominent in the initial part of the film, and has a telling scene with Dr Neal, but, again, she disappears. While EXPLOSION emphasizes the interaction between Alan and friend Richie in the picture, which is not to its detriment, Doris' role in the film subsequently takes a back seat. There was more that could have been explored here, as her sorrow at Peter's passing was strong. In saying this, it is clear that the director has tried something different here with his work on the effect of war, in this case the Vietnam War. An underappreciated movie about a topic which still burns today, EXPLOSION is a proficient film about war, and those it directly touches.

Acting: There are four performances in EXPLOSION which are worthy of mention. In the lead role of Alan, a young man who misses his older brother, and who turns his life upside down in the process, Gordon Thomson does well. An actor who later cornered the market on television with his portrayals of men in fraught relationship with their fathers on serials Dynasty and Santa Barbara, here he does likewise, with his clean-cut looks and sinister edge making Alan a compelling figure. As Alan's friend Richie, Don Stroud once again brings his special presence to bear on EXPLOSION. There is a chemistry between Alan and Richie, and Mr Stroud's humanness, and empathy, brings forward another perspective on Alan. The girlfriend of Alan's brother, Doris, is a distinctive part for Michele Chicoine. Although her role in the movie is limited, she does have some strong moments not only with Alan but also, Alan's therapist, Dr Neal. Aside from Richie, Dr Neal is another sympathetic figure in EXPLOSION. Richard Conte makes every second count as the pained psychiatrist who tries to help his patient Alan, but is hindered by circumstances beyond his control. 

Soundtrack: In terms of its soundtrack, EXPLOSION does a creditable job in this arena. The movie commences, and concludes with song 'Little Boy', performed by Robin Ward, with lyrics by Sol Kaplan, and William McCallay. It utilizes the late 1960s/early 1970s feature of a theme song at both the beginning, and end of a film, with what has been learned by the viewer between both points in time. Aside from this, Sol Kaplan's score emphasizes the tense nature of the story, and the central character's emotional mood swings, and deadly outbursts, with style. 

Mise-en-scene: EXPLOSION offers an effective onscreen experience for viewers. Cinematography by Joseph Brun captures both indoor scenes with ease, and the many outdoor sequences have an immediacy about them which invites belief in the story, and its characters. Bruce Grimes' art direction creates a world of contrasts with the stifling, gothic, dark atmosphere of the Evans family home, and the freedom of the outdoors, where Alan comes unstuck. Costume design by Ilse Richter is also another asset, with the formal attire adorned by Alan, his father, and doctor compared to the hippie clothing worn by Richie, inviting non-verbal comparisons between these characters, and their socioeconomic level. 

Notable Acting Performances: Gordon Thomson, Don Stroud, Michele Chicoine, Richard Conte.

Suitability for young viewers: No. Adult themes, medium-level violence.

Overall Grade: B

Link: IMDB Page

Trailer