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An example of the visually experimental cinema that has come into greater acceptance with the early works of Roman Polanski and culminating with the independent movement of the 90's, Seconds fits nicely into any number of sci-fi thriller subgenres concerning the universal theme of technologies' uncanny ability to destroy the human soul. Directed by John Frankenheimer (of the original Manchurian Candidate), the film bears a particular, and perhaps even deliberately amateurish quality in its portrayal of the progression of events, whereas its astute sense of tension in even the most banal of settings still feels progressive in its tone. A middle aged, average-in-every-way man is contacted by an old friend supposedly dead for many years, and is introduced to an organization that, through plastic surgery, a carefully staged 'death' and the jumping of the necessary legal loopholes, creates a new identity for its clients, allowing them to be young again and without the responsibility of an unwanted life. At first hesitantly accepting (in no small part due to the threat of blackmail otherwise), Arthur Hamilton becomes Tony Wilson, a Californian artist already moderately established in his profession. It is with this scenario that the film attempts to provide a perspective on the culture schism between the conservative elder class and the blossoming hippie culture, centralized around a low-grade Woodstock festival and grape-crushing orgy sequence. The film's cultural views are far less interesting or insightful than any of the social and moral implications already inherent in the process Arthur goes through, which only reach any real poignancy during the films admittedly predictable however tragically ironic conclusion, somewhat foreshadowed by mostly clunky exposition that would normally indicate a talent far less experienced than Frankenheimer's. James Wong Howe's black and white cinematography is particularly striking, making even the most out of interesting but unnecessarily out-of-place camera tricks and trippy photo effects, but even the most proficient cinematic work can only make so much out of a flawed script that never establishes its central events as much more than a porthole for the obtuse and abnormal, and fails to carry through with its themes beyond a pat, moralizing resolution. Even despite the lack of focus to the majority of the proceedings, Rock Hudson manages a respectable performance, at least by B-movie standards, as the transformed Wilson; he evokes a character of repressed humanity adapting an existence that is, above all else, a lie, and admirably so in light of the fact that the script gives him so little to work with. More than anything, Seconds represents a time capsule of cultural paranoia; flawed, but not without its distinguishing qualities.

However heavily dated and ripe with sixties nudity, and celebrations to Bacchus, this film rolls with deep-seated themes of middle-age unhappiness and the wish to get to do the whole thing over. Hence, the plot. Great job of acting by Rock Hudson (really) and the film is necessarily creepy right through to the end. Worth viewing. It might save your life.

Okay. We only watched like 40 minutes of this movie because we're so crazy about each other we just had to get back into bed, but I feel fairly certain it's "good." I'll give it a six- enough to get it a tomato in the system, but not so much to render my ratings meaningless as I move forward.

This film exemplifies the old saying: Be careful what you wish for... you may just get it ! Disturbing flick about a man trying to change his identity and never finding peace.

Ultimately, he is killed by the people who help him when he decides things went too far.

A business helps people change their identity for a price, some 3000 dollars! They get the body to replace yours. The body will be burned up in a hotel or some such thing. They give you plastic surgery. The only problem is that they can't erase your memories.

Rock Hudson's finest role, this film should have been Oscar material, way ahead of its time.

This is not your Rock Hudson of Doris Day fame or times.

It is a shame he had to be hollywood's poster child for aids and closet gays. But that doesn't take away from Rock's acting ability. Very impressive in this film.
Shot in glorious (?) Black and White, this film has a Twilight Zone quality.

Well worth your time. Can be too slow for most people today, the beginning is very intriguing and surreal. No special effects, it doesn't need them.

El Cativo has spoken! High praise for this one.

The overall plot structure is intriguing, but lacking in execution.

The over-long grape-stomping orgy was a sight to behold.

My best one sentence description of Seconds would be if David Lynch's Lost Highway and Stanley Kubrick's The Shining made a love baby that was raised by Alfred Hitchcock's Vertigo, when this little fellow had a mid-life crisis, Seconds would materialize.

Part psychological horror, part psychedelic thriller, and part twisting sci-fi story, Seconds mesmerizes and mystifies. With some of the most unique visually upsetting camera work that I have ever seen, it's no wonder legend says Brian Wilson (Beach Boys) would not watch a film in a theater for almost 20 years after seeing Seconds. Some of the scenes stretch on a little too long and could have been trimmed. A minor nitpick perhaps, but is the only reason why the film doesn't' get a 9 or 10.

Rock Hudson completely throws any of my preconceived notions of a romantic leading man out the window and delivers a maniacal performance. I don't want to give too much more away, as this film is much better going in fresh.

Bimmer of 1995 gets the credit for me watching this one, and I'm glad I did.

Playing like a sped up and drugged down episode of the old Twilight Zone series, we have an interesting psychological drama that is both suspenseful and analytical about people's social value systems.

It builds slowly at first, but it is seen in hindsight that the film is structured perfectly to help the viewer identify fully with the protagonist, whose perspectives play as well in today's society as they did in the 60s when the film was released.

Unusual and fascinating plot, so imaginative. Rock Hudson's finest performance, the rest of the cast is fine as well. Excellent cinematography, very creative. Good direction. It starts out awesome, but it did drag a bit in the middle. Interesting style to the film.