Candy

"Candy" is a 1968 wild and offbeat satirical comedy, directed by Christian Marquand and based on the polemical novel of the same name by Terry Southern who co-wrote the screenplay with Buck Henry. The movie stars beautiful Swedish actress Ewa Aulin in the title role and is enthusiastically supported by an ensemble cast of Hollywood personalities, including Richard Burton, Charles Aznavour, Marlon Brando, James Coburn, Walter Matthau, and Ringo Starr.

A look at this unconventional movie offers a glimpse of the mood and feel of the late 1960s. At the center of the narrative is Candy, played by Ewa Aulin, an innocent and nubile high school girl. With her doe-eyed naivety and willingness to blindly oblige everyone’s solicitations, Candy symbolizes the sexual liberation of the time and the archetype of the free-spirited but venturesome damsel.

Candy's journey is not ordinary. Throughout the movie, she encounters an assortment of peculiar characters who exploit her innocence for their self-serving purposes. Each character she stumbles across is represented by a contemporary movie star, adding to the satirical aura of the film.

Richard Burton portrays McPhisto, a bombastic and poetic Welsh alcoholic, providing raw delivery with a Shakespearean flair that threatens to steal the show. Charles Aznavour plays a hunchback gardener who falls head-over-heels for Candy. Marlon Brando, in one of his more unconventional roles, portrays a pseudo-Indian guru named Grindl, who is more interested in Candy's body than her spiritual awakening.

Expanding the repertoire of eccentric characters, James Coburn portrays a demented doctor who has a penchant for using humanity as his guinea pigs. Ringo Starr puts up a striking performance as a wannabe British actor who pretends to be a Mexican gardener named Emmanuel. In contrast, Walter Matthau piques interest as a paranoid army general scared of an impending communist invasion and Candy gets caught in his irrational schemes.

The film is interspersed with surreal scenes that portray the absurdity of the situations Candy finds herself in. The movie purposefully exaggerates various situations to create a stylized and bizarre atmosphere, lending the film a unique tone which walks a fine line between satire, farce, and straightforward drama.

Despite "Candy" being amongst more obscure mainstream comedies, it is significant in its critique and representation of the late 1960s’ global political scenario, particularly America's fear of communism, the consequence of nuclear warfare, and the sexual revolution. The film flips between absurdity, satire, and social commentary, often blurring the lines between who is deceived and who is the perceiver.

Broadcast with strong anti-establishment undertones, the film seems to criticize the prevalent social and political hypocrisy at the time and exposes exploitative behavior through Candy's encounters. From the military to the medical profession, from Hollywood to organized religion, no corner of society escapes the filmmakers’ satirical examination. This approach gives the movie a pointed edge, making it a distinctly experimental time capsule of late sixties popular culture.

Director Christian Marquand's "Candy" features skillful cinematography by Giuseppe Rotunno, and an eclectic soundtrack contributed by The Byrds and Steppenwolf, adding to the movie's psychedelic dimension. Compounded by its fascinating star-studded cast and their oddball characters, the film takes the viewer on an expeditious journey through the late sixties counterculture.

One must note that the movie is a product of its era and folk who appreciate vintage Hollywood would find it particularly engaging while others may find it a difficult pill to swallow due to its inherent oddity, absurdly comedic tone and unconventional narratives.

In conclusion, "Candy" can be seen as a lasting keepsake of a vastly changing time, with its encapsulation of late sixties counterculture and unconventional filmmaking. Its satire layered narratives, a range of eccentric characters, and psychedelic style makes it a worthwhile watch for those intrigued by high-profile curiosities of sixties Hollywood.