Greetings

Greetings from 1968, directed by Brian De Palma, is an offbeat, satirical comedy that explores the counterculture movements and political climate of the late sixties. Starring young talents Jonathan Warden, Robert De Niro, and Gerrit Graham, the film weaves together a love story, a bit of suspense, and lots of laughter, providing a compelling and unique snapshot of a volatile era in American history.

The plot revolves around three friends - Paul Shaw (played by Jonathan Warden), Jon Rubin (Robert De Niro), and Lloyd Clay (Gerrit Graham). These characters embody different facets of the 60s - Paul is a quiet womanizer seeking meaning in his relationships, Jon is a peeping tom with dreams of making it big in adult cinema, and Lloyd is a conspiracy theorist who is convinced that the U.S. government is behind a countrywide plot. Their stories intermingle in a Manhattan setting that becomes a character of its own, shining a light on the city's essence during these trying times.

"Greetings from 1968" is particularly memorable for being De Niro's first major film role, and his performance does not disappoint. De Niro's portrayal of Jon Rubin, with his quirky behavior and ambitious dreams, is energetic, engaging, and full of charm, even in its immaturity. His character, who later appears in De Palma’s later more accomplished film "Hi, Mom!", serves as a launching pad for De Niro's illustrious career.

Jonathan Warden offers a nuanced performance as the casual, commitment-phobic lothario, Paul Shaw. His character stands as an embodiment of a generation’s changing perspectives about personal relationships and love. Meanwhile, Gerrit Graham's portrayal of Lloyd Clay is a remarkable reflection of a society dipped in paranoia and fear of government conspiracies.

Brian De Palma, known for his distinctive directorial style, does not disappoint either. The narrative structure, which oscillates between the various plots and character arcs, allows the viewer to gain an authentic understanding of the chaotic times that are the backdrop of the story. The film is enriched with a playful use of split screens, jump cuts, and direct camera addresses that are typical of De Palma. By utilizing these innovative filmmaking techniques, he manages to produce a partly surreal, partly realistic cinematic experience.

Furthermore, the film skillfully captures the cultural and political themes of the era. The prevailing mood of political dissent, distrust towards the government, sexual liberation, and the draft evasion in the context of the Vietnam War are all presented in the narrative, elucidating the zeitgeist of the late 60s. There's humor, but it's underlaid by a sense of disquiet to which anyone who has lived in turbulent times can relate.

While the film showcases an unmistakably cool, anti-establishment edge, it does not shy away from critically scrutinizing the counterculture movements. The men are shown as flawed, misguided, and sometimes futile in their attempts to live an unconventional life. This internal critique interestingly places "Greetings from 1968" as a movie that is both, of its time and ahead of its time.

Though "Greetings from 1968" is not a conventional crowd-pleaser with a neat (or any) resolution, it holds a significant place in cinematic history as an experimental counter-culture narrative. It serves as a testament to an era that was as perplexing as it was transformative, bringing a piece of late-60s America back for modern audiences. Despite its loose plot structure, the film is a captivating watch, mostly due to its vibrant characters and their intertwining narratives.

In conclusion, "Greetings from 1968" is a countercultural odyssey that brilliantly combines humor, social critique, and quirky characters to depict the social climate of a bygone era. As a piece of De Palma's early filmography and the starting point of De Niro's acting career, it maintains significance for all cinema enthusiasts. With its timeless themes, it manages to tap into the universal human experience, making it a worthy watch for all.