The Happiness Cage

In the early 1970s, director Bernard Girard directed the psychological drama "The Happiness Cage" which is also known as "The Mind Snatchers." The film stars Christopher Walken, Joss Ackland, and Ralph Meeker.

The plot of the movie revolves around an experimental mental institution nestled away in a peaceful Canadian countryside. The institution has been established to research and study the behavior of soldiers who have been prisoners of war in Vietnam. The soldiers at the institution include Lony (Christopher Walken), who has gone through a traumatic experience and is trying to re-adjust to civilian life, and Farley (Joss Ackland), who is a former military officer trying to adjust to normal life.

The institution's director, Dr. Frederick (Peter Cushing), is on a mission to create the perfect soldier from the patients. He uses a hypnotic serum to brainwash the soldiers to make them believe that they have a happy life outside the institution, even though they have been locked up and are being experimented on. As the days pass, the mental health of the patients deteriorates as they become increasingly suspicious of their surroundings.

Christopher Walken delivers a superb performance as Lony, a former soldier suffering from PTSD. Walken perfectly captures the angst and disquiet of a man who has been tortured and is trying to cope with memories of the past. Joss Ackland, meanwhile, portrays Farley as a man living in denial about the horrors of military life.

Ralph Meeker plays Colonel Woodbridge, a harsh and unforgiving figure, who is resistant to the experiments being carried out in the institution. Meeker excels as the uncompromising, no-nonsense military officer who will not be swayed by Dr. Frederick's experiments.

The film explores themes like mental illness, brainwashing, and PTSD. It also serves as a reflective commentary on the Vietnam War and the psychological consequences of the war on those who fought in it. It is a compelling psychological thriller that keeps the viewers at the edge of their seats till the very end.

The movie's cinematography is also noteworthy, with the lush green landscapes of southern Ontario providing a picturesque backdrop to the brutal experiments being carried out in the institution. The use of color in the film is notable, with scenes designed to evoke specific moods and emotions.

In conclusion, "The Happiness Cage" is a thought-provoking drama about the psychological consequences of war and the human mind's vulnerability to manipulation. With strong performances from the lead actors, it is a must-watch for fans of psychological thrillers and drama.