Slaughterhouse-Five (1972)

Author: Old Mother Hubbard

“Slaughterhouse-Five” (1972) is a weird Sci-Fi/Military/Black Comedy/Bizarre/Surreal sort of film that follows Billy Pilgrim (Michael Sacks) as he time trips beyond his control though his past, present, future and even after his death/assassination. Later Billy is kidnapped by aliens and taken to the planet Tralfamador 26 billion miles away from the Earth (I told you it was weird).

During most of the film, Billy is forced to relive his time as a POW in Germany during WW2. Billy is captured by the Germans along with 2 other Americans, Paul Lazzaro (Ron Leibman) and Paul’s buddy. The German take a liking to Paul’s friend’s shoe and make him march to the POW camp barefoot through the snow while it is freezing outside. As a result, Paul’s friend gets frost bite on his feet and toes. While staring at some German fräuleins who are taunting the American soldiers from a 2nd story balcony, knucklehead Billy steps on Paul’s buddy’s frostbitten feet several times during the march to the POW camp causing him severe pain. Paul develops a life long grudge against Billy after his chum dies, blaming his death solely on Billy. Later the Americans are marched to Dresden just before it gets bombed by the allies.

“Slaughterhouse-Five” goes through many other aspects of Billy’s life and post life. It’s quite a journey. 4 and a half stars.