In Dr. Strangelove, what is the device Soviet Ambassador Sadesky uses near the end of the film?

In Dr. Strangelove, what is the device Soviet Ambassador Sadesky uses near the end of the film? - Low angle of positive ethnic female blogger shooting video on cellphone on tripod with shining lamp

As shown here. (O.O2)

Does that device (which looks like a simple pocket watch) play any part of the "Doomsday device"? I've wondered about that for years.



Best Answer

Seems like it's supposed to be a spy camera. It was a common trope in the 60s that a camera could be hidden in a watch or similar small object. Note the shutter click noise when he pushes the lever, and then turns the knob to advance the film.

I found some discussion on The Straight Dope Message Board as to why he would do that. A common opinion is that he's such a committed Cold Warrior that he wants to spy on the American War Room even when it's absurd because everybody is about to die.




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What does the Russian ambassador do at the end of Dr. Strangelove?

Strangelove? He walks away from the crowd in the war room, knees down and manipulates his watch, right before Dr. Strangelove stands up from his wheelchair and the detonations occur.

What does the doomsday device represent in Dr. Strangelove?

It was built to deter the Soviet Union. It was built to prevent this issue of launch on false warning. And that is the Soviet radars pick up what they think is an American nuclear strike.

Why is it called Dr. Strangelove?

We figure Kubrick chose to name the movie after him because more than any other character, he symbolizes the scientific "progress" that resulted in the creation of the atomic bomb. What's up with How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb?



Dr. Strangelove (1964) - General Turgidson outlines war options




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