Eddie in August

Sometimes great comedians slip and let us catch a glimpse of their melancholy side: think, first of all, Chaplin, the greatest of them all, or Louis de Funes' 'La soupe aux choux'. If we thought of this short film of Benny's as being in the vein of his regular efforts, it may very much surprise us. As he has been so extensively involved in the making of this film, it probably had something of a confession. Despite some of his recurring jokes, it's not at all hilarious or bawdy. Even the nostalgic music says it clearly, there is no trace of Yakety Sax or banjos, so the tone is definitely sad. This is an almost raw, yet touching little film about loneliness, the last thing one would expect from Benny Hill. Perspective is so important to judge on things, thus we can tell the same story in a comedic way or in a tragic way. What's actually funny in slipping on a banana peel and falling, or in getting the ugly girl, or no girl at all? Here for once he tells us bluntly: nothing. 'Comedy is acting optimistic' (Robin Williams).