chairmanofnarcissism

This movie flopped because... it's way too smart for Americans. When you look at it that way, it's easy to understand. (If this offends you please read "Man from Uncool", my blog, and let me have a really good go at upsetting you). Aha, you say, in that endearing Texan drawl of yours, but Ms. May is an American, too. Well that's true,by birth, but not by inclination. Nor has Hollywood been inclined to let Elaine May direct again after this gem. This movie is an example of a woman in complete control and she was working with a cast who delivered. Matt Frewer is online for a few fast talking moments, Adjani, Grodin, Hoffman, and Beatty are all note perfect, (except for when the later two are required to sing), but the show stealer is undoubtedly Jack Weston. He plays an agent who doesn't have any qualms about sending his acts off to death squads. Here, and elsewhere, as also she did in "A New Leaf", Elaine May gets good laughs from death. Her use of slapstick is sparing and unerring. This film is fearless and, oddly, life affirming. No more films to direct for over 30 years for this genius? The lack of laughs are on Hollywood.

If I ever consider watching this, then put "Meet The Feebles" or that old MTV Europe thing on the betamax player while I recuperate.

Hyperbole often undermines the experience of seeing a film for yourself, so I'll keep my laudatory reaction, (rather than a review), short. This film is visionary and brilliant. It is laugh aloud, and long, funny from gloomy beginning to grey end, death and horror its key ingredients. It is more than the sum of its parts, parts which include the afore mentioned and: Iannucci's obsession with human mortality, a script that's breathlessly full of of mordant one liners, and unbelievable situations, based on reality, brought alive by the perfect timing of a, truly, impeccable ensemble cast. (Crowned by a king making performance from Steve Buscemi.)