Swiss Army Man
Film review of the surreal comedy about a lonely man befriending a dead body.
Directors: Dan Kwan, Daniel Scheinert. Blackbird, Cold Iron Pictures, Tadmor.
Adventure/Comedy
Five Stars.
Cast & Credits.
Writers: Dan Kwan, Daniel Scheinert.
Producers: Miranda Bailey, Lawrence Inglee, Lauren Mann, et al.
Camera: Larkin Seiple.
Music: Andy Hull, Robert McDowell.
Sets: Jason Kisvarday.
Paul Dano, Daniel Radcliffe, Mary Elizabeth Winstead.
Synopsis:
Seemingly stranded on a deserted island, Hank (Dano) prepares to commit suicide. But before he can hang himself, he sees a body wash ashore. On examining the corpse (Radcliffe), he realises that the body has special powers that can help him. His farts can be used as a jet ski, he has an unlimited amount of water that can be regurgitated out his mouth, and can shoot objects out his mouth like a machine gun. Naming the body Manny, the two begin their journey through the wild to civilisation, all the while learning about life, dating, Jurassic Park and not keeping emotions inside.
Review:
First time filmmakers Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert (aka Daniels) take the term "artsy fartsy" to a literal sense. That is to say that the film is beautifully creative, wonderfully weird, a cinematic masterpiece...and is filled with flatulent noises. Hyped as the film that stars Harry Potter as a farting corpse, Swiss Army Man is a hard concept to convince someone is a good movie.
The thing is though, this is genuinely one of my favourite films of recent times! The performances, the soundtrack, the cinematography, the story, everything comes together perfectly to bring this magical atmosphere. Swiss Army Man is so damn delightful to watch. This is also down to the great chemistry between the two leads.
Daniel Radcliffe gives his best performance to date!! When an actor is infamously known for a film franchise, it is hard to break free from that particular character, but Radcliffe has succeeded immensely. Manny the multi purpose corpse is as far away from Harry Potter as possible. When watching his erection be used as a compass, you can no longer associate him as a boy wizard!
Giving that he as little to work on (minimum facial movement and lack of control of his body), makes Radcliffe's ability to add life in to a dead body all the more impressive. He is slapstick at its funniest and full of childish wonder as he learns about living. With awards season coming up shortly, I hope he (and the film for that matter) get recognition.
If Manny is dead but full of life, Hank is our living character full of despair. Paul Dano brings to the mix an incredible performance. He is sincere and kindhearted, but also full of anguish, which makes for at time an unsettling and emotional act in his obscure reality. Dano and Radcliffe come together to create one hell of a unique buddy (and at times a little romantic) comedy.
The soundtrack is also utilised to show Hank's dreamlike world. All music used is acapella with the voices of our two leads incorporated in to certain moments to reflect their moods. The music in this film is one of its many strengths and has become one of my favourite movie soundtracks. Highlights include a montage sequence number and a hauntingly beautiful version of Cotton Eyed Joe.
I'd say the only issue I had with the film is that I don't think they got the ending just right. But considering Swiss Army Man won me over 99% of the time, I'm willing to let it slide. It is not a bad ending, in fact it's very emotional, it just doesn't feel like it fits with the rest of the themes the film offers.
I'm at a loss here because all I want to do is go in depth on why this film deserves all my praise, but to do so would ruin and spoil the experience for you. If you can comprehend that there is meaning behind every fart noise and masturbation joke, then this existential comedy will be one of the most hilariously inventive and strangely poignant films you'll see.
