Classic and Indie Film Series Under the Stars: SWISS ARMY MAN (2016)

To me, independent film is at its best when it both surprises and challenges viewers with something that the major Hollywood studios wouldn't touch with a ten foot pole. The problem is, of course, that all indie filmmakers believe they are doing that. But those of you who have fallen asleep in a theater watching someone's pet project know better. Whether its drama or comedy or slice of life, indie films need to be a little different to stand out, either with offbeat performances, creative stories, or innovative filmmaking. Preferably all three.

But take it from someone who has tried.

That's a really hard thing to pull off.

So when a film comes along that is truly remarkable and different, filmmakers often have a very difficult uphill battle to get attention from their jaded audience.

A couple of years ago one pair of indie directors did that with the Best Picture Oscar winning EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE (2022). The duo go by the amalgamated title "the Daniels" (both of their first names), and the movie caused both astonishment and delight among Academy voters and more than a few puzzled looks from audiences.

I'll admit... i was in the group that although I enjoyed that movie, it always felt a little forced and sterile and to me...a little too "strange for strange sake". Obviously the Academy disagreed. But quite frankly, it made me yearn for the experience I had watching this month's film, which was the Daniels' first movie.

Like their later and now much better known and much heralded counterpart, SWISS ARMY MAN (2016) defies description. But this time, the duo had no money and just a bunch of friends and the interest of one significant Hollywood actor.

And the result was one of the strangest, most outrageous, hilarious, touching, heartfelt, jaw-dropping, existential films films ever made that featured persistent flatulence as a significant, important, and essential plot point.

Yeah. Go back and re-read that last sentence. That's what I said.

But before you assume that this movie is some kind of sophomoric exercise in juvenile humor, let me assure you it is not. So please keep reading.

Using the time-honored practice of describing movies in one sentence by saying its "this movie" crossed with "that movie", lets just say that SWISS ARMY MAN is perhaps best described as CAST AWAY (2000) crossed with WEEKEND AT BERNIE'S (1989). But with a definable and refreshing soul.

And a lot of gas.

Oh. And I guess we should throw some HARRY POTTER into the mix, because the corpse (as you might suspect is involved here from the reference to WAB) is played by Daniel Radcliffe himself in one of his many successful attempts to remind everyone he is not Harry Potter. Also along is Paul Dano whom many will remember from LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE (2006) and maybe even as more silently understated evil "Riddler" in the last film incarnation of THE BATMAN (2022). The two actors basically carry the whole movie until the very end, and turn what could have been a tired one-joke script into an insightful exploration of friendship, love, adventure, and the heartache of modern relationships.

And of course creative uses of a corpse.

I just can't say a lot more about it without spoiling it, so you'll just have to trust me on this one.

Now I understand that this movie may not sound like its for everyone, and I agree with that assessment. This film won Best Director for the Daniels at Sundance in 2016, but even there the film was met with mostly standing ovations but also a few walkouts.

What I can say is that you've never seen a film quite like it.

And isn't that what really good indie filmmaking should be?

Guess I should add a content warning here. This movie is rated R", and involves what some might consider unseemly uses of a corpse. There's some non-explicit sexual content. But not what you're thinking right now after my saying that, so don't worry. And again...lot's and lots of gas.

Presenting our Indie & Classic Backyard Movie Under the Stars Series, where we'll all get together during good weather armed with our bug spray and lawn chairs to watch a variety of classic and independent films.

I have the movies. I have the projector. I have a sort of giant (for a backyard at least) 10 foot screen. I even have a long, narrow but semi-deep backyard with a giant oak tree that will silently watch over us as we relive our youth at the drive-in.

There will be free hot dogs, movie candies, movie nachos, and popcorn. Feel free to bring other stuff if you want, including your own lawn chair. I have some spares and some blankets, but not enough for a full house. BYOB. I'll have some soft drinks and water as well.

We'll socialize for about an hour before the movie, which will start promptly at dusk (about 9:00 pm). An Alamo Drafthouse-style preshow will be playing when you walk in

RAIN POLICY - I'll post here if we have to reschedule for weather or other unforeseen events. Just check here before you head this way.

CARPOOLS - My parking around here really is limited thanks to overbuilding on nearby lots, so carpooling is encouraged.

In keeping with the general idea of this group, we will have a short discussion about the film, its stars, and the filmmakers before and after the movie. I hope you'll participate. If I have time I might even put together some film trivia with prizes.

Hope to see you there.