Terrie
Since: Apr, 2011
06/03/2013 17:57:43
•••
Film Best. Comedy. Ever.
I pity anyone who has not seen this movie, even as I envy them the chance of discovering this great film. Still, I've watched it many times and my enjoyment has not faded. It's considered to be one of Brooks' best films, and there is a reason for it. It's not just funny; it's smart-funny. Everyone involved did a great job, but special mention has to go to Madeline Kahn, who was always so amazing and lost to us way too soon.
Film When parody becomes art.
This may be Mel Brooks' best film. None of his other parodies so scrupulously, meticulously reconstruct the atmosphere of their target, and the love and care and authenticity makes the way the film rips it to shreds land so much better.
The story is about Frederick Frankenstein, grandson of the famous man trying to step away as a serious scientist, even changing the pronunciation of his surname. When he inherits the family castle and immerses in the gothic story, he realizes the original doctor was onto something and makes a monster of his own.
The film does so well at feeling like its source material. Score, cinematography, credits, editing, set design (including the original laboratory props!) and the fought-for black-and-white give the film a gravitas and beauty that both stands alone as sincere while helping the comedy land better. The parody hits hard, the film is endlessly quotable, and yet it loves its sources and its own story. Only one plot point/joke lands poorly, feeling uncomfortable at best due to rapey tones, but the story has overall surprisingly warm intentions.
The cast is great. I think Gene Wilder gives his best performance as Frederick, a superior man whose furious passion is never quite hidden even when he's calm. The role is built around his talent for coolness and madness and they work as such. The inimitable Madeline Kahn stands out despite her screentime as an awful fiancee who is so sheltered and rich she has no intimate qualities. They feel the most authentic for the tone. Teri Garr, Marty Feldman, Kenneth Mars, and Cloris Leachman are also hysterical, and Peter Boyle has a very sweet take on the Monster. I love the funny women both holding their own and stealing the show in this film, and everybody works as a group and clearly loved the production.
This is the gold standard for the craft of parody, and it's a hilarious, genuine film with a great cast that mostly holds up. There's a lot to recommend here.