Available on Netflix? No
What makes a movie original? Why do some films surpass the limits of extraordinary and become transcendent? How do films have the power to move an audience into tears, terror and thrills? If you want those answers, look for another blog, because I am just an ordinary guy that reviews movies for what they are. Bare bones. To start this whole blogging thing, I felt like reviewing one of the more original films I have seen in the last 6 years: Swiss Army Man.
Before I get into the review for the film, I will say that the last truly original film that blew my mind was Christopher Nolan’s 2010 film Inception. Perhaps I am not looking in the right places for originality in film making, but I feel like that is about to change.
**I am, with all my blog posts, going to try to keep the spoilers to a minimum**
Swiss Army Man is directed by DANIELS (they go by this name, as both of their last names are Daniels). It follows a man named Hank (Played by Paul Dano of Prisoners, There Will Be Blood, and Ruby Sparks fame) who is stranded on a desert island. After many attempts to send out messages and get help, he decides to give up on life and hang himself. Before he is able to do so, he notices that a corpse named (played by Daniel Radcliffe, widely known for Harry Potter) has washed up on shore. Plot twist: The corpse can talk and his name is Manny. As any lonely, stranded person would do, Hank befriends Manny the Corpse. What follows is a story of hope and redemption as the two try to get rescued.
The performances in this film were excellent. Paul Dano is a brilliant up and coming actor, who chooses fascinating roles. Dano did a great job carrying the film and I really enjoyed his character. However, Daniel Radcliffe played something completely different than what I have ever seen, especially after being introduced to him and knowing him for a long time as simply “The Harry Potter Guy”. Radcliffe played an extremely over the top and very hilarious role as Manny. He uses different parts of his body in order to help Hank and him get rescued. For example, he uses his farts to his advantage. Yes… Daniel Radcliffe played a farting corpse that is able to help his new friend by expelling gas. And it is amazing.
This film was DANIELS debut film and I think they pulled it off. They kept the film breezy, like a film about a desert island and a farting corpse should be. They really were able to create a unique film; something that I have never seen before. Originality can be a gamble, but I think that gamble payed off.
This movie may be overlooked by a lot of people, despite the great actors who are in it. That, my friends, would be a mistake. The chemistry these two have is excellent and the ridiculous Manny make this film highly original, hilarious and one of the best films I have seen so far in 2016. If you like original films with mixes of comedy and drama, I highly recommend it.
Swiss Army Man gets 4 out of 5 from me.
Until next time!