MR. SATURDAY NIGHT (1992)

SHORT REVIEW: An inspired piece that’s been forgotten. Every comic wants to be taken seriously. This fact is what does most comedic actors in. Robin Williams, Jim Carrey, Woody Allen and Steve Martin have all become stellar successes relying on their natural comedic talents. Making us laugh is what these men were made to do (although my Geddy Lee loving brother-in-law would baulk at the idea of Williams being funny.) Each of these men, after establishing their careers as comics couldn’t resist the siren call of dramatic work. The result is a shoreline of cinematic shipwrecks. Billy Crystal heard the call as well but he was in the one who made it. This film is Crystal’s “serious work”. As mentioned above, comics are incredibly insecure people – pathetically so in many cases. These talented guys don’t feel they have been taken seriously and feel the need to do something serious to prove their worth. This urge is understandable if you’re making millions pretending to talk out of your rectum or being Mork. Crystal’s work in this film is what the other had aspired to. Crystal offers a serious and touching portrayal of a sad man. His Buddy Young is an extremely talented funny man who is tormented by his need to be loved. The film focuses on the fading career of the old comic who is looking for that last fix. He needs an audience to feel like someone. This is the sad state of most people in the entertainment business. This film explores this truth with biting realism. As Buddy reaches the end of his journey he is reduced to a hopeless spectacle. This is the end for most who live their lives looking to other men for comfort. To expect to be filled by the content of this world is a recipe for sadness. David Paymer plays Buddy’s constantly abused brother/agent Stan. He will be a familiar face to you and after this film he should have been a household name. Crystal carries this film, but Paymer keeps pace with him. If this performance isn’t the stuff of Oscar nominations for Best Supporting Actor, then I don’t know what is. If you haven’t seen this film, by all means do. It is a strong film that will make you laugh and get you thinking about the poor saps who are forced by their natures entertaining us. To quote Steve Martin: “Comedy isn’t pretty.” Categories: film, movie review, Billy Crystal