A FISH CALLED WANDA (1988)

SHORT REVIEW: Made back in the days when intelligence and comedy were allowed to coexist. This is one of the best comedies ever put to screen. With inspired casting and a script that is as tight a drum, it may be one of the best films of the eighties as well. There is so many elements in this film to recommend it is hard to know where to begin. The best place is probably Kevin Kline in easily the best role of his career. His Otto is a classic portrayal of dumb. What is brilliant about the role is that, like real dumb people, he thinks he’s smart. He has information but absolutely no venue to utilize it. This honest look at stupidity is what makes this character come alive. Kline revels in the role and brings his masterful elocution in play to create one of the truly great comedic bad guys. The rest of the cast is superb as well but are dimmed by Kline’s broad shadow. John Cleese, Jamie Lee Curtis and Michael Palin all provide great performances and thrive working with Cleese’s brilliant script. Neither above simple slapstick nor vulgarity, this comedy delivers some of the best laughs available on film. This film smartly handles many the varied lower human urges from death, murder, revenge and lust with the same absurd brush. The script by John Cleese and director Charles Crichton point out the characters massive flaws it and mocks them for giving into them. While this film doesn’t overtly judge the despicable behavior of the characters it offers enough mockery of their actions to make up for it. There is a final thing about this film that younger audience members may not understand. At one point John Cleese taunts Kevin Kline’s character about losing the Vietnam War. While this may not have as sharp an impact now, it was a daring thing for him to do back in the eighties. When this film was released, the Baby Boomers were still working through that mess and this film was perhaps the first time that war was openly ridiculed in a major film. What was wonderful about this risk is that it worked and gave American audiences a chance to laugh at their own misfortune. This is one of those films you must see. It should be illegal for people to see the new Deuce Bigelow movie or the next Ben Stiller plop if they haven’t viewed this film at least once. To ignore this film is like going your whole life intentionally not trying gourmet food. Categories: film, movie, DVD, review, Fish Called Wanda, Jamie Lee Curtis, Michael Palin, John Cleese, Kevin Kline