October 26, 2006
COMEDY FROM UNEXPECTED CHARACTERS
The history of film is filled with actors one wouldn't expect to see in a comedy, yet Marlon Brando was hilarious in The Freshman and Robert DeNiro has re-invented himself as a comedic actor--only Robert Redford maintains a strict lack of humor in his roles. There is one other actor one would expect to remain hardboiled to the end: Humphrey Bogart. "What's funny about Bogie?" one would think. His entire career is centered around being a humorless tough guy.
I highly recommend seeing the movie We're No Angels. Starring Bogart, Aldo Ray, and Peter Ustinov as a trio of scamsters and murderers it is one of the most understatedly comedic and droll movies I've ever seen. The three men are convicts at Devil's Island who are intent on escaping after robbing and murdering the proprietor of an island store and his family after being farmed out to repair the store's roof. As movies go, however, they all turn out to be somewhat soft-hearted without letting go of their murderous intentions.
We're No Angels is funny for two reasons: one is the deft physical comedy of Bogart, Ray, and Ustinov. There are no pratfalls or Chaplinesque scenes. It's just little things worked into scenes, like the three of them washing dishes, where wash, rinse, and dry are accomplished by casually tossing plates and saucers blindly; I wonder how many takes that took. The second reason must be given to the credit of the writers, Albert Husson and Ranald MacDougall. The dialogue is full of double entendres and sly wit. As the three convicts being to realize they actually like the family they're about to rob and murder, Bogart's character insists "I hope none of you are losing your nerve!"
We came here to rob them and that's what we're gonna do - beat their heads in, gouge their eyes out, slash their throats. Soon as we wash the dishes.
That pretty much sums up the whole movie. A threesome of unavowed murderous and thieving men who are nonetheless seamlessly integrated into a happy domestic environment. It's set on Christmas Eve and Day, so this year, do yourselves a favor and skip It's a Wonderful Life and rent a much funnier film celebrating the spirit of redemption.
Tagged:Posted by Lexiphane at October 26, 2006 4:48 AM
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Comments
I haven't seen "We're no Angels" but my guess is that if you enjoyed that movie than you'd definitely enjoy "Beat the Devil." This is a truly hilarious Bogart flick and "Mrs. Chelm" is a treat.(Not to mention the Galloping Major!) I have it on DVD if you're ever in need of a loaner.
Tom
Posted by: TomHogarty ![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.lexiphane.com/mt/nav-commenters.gif)
at October 28, 2006 1:21 PM