Rating of
3/4
A Poignant Journey Hiding Behind Juvenile Humor
Chris Kavan - wrote on 09/29/16
For those who say that originality is dead and that there are too many remakes, reboots and superhero movies out there - by all means, please point them to Swiss Army Man. If you can dig deeper beyond the juvenile humor of flatulence and erections, you will find a film full of heart with a depth not often achieved by many films - and that in itself is reason to watch.
Paul Dano plays Hank, who opens the film on a seemingly small, rocky deserted island, ready to commit suicide after having been alone (and likely out of food) for so long. Just before he does, a body washed up on shore and he takes it as a sign. The body (played by Daniel Radcliffe) soon begins farting. And not just a little - but like a ton - and then Dano rides the corpse across the ocean like a jet ski. Okay - if you can get through this part of the film, it does get much better.
Dano and Radcliffe go on a surreal journey. Hank dubs the corpse Manny - and soon he's talking to him, drinking water the corpse spews, using his erection that acts like a compass, karate-chopping logs, shooting stuff from his mouth machine-gun styles (or using him as a hook-shot), then we get to cross-dressing, explosive gas (yes, that kind of gas) and a bear attack. But beyond the absurd nature of what it going on (and it can get pretty absurd), Dano portrays a man dealing with supreme loneliness and just trying to find his place in the world. Dano is pretty much perfect in the role - which is both poignant and brings a depth not often seen in mainstream films.
Radcliffe, though he plays a dead man, has some interesting conversations involving the meaning of life, masturbation and finding that one person you can connect with. He also did most of his own stunts - which is a plus. He actually manages to bring a lot of heart to what should be a joke role and. like Dano, gives it his all, even when his pants are pulled down. The movie is both heartfelt and irreverent - but, as I said, underneath all that juvenile humor is a truly emotional film.
Not everyone will get this film. It is hard to look beyond the surface jokes, the music can be a little strange, the pop culture references are somewhat forced but I found it a breath of fresh air - something wholly unique and captivating and strange and wonderful. It's hard to classify this as a comedy or a drama - it is its own beast and one movie I recommend - just go in with an open mind and you'll be pleasantly surprised by how the film sneaks up on you with its passion.
