Tuesday, April 13, 2021

Shakes the Clown

 


(Columbia, 1991) This movie is incredibly good. Goldthwait got acclaim later for his Robin Williams autoerotic asphyxiation teen movie but all of his absolute genius director chops are on display here.  This flick has deft, sometimes breathtaking cinematography, fantastic editing, and most of all, just unreal commitment by everyone involved to make a solid movie about a world where clowns are a caste with their own society and bars, fighting for scraps of birthday party money and the golden ring of a D-list cartoon show hosting gig. Goldthwait is a strong lead but the terrifying performance by villain clown Tom Kenny makes Pennywise look like 1986 Ronald McDonald. And everyone praises "Uncut Gems," but Adam Sandler's acting in this is stellar, with a masterfully understated performance that has him demonstrating genuine concern for his addict friend that is evident and palpable even behind greasepaint. Yes, this is a screwy, ridiculous, naughty, absurdist comedy, but the thrills, perils, and stakes all feel real. Also features clown makeup cameos by La Wanda Page comparing her vagina to peanut butter to shut up clown barfly Milton Berle. A masterpiece!

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