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Seen 09/25/04 at 9:00 p.m. though it was actually ten due to problems.
This movie totally rocked. It is easily one of the funniest movies I have seen in my life. It rules. It stars Alan
Schwartzman, Ellen whatever-her-last-name-is (NOT Degeneres!), and Dustin Hoffman. It is about a budding executive named
Albert (Schwartzman) who has an odd coincidence involving a native African man. He seeks the assistance of existential detectives
(whatever-her-last-name is; Hoffman) in order to resolve this strange coincidence. As it turns out, it is even more complex
than he ever thought or would have guessed.
At first glance, the confusing jumble of philosophy and differing viewpoints about the world and universe appear to be
complete nonsense. However, that is what makes it funny. I knew when I saw the first scene in which Bernard (Hoffman's character)
held up the bedsheet saying, "Now this you, this is me, and this is an orgasm, and this is..." I was in for a great
time. Though maybe, perhaps it was when Vivian (whatever-her-last-name-is) and Albert stare at each other. Yeah, it was
probably that. So the jumbled philosophy made for a great part.
The differing characters were a nice addition. Unfortunately, I do not remember Bernard's other patient's name, but
he is great. He makes the jumbled dialogue even more jumbled. The apex of the humor of his lines is when he and Albert are
having dinner at the "African guy's" house. One of the people at dinner appears to be a very strong Christian.
She has no idea why a church couldn't help Albert and his friend resolve their problems. She tells the guy, "Jesus is
never mad at us if we live with him in our hearts!" He responds, "I hate to break it to you, but he is; he really
IS."
Overall, the acting was great. I've seen Dustin Hoffman before in movies such as Little Big Men, Hook, and The Graduate.
He is played the naïve man, the villain, and the seduced. He has done well in all three roles. As far as I remember, this
movie is the first time I recall seeing Jude Law act. He is as gorgeous as my friends say he is. He appears to be a very
good actor. My favorite part is when he becomes so distressed at the results of his existential analysis by Vivian that he
cries and cries. Vivian promptly takes a picture of him.
As you can see, I enjoyed the movie very much. Highly recommended if you like nonsense humor, risqué language, and total
randomness. Three stars out of four. :-)
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