So, I partook of the viewing of this dark, British comedy, and I would like to think that I am a better man for it. I must say, however, that the first minutes of the film made me feel like I was at a funeral myself. A very slow build to the comedy that is to come. But, in spite of the slow start, the payoff is worth it.If you have ever lost a loved one, you know of the sort of solemn affair that a funeral is. However, this film introduces Murphy's Law to the funeral ceremony and juxtaposes what should be a serious, reflective time with the time honored over the top yet sublimely dry British wit. Just the mere pairing of these two concepts takes an almost sac religious jab at a subject which is normally considered taboo to be made light of.
To be perfectly honest, I was quite impressed at the development of characters in the film. Good character development impresses me in general but, in the case of this film, it all worked very well. In fact, there is so many different story lines, subplots, and just layered personality, it is really tough to focus when commenting on the movie. I will just say that it spans from simple drug and sex jokes to making profound statements on the human condition. I believe Daniel's eulogy for his father from the film works the best in this scenario.
"My father was an exceptional man. He may not have been a perfect man, but he was a good man, and he loved us. All I wanted to do today was to give him a dignified send-off. Is that really so much to ask? So, maybe, maybe he had some things he liked to do. Life isn't simple, it's complicated. We're all just thrown in here together, in a world full of chaos and confusion, a world full of questions and no answers, death always lingering around the corner, and we do our best. We can't only do our best, and my dad did his best. He always tried to tell me that you have to go for what you want in life because you never know how long you're going to be here. And whether you succeed or you fail, the most important thing is to have tried. And apparently no one will guide you in the right direction, in the end you have to learn for yourself. You have to grow up yourself. So when you all leave here today, I would like you to remember my father for who he really was: a decent, loving man. If only we could be as giving and generous and as understanding as my father was. Then the world would be a far better place."
I could try to get deep into it and scrutinize the film. Say things like the fact that Daniel had to repeat the line "My father was an exceptional man" over and over was almost like he was trying to convince himself of that fact. Which may have been true as very few of the people at the wake actually seemed concerned over the recently deceased. Nonetheless, I will leave it undone. Even though it starts slow, the irreverent yet poignant nature of the film really won me over by the credits.
The biggest problem I face here, though, is just how many stars I want to give it. OK, so it wasn't that difficult.
