When Swiss Army Man premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, many audience members walked out of the cinema due to its peculiarity and affinity with farts. Seeing the whole film, does it prove to be more?
The film finds marooned man Hank (Paul Dano) about to commit suicide, only to find a dead body (Daniel Radcliffe) washed up on the shore. After discovering that the body may have the tools for him to survive, a strange bond develops.
Directed by Daniels (Daniel Scheinert and Daniel Kwan), known for music videos, the film is utterly, gloriously bonkers. The script is darkly funny, surreal and truly embraces every eccentricity it has. It proves to be more than a farting dead body, but a funny and deeply moving story about life, identity and companionship. The execution is vibrantly creative, with dynamic cinematography/editing, wonderful handmade design and a beautifully incorporated soundtrack that reverberates throughout.
It is primarily a two-hander between Dano and Radcliffe. Dano proves again his talent for layered, tortured and desperate characters with a penchant for quirky comedy. Radcliffe (ironically) shows immense range as Manny the dead body, fully committed physically and vocally, with great comedic timing and heart.
Swiss Army Man is a must-see experience. It is entertainingly different and a bold film that isn't afraid to be what it wants to be.
