Death at a funeral - a review
October 24th 2007 06:55
Although directed by an American director, Frank Oz, Death at a Funeral has a distinct British flavour. At times it reminded me of an episode of Fawlty Towers, with its frantic antics but minus the frenzied genius of John Cleese. It was apt that this comedy was set in Britain where decorum is the norm of the middle-classes.
Death at a Funeral starts at a sedate pace and gradually gains momentum, moving into a mass of comedic activity. It’s set in a large manor house in the gorgeous lush distinct English countryside. We meet all the upper middle-class family and friends that have gathered in the beautiful manor house for a funeral. There are oodles of characters in the film; I think it would be impossible for me to talk about them all so I’ll just run through the main ones. Daniel (Matthew Macfadyen), the son of the deceased is in charge of running the funeral. Poor bloke, he soon learns it’s not an easy job. He is constantly being reminded that everyone is disappointed the successful novelist brother is not doing the eulogy, that they are nervous about his ability to do a decent job. In response he spends several painful hours practising his speech repeatedly sweating profusely as he does it. He’s also under pressure from his wife who wants them to move to the city and buy a flat of their own. At present, they are living in the manor house with his fiercely-posh mother (Jane Asher) who moves with a strong air of disdain even when preparing to say goodbye to her husband. Despite being intermittently distraught with grief she manages to be delighted to see Robert, who has just flown in from New York City after the release of his new book.
Cousin Martha (Daisy Donovan) brings her boyfriend, Simon (Alan Tudyk), whose father disapproves of her boyfriend and is hoping they will split up. Unfortunately for him, they are aiming to get married. Martha and Simon pick up her brother Troy (Kris Marshall), who is quite like a mad scientist who experiments with making drug concoctions. He is proud of his latest batch is a potent mix of LSD, Ketamine and DMT. Martha gives Simon one of the pills believing it is a valium to help him calm down. Simon soon starts hallucinating and causes a major disruption in the middle of the ceremony that temporarily halts the proceedings. His drug-induced actions are hilarious as well as accurate (those that have seen anyone on acid will know what I mean).
Beware of drugs
Meanwhile, (I told you a lot was happening), Daniel’s friends Howard (Andy Nyman) and Justin (Ewen Bremner) are in charge of picking up cantankerous Uncle Alfie (Peter Vaughan) and escorting him to the funeral. Of course, this is another painful saga, one where I felt sorry for the poor pair putting up with Uncle Alfie’s foul temper and continuous stick-poking (why do elderly people do that?)
Uncle Alfie
Soon the film was in utter chaos and I have to be honest, I got quite tired. So much was happening; I wanted it to slow down. As the story progressed, the faster and more furious the jokes came, until they're tumbling all over one another. All the varying characters and plots were congealed together in a tiring road of events. I was exhausted.
As an aside, there is a sub-plot of intrigue when Peter (Peter Dinklage) shares a secret with Daniel that creates a whole new drama. I won’t divulge any more.
This is a flawed film, but somehow the shortcomings could be forgiven. I laughed and snorted my socks off at one stage and so did the rest of the audience. Despite all the bumbling and all the embarrassments, the film ends in a true comic form with an appropriate triumph. However, I have some advice, beware of the toilet scene with Uncle Alfie, that part was too much for me, I covered my eyes and yearned for it to end.
| 197 |
| Vote |
Add To: 
subscribe to this blog
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Michaelie
Comment by Lara M
Love Speaks
Food Slate
Comment by Always Eighteen
Always Eighteen
I was going to give it a miss, until I saw the last photo. That small guy makes me laugh and feel weird at the same time. And I keep thinking... WHAT'S IN THE TOILET SCENE?
Haha.
Comment by Mountain Fog
Infognito
Screen Trek
QUOTE ME NO QUOTES!
yes I think I will see this movie, hopefully at the cinema, usually these days I wait till the DVD...need a bit of a titter really...oh well...
cheers
fog
Comment by peeker
filmpeek
Nice review, thanks for brining it to my attention. Will make sure to give it a look.
Have a good one,
peeker
Comment by KylieW
Celebrity Obsession
I love Alan Tudyk!!!
Comment by Lilla
From The Home Front
Enviro Warrior
Dream Herald
Esoteric Bookshop
A friend of mine saw it and said much the same. She said it worked, even though you could see a couple of the comedy routines coming a mile off ... that alone is worth a chuckle...
I look forward to seeing this one and enjoyed your review ~ especially now I am curious about this toilet scene
Cheers
Lilla ...
Comment by Mr Nice Guy
Pop Culturist
Pop Rock Factory
Hope you're receiving some sort of commission from the backers - you've got me headed to the 'flicks' too.
Nice review.
MNG
Comment by Bryn
Horrorphile
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
I think you could wait until it comes out on DVD. I went on the cheapie night at the cinema (I resent and avoid paying full price at Hoyts) and I was really in the mood for a laugh.
That middle section might really bother you, then again it might not. Most of the cinema was laughing, but personally I was exhausted from all the endless antics.
That was a verbose answer wasn't it? I keep flickering on my opinion of this film.... but I'm still glad I saw it.
Tracy
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Glad you liked the review. I now find it almost impossible to see a film without writing about it and giving my opinion!
As I said to Bryn, some bits in the middle were too much for me, but overall I had a good laugh and it was quite unique.
Hope you enjoy it,
Tracy
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Yes, watch out for that bit....eeekkk!!
Byeee
Tracy
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
I’m afraid I’m not going to tell you about the toilet scene.....mostly because I can’t bear thinking about it too much. But then I might be overly squeamish and it might not bother you or others as much as me.....ahhh, it can all be so subjective.
Glad you liked the review, I know what you mean about Peter Dinklage. I also found him eerie. Unfortunately, I was quite disappointed by his performance, it wasn’t anywhere as strong as in The Station Agent. Have you seen that film? I loved it, such a great film. Here’s my review if you feel like a read....
Thanks for dropping in,
Tracy
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
How are you? I think it could be both a DVD or cheapie cinema visit. One of the things I love about seeing films at the cinema is the response/atmosphere of the audience. There was a guy next to me who snorted his way through much of the film, it was hilarious. He also managed to eat a huge bucket of popcorn as well, he must’ve been exhausted afterwards.
As I said, it does get overly silly in the middle but at the same time, laughing is so good for the soul so I was happy to focus on that aspect.
Feel free to pop back and tell me what you think if you do see it,
Byeee
Trace de Face
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
It’s good to see you. Is it out in the States yet? It’s funny as when I was just there, I saw about 4 films that are just being released here.
Glad you enjoyed the review,
See you on Film Peek,
Tracy
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Good to see you. Alan Tudyk was hilarious, especially his eyeball and facial expressions. He definitely perfected the drug behaviour!
Byeeee
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
How are you, hope you’re well.
I think your friend is spot on, there’s definitely quite a few decent laughs in it. And it is so good to laugh isn't it? Well, apart from that infamous toilet scene.....
Tracy
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
I know what you mean, as I said to Bryn, I’ve been back and forth with my feeling towards the film, I sound like a see-saw. But in conclusion, I concur that laughing is good for the soul so that chaotic bit in the middle can be forgotten.
Glad you liked my blurb,
Tracy
Comment by Miswanderlust
Killer Beats
Ramble On
Hipnotherapy
I think I am going to see this movie. Just b/c of the see saw effect. I love Alan Tudyk, he is a local guy and I like to support his work. Any hoo we will see. Great review and comments!
Mis
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
I know what you mean about liking see-saw effects in films. It means that I end up thinking more about the film, its themes, effectiveness and things like that. It's always interesting to me to think about what irks me, what didn't quite work and why.
Hey, that's great that Alan Tudyk is a local. He was hilarious.
Thanks for your comments, they are gracefully received,
Byeee
Comment by DuskDevi
Rugby World Cup 2007
Your reviews always make me want to watch the film and this was no exception. Until this;
...and now I just can't!
I got sucked in to watching that stupid movie with Jim Carey...'Dumb and Dumber' and I will never get that 90minutes of my life back...ther's one scene that...I have tried my best to wipe out of my memory...urgh...
Wow...the heavens are going to open up with a vengeance soon...can you hear that thunder?
Hope you're well T. Have a great weekend.
Dusk
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
This is a fine compliment which is graciously accepted:
Oh yes, I'm no good with toilet scenes....the audience liked it, my friend and I were squirming...
Yes, Dumb and Dumber didn't do much for me either.
I know, that thunder is incredible. Last night it was lightening, such dramatic weather. I sound like a mad housewife but I did manage to get some washing dry this morning so that was great.
Hope you have a good weekend,
Tracy
Comment by Morgan Bell
Deep Pencil
Business News
Movie Train
peas in a pod? lol
great review!
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
I'm off to read your post now, I'm a bit behind with my blogging responsibilities!
Glad you enjoyed the review,
Byeee