Robert Mutt feels like a hopeless loser and tries to “off” himself (several times). Even in death, he is a failure and finds himself in a mental asylum. Upon receiving some experimental treatment from a new therapist, his confidence is (seemingly) restored and he sets back out into the real world to become a real “somebody.”
Without a doubt, this would be classified as a “Dark Comedy” for it does not skimp on the nudity, vulgar jokes, drugs, violence, cannibalism, and other assorted bits of madness and politically incorrect gems. At the same time, the film is almost endearing in how relentless it is. The disabled are fair game for jokes, but also play the most sentimental roles for our lead (especially one catatonic girl who wins his heart). Mutt is as naive as a young child, and even though the man who is bent on ruining his life is clearly a manic pedophile, he still assumes the best of him and does his best to simply get around him. Mutt’s quest is an adorable one but it takes him to the strangest places imaginable. Thanks to hallucinating his life long hero, Clifton Manitoba, an infamous baseball player, and getting some advice from said hallucination, Mutt does everything from dealing out animal porn DVDs to roller skating with a transvestite to find the three things he needs to fell like a somebody: some money, a girl, and a championship ring.
This odd little Canadian comedy hit me more than I expected. Whenever a joke seems a little too easy or low-brow it slaps you across the face with three more and darn it if you don’t catch yourself getting into a belly laugh that lasts the majority of the film. It manages to have its charms.
Video
Widescreen 1.78:1. The quality seems to vary. Sometimes it seems washed out but then again, that almost seems to be on purpose. The colouring of the film is so unique in each and every seen that it kind of has to be admired. Nothing is neutral in this film, either it has a screaming tone of orange, green or what-have-you, or it is bleaching out the already faded tones of a suburban neighbourhood. Whatever flaws there may be, they can be ignored easily.
Audio
Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. Everything comes through nice and clear. The score and dialogue are balanced well, and even in the Audio Commentary, the film’s creators rightfully credit their Sound man for the amazing work he did during the mushrooms scene, which contained a wonderfully trippy soundscape.
Subtitles available in English
Special Features
Deleted Scenes: Entertaining scenes, but acceptably cut as they may have disrupted the films rhythm. Still great to watch for anyone who enjoyed the film (like me).
Weather Reports: The town’s favourite local celebrity (and sexual deviant) gets the spotlight as each of his costumed weather reports are shown in their entirety. An enjoyable performance by Dan Lett (who many might best remember as Victor in the television series Made In Canada or The Industry).
Commentary: The pair of Canucks behind this film, Writer/Director Simon Ennis and Writer/Star Josh Peace, give entertaining tidbits about the many legal woes and obstacles independent filmmakers must face, and highlight all the actors in long tangents, even those that get no more than a minute of screen time. A refreshingly entertaining and worthwhile commentary track.
Final Thoughts
A nice surprise for me, and I hope it finds its audience. This is the sort of film that only a certain cult audience can fully enjoy, but that same audience will love it.
