Swiss Army Man (July 2016)

Official Australian release date: 14/7/16. Viewed: 20/7/16.

Director: Daniel Kwan & Daniel Scheinert

Actors: Paul Dano, Daniel Radcliffe

Genre: Comedy / Drama

Rating: M

An odd mix of ‘Cast Away’ and ‘Weekend At Bernie’s’, ‘Swiss Army Man’ is better than both those films, thanks to it’s unique look at life, friendship and loneliness – as well as the fact that it has two great actors fully committed to their characters. Hank (Dano) is stranded on an island when he finds Manny (Radcliffe), a corpse washed up on the beach. The excessively flatulent body helps him get back to the mainland (somewhere in Washington, Oregon, or northern California) – a great opening 10min. Still lost and starving in the wilderness, this is when Hank figures out that Manny can speak – and the whimsy begins! The next 20min are a little slow as Hank has to explain everything to Manny (including ‘Jurassic Park’!), but then the adventure begins.

Once they’re on the move, the editing is pacier, the scenery looks great, the things Hank makes are wonderful and there’s some true laugh out loud moments. The absurdity of it all is quickly forgotten, as Hank discovers Manny’s “superpowers” and there’s a great montage and some great stunts by Radcliffe. The dialogue between the two is fun, with Manny getting to almost learn like a child and ask inappropriate questions. You almost forget the character’s dead, until they do something, like flop his head, to remind you he’s a talking cadaver!

One thing that keeps the film light and fun is the score by Andy Hull and Robert McDowell, which uses no lyrics, just amazing harmonies (do’s, ah’s, ba’s, la’s) all layered on top of each other – usually starting from something Hank or Manny says. Quite inventive and it suits perfectly. The ending is done quite well, with their return from the bush, but you truly feel you’ve been on a journey with them and feel their friendship. For a directorial debut, the Daniels have done a great job – I look forward to what’s next!

Overall: Unique, mostly fun, look at friendship.

Gav's Rating: 3.5 stars.