Category Archives: Dark Comedy

2013 Films, Comedy, Dark Comedy, Drama, Independent, Independent Comedy, Independent Drama, New York City

Inside Llewyn Davis-2013

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Inside Llewyn Davis-2013

Directors Ethan Coen, Joel Coen

Starring Oscar Isaac

Scott’s Review #35

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Reviewed June 17, 2014

Grade: B+

Being a tremendous fan of the Coen brothers (Fargo-1996, No Country for Old Men-2007), I was eager to see their latest offering, Inside Llewyn Davis (2013).

The Coens have such a sense of quirkiness in their characters, and while this film isn’t on the level of their other gems, it’s still a good piece.

I love the cold, winter Greenwich Village setting as struggling folk singer Llewyn Davis (expertly played by Oscar Isaac) struggles over two weeks to land gigs or breaks, encountering many people who either thwart or help his chances of success.

Sadly, the film was ignored by the Oscar brethren, but it tells a slice-of-life story of a 1960s artist.

As with most Coen Brothers films, it is cast with unique, interesting character actors in a bit but nuanced parts.

Oscar Nominations: Best Sound Mixing, Best Cinematography

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: Best Feature, Best Male Lead-Oscar Isaac, Best Cinematography

2013 Films, Biography, Comedy, Crime Drama, Dark Comedy, Drama, Epic

The Wolf of Wall Street-2013

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The Wolf of Wall Street-2013

Director Martin Scorsese

Starring Leonardo DiCaprio

Scott’s Review #33

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Reviewed June 17, 2014 

Grade: A

Martin Scorsese’s latest offering, The Wolf of Wall Street (2013), is a tale of overindulgence, chaos, and debauchery in the world of stockbroking during the 1980s.

The film is superb.

It is a drug-filled, sex-filled, over-the-top, loud, testosterone-fueled, frenetic extravaganza that works on so many levels.

Humorous, jaw-dropping scenes occur throughout the film.

The casting is flawless- Leonardo DiCaprio and Jonah Hill deserve the praise and Oscar nominations heaped on them.

The supporting actors are perfect- Rob Reiner, Matthew McConaughey, Jean Dujardin, and Kyle Chandler.

With Scorsese, you get an intelligent film, though it’s very R-rated.

It’s similar in style to another of his masterpieces, Goodfellas (1990), as it is narrated by the main character (DiCaprio).

Comparisons to the 1987 film Wall Street are silly. This film is much deeper, grittier, and frankly, much better.

Do not let the unfathomable running time of three hours discourage you- the time goes by very fast.

Oscar Nominations: Best Picture, Best Director-Martin Scorsese, Best Actor-Leonardo DiCaprio, Best Supporting Actor-Jonah Hill, Best Adapted Screenplay

2013 Films, Comedy, Dark Comedy, Drama

August: Osage County-2013

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August: Osage County-2013

Director John Wells

Starring Meryl Streep

Scott’s Review #32

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Reviewed June 17, 2014

Grade: B+

Based on the play of the same name, August: Osage County (2013) is a family drama/dark comedy led by the incomparable Meryl Streep.

The family reunites after the patriarch disappears, and drama and sniping ensue quickly.

The stifling-hot Oklahoma setting works well and adds a smothering, suffocating feel to the film, much like many of the characters.

It’s a bleak, depressing film, and reminded me of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf (1966), or A Streetcar Named Desire (1951) in tone.

This film has exceptional acting all around, especially Streep and Julia Roberts, as well as Chris Cooper and Margo Martindale.

It’s a raw, angry movie, and the intensity builds throughout.

Oscar Nominations: Best Actress-Meryl Streep, Best Supporting Actress-Julia Roberts

1972 Films, Best International Film Oscar Winners, Comedy, Dark Comedy, French, International, Satire

The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie-1972

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The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie-1972

Director Luis Buñuel

Starring Fernando Rey, Paul Frankeur

Scott’s Review #13

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Reviewed June 17, 2014

Grade: A-

The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie (1972) is a wonderful French satire by Director Luis Buñuel.

The movie is very strange- three well-to-do couples meander from dinner party to dinner party and, due to circumstances beyond their control (an incorrect date, a mysterious corpse, and a military raid), never end up sitting down and enjoying a meal together.

Their wealth is a bit vague, though there is mention of drug smuggling.

It’s unclear who is matched with whom, since frolicking among them is commonplace. Several of them experience odd fantasy/dream sequences throughout and are often seen wandering down the road.

The entire film is tongue-in-cheek, poking fun at the wealthy class.

It’s offbeat but delightful.

Oscar Nominations: 1 win-Best Screenplay Based on Factual Material or Material Not Previously Produced or Published, Best Foreign Language Film (won)

Golden Globe Nominations: Best Foreign Film (Foreign Language)