Waiting for Guffman

Starring: Christopher Guest, Eugene Levy, Fred Willard, Catherine O'Hara, Parker Posey, Deborah Theaker, Michael Hitchcock, Larry Miller, Bob Balaban, Don Lake, David Cross, Bob Odenkirk (uncredited)
Directed by: Christopher Guest
Rating: R
Genre: Comedy
1997

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: A group of small talented actors work tirelessly to put on a Broadway-level show in Missouri.

Review:

Tim: I think it's becoming clearer that I'm not the biggest Christopher Guest fan. I think his brand of comedy is interesting and the improvised dialogue is challenging, but I don't think it results in the best films. Guest wrote This is Spinal Tap, which I liked (but not much more than that). Best in Show was decent. Waiting for Guffman is a good movie- I certainly will stress that here. And yet, it feels a long way away from anything more than that. Maybe Guest's humor and approach are just not my thing? Anyway, this is a good movie, but I didn't think it was more than that.

The story is pretty solid. You have a former New York theater professional who vastly overstates their own genius working with a group of D-level talent to put on a theater production to celebrate an important anniversary of their small, nothing Missouri town. I admit this set up is fantastic. It allows Guest to poke fun of the middle of the country while also nudging the elitist New York theater scene. It allows for a series of zany characters, most of whom take themselves too seriously. And, as Guffman being dangled like a carrot, it gives the characters something to dream about- even though their dreams of stardom are likely out of reach. Guest and Eugene Levy wrote the screenplay and I give them a ton of credit for crafting this wonderful scenario.

The bulk of the movie's dialogue is apparently improvised. I feel at two minds about this. On the one hand, it does lend a lot of authenticity to the mockumentary filmmaking style. It feels like these actors are their characters, not just reciting lines. It does create some very funny moments throughout the film. On the other hand, is this movie as funny as it could have been with some more structure in place? It's not like I was laughing continuously throughout the film. It was fun to see the cast say a bunch of crazy things, but it didn't necessarily result in the best outcome. The jokes are hit or miss. Now, the cast does seem to be all in on this approach. When the jokes land, they seem brilliant. When they don't, you cringe just a bit.

Christopher Guest is very strong as Corky St. Clair. He's such a ridiculous character and Guest brings him to life with such glee. It's fun to watch him in this role. Fred Willard and Catherine O'Hara work well together. It's fun to see them riff off each other and many of the film's funniest moments involve the two of them. I wouldn't say I especially loved their characters, but they gave good performances. Eugene Levy was really strong. He did some especially funny things throughout the film. I don't think all the gags worked- the cross-eyed thing seemed forced and especially unfunny (just as an example). You actually did feel some connection to his character, which was very much needed. Parker Posey was decent. I loved Bob Balaban's small role. He doesn't get as much to do as the "main" cast, but his supporting turn was a lot of fun. The cast was quite good from top to bottom.

I did want to talk about the actual play. I suppose I'll have to put SPOILER warnings, although I'll try not to reveal too much. I had no idea what to expect when the big play at the end began. Part of Guest's genius and a big reason why I liked this movie is that the play was actually entertaining. Ridiculous, sure. Absurd and silly, of course. Yet, it wasn't just one big cringe event. It was actually funny and engaging. I didn't expect that and it certainly endeared the film to me. That was a big reason why I did enjoy the film.

When I think about Waiting for Guffman, I do want to reiterate that point. I started this review saying I didn't like Guest's humor all that much. I wanted to clarify that because I know some people just love his movies. I've never been that person. I don't want that to take anything away from this film. Waiting for Guffman is funny and entertaining. It features ridiculous characters brought to life by a talented cast. Sure, I wasn't laughing as much as I should have for a comedy, but this is a good movie. I want to celebrate that more than anything else.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 7



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Best in Show, This is Spinal Tap, A Mighty Wind