Narratively, directorially and certainly in each performance – risks were continiously taken – which is why Swiss Army Man is nearly a litmus test for what a fantstically creative Sundance film can be.
Co-writer/co-directors Dan Kwan and Daniel Scheinert (A.K.A. “The Daniels” as they’re credited) constructed a narrative that relies entirely on point-of-view from a very unreliable narrator. Hank (Paul Dano) starts off the film ready to kill himself after being stranded on an island for far too long. Suddenly a corpse washes up on shore – Manny (Daniel Radcliffe) – and the only response Hank manages to elicit from this rigid shell of a man is the release of his morbid gaseous fumes as Hank leans on him and tries to save him. Dismayed that Manny can’t offer any sort of companionship, Hank resumes trying ot kill himself as Manny continues an orchestral suite’s worth of farting – which gives Hank an idea – what if these seemingly powerful emissions could be used to help his own situation?
Soon we find Hank literally riding Manny like a jet-ski as Manny’s fumes glide the pair over the waves at a solid 35 MPH speed. Thus marks about the first three minutes of a film which luckily never lets up in such wild ideas.
The script tells a simplistic, yet complicated tale which The Daniels described in the Q&A as “A suicidal man needs to convince a body that life is worth living.”
As the corpse gains consciousness and the ability to converse, the tale delves much further than simply being a artful homage to Weekend At Bernie’s – but rather a fractured reckoning for Hank as his inner demons seem to bubble to the surface. If the existential tale isn’t interesting enough – the direction is extraordinary in it’s creation of gorgeous imagery captured on such a low budget. Sometimes during monologues elaborately dreamlike montages play out and other times beautiful music fills the track. To their credit – The Daniels packed so much imagery into the film and sometimes presented it in such a speedy fashion that a wild frenetic feel takes over that just about seems to put you into the thunderous concert taking place within Hank’s mind.
Films this risky aren’t made so often – and it was the combined star power and endorsement of Dano & Radcliffe that made Swiss Army Man happen – therefore it’s no surprise they dove into their roles, because aside from being wild – they’re quite meaty. It’s basically a two-man show filled with poignantly emotional moments and even some surrealism as well.
And that’s where some critics and audience members split – as some disconnected from the story during those interludes. Since surrealism isn’t often seen in narrative films beyond a cheesy and obvious dream sequence unfortunately some people were turned off by it – and checked out mentally in those sections. Which is a shame as they’re missing out on the opportunity to invest themselves into a rare experience that allows the viewer’s mind to wander – just as the characters traverse past their own inner demons both past and present. All these risks began as wild ideas on the page – that seemingly made the writer-directors continue to say – “I wonder what happens next?” – which is a great place to lead their audience.
Swiss Army Man provides a fascinating big screen experience – and if you have a chance to see it at the fest – it’s certianly worth the effort.
Read the official Sundance Guide synopsis below:
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FROM THE GUIDE:
Alone on a tiny deserted island, Hank has given up all hope of ever making it home again. But one day everything changes when a dead body washes ashore, and he soon realizes it may be his last opportunity to escape certain death. Armed with his new “friend” and an unusual bag of tricks, the duo go on an epic adventure to bring Hank back to the woman of his dreams.
Music video gurus “The Daniels,” a.k.a. Daniel Scheinert and Daniel Kwan, craft a wholly original debut feature bursting with limitless creativity both in content and form. Their consistently surprising script spans a wide range of emotions: from the ridiculously absurd to a touching exploration of what it means to be human. Given what are likely to be some of the most unique roles of their acting careers, co-leads Paul Dano and Daniel Radcliffe give their all to a movie that celebrates the wonder that cinema offers.
YEAR 2015
SECTION U.S. Dramatic
COUNTRY U.S.A.
RUN TIME 95 min