Morgan Rojas & H. Nelson Tracey/www.cinemacy.com
One should know what one is getting into with “Swiss Army Man,” and that is the number of fart jokes. But these aren’t the typical fart jokes associated with raunchy comedies (some of Adam Sandler’s projects come to mind), these fart jokes are insights into existential reflection and self-discovery. I know that sounds deep, but one can expect this, and so much more, from “Swiss Army Man” – the wholly unique independent film that has generated the most vocal reaction amongst critics and audiences for it’s ridiculous, and now infamous, farting dead body played by Daniel Radcliffe. The film reportedly prompted walkouts when it premiered earlier this year at the Sundance Film Festival, but that only propelled its popularity and mystique.
Paul Dano plays Hank, a man not only lost, but stranded on an island. Right when he is about to give up on life, he discovers the aforementioned farting body (Radcliffe) lying on the shore. The body is still, its face a pale blue and clearly deceased. But (no pun intended), Hank suddenly hears the sound of a single, loud fart and subsequently finds the unexpected answer as to why his life is worth living. Riding on the body’s back and using its flatulence to propel over the ocean like a speedboat, Hank and the body begin their journey back to civilization. Hank discovers that there are many elements of this body that can help him survive, notably keeping him sane (or perhaps insane) by talking to it. And this is only how the film begins, so let’s just say it toots even louder from there.
As Hank develops a relationship with the dead body who calls himself Manny (one that starts out similar to Wilson in “Cast Away”), the intriguing absurdity will keep you engaged for the rest of the runtime. Honestly, “Swiss Army Man” is the type of film best seen with little information beyond the initial premise, as it is full of magical gems waiting to be uncovered. Thanks to the great use of locations and intricately beautiful production design by Jason Kisvarday, the world-building is fantastic and the wackiness becomes downright fun.
The writer/director duo Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, collectively known as DANIELS, have a reputation for unique and highly entertaining work, and this feature represents a conglomerate of ideas that may sound far-reaching and absurd on their own, but somehow all work here. To get a small glimpse of what to expect from the mind of the DANIELS’, check out their award-winning music video for DJ Snake and Lil Jon “Turn Down For What,” and the hilarious short film “Dog Boarding.”
On top of being a silly movie that doesn’t pretend to take itself seriously, “Swiss Army Man” sneaks in themes about societal behavior while questioning what is considered weird vs what is normal. It is rare to find a movie that is so unpredictable in an engaging way, and because “Swiss Army Man” begins with something so ridiculous and only goes deeper from there, it allows for limitless predictions on what is going to happen next. The reason the film may be polarizing to some is because of how silly it is, but going in knowing what to expect (aka fart jokes), is all you need to get lost in the world of “Swiss Army Man.” There is little more to say without giving too much away – essentially, if you can accept absurdity and go along for the ride, this movie will treat you to a great time. At the end of the day, no matter what your taste in movies may be, this is sure to be the most memorable, artsy fartsy film of 2016.
“Swiss Army Man” is rated R for language and sexual material. Now playing in theaters nationwide.
