MovieChat Forums > Ladies and Gentlemen, the Fabulous Stains Discussion > Absolutely Humorless

Absolutely Humorless

posted 13 years ago by St-Mihiel
2 replies | jump to latest

Just a warning for anyone like me who's always heard about this film but never seen it - and I'm Diane Lane's age (now!) - there's a lot to take in here, but it is unrelenting in the avoidance of anything that might crack a smile, nevermind a chuckle (excepting Black Randy, but you'd have to know about him beforehand, and so few do.) There's a media message parallel with an early 80's Sean Connery film called "Wrong is Right" - watch it to see how a few bellylaughs make the cynicism sharp.
From Nancy Dowd ('Slapshot') and Lou Adler (lots of Cheech & Chong vinyl, natch), I expected at least a token lighthearted moment or two - forget it. The few steps this film even tries to take there (the Newscasters) make things even more Vayyy-Cant...An amazing time machine back to young Ray, Diane and Jones 'n Cook (Simenon looks about 54!), but it's the cinematic definition of dour.

[–] henrimaine 11 years ago

Cannot agree with that. I think the film had a lot of humour. Not comedy-style joking but criticism of rock musicians, music industry and mass media. In that it was a precursor to This is Spinal Tap (1984).

[–] PoppyTransfusion 9 years ago

When Jessica/Peg's mum is asked "has your daughter always been this much trouble?" I lol'd even though it precedes a poignant scene. When Billy is introduced to his news support act, Black Randy and the Metro Squad, that was another sterling moment! Most of the other humour was more cynical about the music industry and characters involved.

I give my respect to those who have earned it; to everyone else, I'm civil.