A Fish Called Wanda: More Than Just Slapstick

Alright, so I finally got around to watching "A Fish Called Wanda" after hearing about it for years. It's definitely... something. On the surface, it's this madcap heist comedy with John Cleese being John Cleese and everyone else ratcheting up the chaos. But honestly, what struck me most was how dark it gets. Like, yeah, there's the stuttering Ken (Michael Palin, absolutely brilliant), and the endless torture he endures is played for laughs, but there's a genuine sense of discomfort there too. Are we really supposed to be laughing at someone burying terriers alive? I'm not so sure. Jamie Lee Curtis is fantastic as Wanda; she nails that femme fatale act perfectly. Kevin Kline, though... look, I get he won an Oscar, and he's certainly energetic, but his Otto felt a bit cartoonish for my taste. He chews the scenery like it's made of diamonds, and sometimes it feels like he's in a completely different movie. Cleese holds everything together, as he usually does; his uptight barrister is the perfect foil for all the madness. That scene where he's trying to seduce Wanda in Italian is comedy gold. What elevates the film, I think, is the unexpected intelligence behind the lunacy. It's not just random slapstick; there's a real awareness of power dynamics, greed, and the absurdity of human relationships. Plus, the dialogue is razor-sharp. It's well-written and well acted. I will say, though, that the ending felt a little rushed. It all wraps up a bit too neatly, especially considering the level of depravity we've witnessed up to that point. Overall, I'd say it's a worthwhile watch if you're in the mood for something funny but with a slightly twisted edge. Just be prepared for some moments that might make you squirm as much as laugh (and be glad you don't own any small dogs).