As the year narrows down, many start to look back on the great films of 2016. Of course, some of the stand outs so far were Captain America: Civil War, The Witch, 10 Cloverfield Lane, Deadpool, and many more. It truly has been an impressive year for movies. However, one movie this year took me by absolute surprise and became my favorite movie I’ve seen all year. Swiss Army Man, directed by The Daniels starring Paul Dano and Daniel Radcliffe, is by all means a brilliant film. It is a unique masterpiece unlike anything I have ever seen before.
Swiss Army Man stuck with me for many reasons. The incredible performances of Paul Dano, a heartbroken castaway, and Daniel Radcliffe as a farting corpse, show so much range and talent from both these actors. Better yet, however, is the chemistry built with these two as the movie progressives -- it's astounding. The soundtrack is another feat in itself, sung all acapella with the two main actors that seamlessly blends into the movie and almost narrates what happens throughout. The hilarious and bizarre premise of this multi-functional corpse gives for some genuinely funny moments, as well as some tender moments shared between our leads. The surprisingly heartfelt story that takes shape as our characters journey through the woods, leaves perhaps the greatest impact of all that left me in tears. The Daniels perfectly balance all these elements into the unquestionably original charming Swiss Army Man.
This movie should be praised alone on its impressive usage of such a wide arrange of elements and originality. Interesting enough, the reaction to this movie was very mixed from both critics and audiences. Some deemed it “too weird” and thought the humor, which focuses on a normal body function (farting), was immature and childish. However, that is quite the opposite. To quote the Daniels: “The first fart will make you laugh and the last fart will make you cry.” And that is just what happens. The Daniels handle the subject matter and humor in this movie with such attention that they make a fart into something beautiful. I don’t think that has ever been done before. That's only one specific example, but that same impressive look at ordinary things carries on throughout the movie.
The Daniels crafted what is my favorite film of 2016 so far and one of the most original movies that has come out in recent memory. It is remarkable that a film this crazy and outlandish was even made, but it gives me hope for the future of cinema and has me entirely excited for The Daniels next project. I encourage everyone to go out and seek Swiss Army Man, I know this movie isn’t for everyone but no matter what, there is merit to be found in the originality and zaniness of this film. I truly cannot say enough good about this movie and even this article alone does not do it justice. It is a unique gem that I full heartedly enjoyed.
