Dir. David O. Russell, 2004 , USA , 106 min
Cast:
Mark Wahlberg, Dustin Hoffman, Jude Law, Lily Tomlin, Naomi Watts
Picking up the baton from Charlie Kaufman and Spike Jonze, maverick director, David O. Russell returns after a long hiatus since his last feature, Three Kings. I Heart Huckabees is an eccentric, philosophy quoting comedy which almost defies description and offers brain candy for the winter season.
The spiralling plot centres around Jason Schwartzman who plays Albert Markovski, an environmentalist heading up a campaign for more open spaces. Beset by strange coincidences, and losing his confidence at work, he decides to use the help of "existential detectives", Bernard and Vivian Jaffe (Hoffman and Tomlin). The wacky duo follow their clients' every move, from the bathroom to the streets, scrutinising their behaviour, and looking for clues to help put them back on the path of insight and happiness. Markovski's existential makeover reveals his almost Yin/Yang type conflict with his nemesis, corporate slick-willy Brad Stand (Law). Brad's girlfriend, the blonde model and face of the Huckabees Corporation (Watts) gets thrown into the metaphysical mix, as does Mark Wahlberg's befuddled fire fighter, Tommy Corn.
David O. Russell uses his premise as a diving off point to throw in philosophical asides and get zany laughs along the way. Influenced by aspects of Zen Buddhism, and French existentialism, I Heart Huckabees is even more of a maverick piece of work than his Gulf War caper Three Kings. Once again, he is able to juggle a number of different ideas, and present them in a fully digestible comedy package. The movie wears its philosophical baggage lightly, with scenes briskly layered on, taking the audience along with economy and charm. At one point Tommy and Albert share a meal with a conservative Christian family and the African boy they have taken in, showing the film at its best; combining comedy, politics, satire and a strong sense of absurdity.
Like Punch Drunk Love, which shares some its off-kilter tone, the film is enhanced by the excellent music of John Brion, whose scores and individual songs helped shaped character and mood in many of Paul Thomas Anderson's films (Boogie Nights, Magnolia). The main song Knock Yourself Out echoes the actual themes of the movie, as well as being an insanely catchy tune.
The whole thing works perfectly well as an ensemble comedy. The cast are strong, across the board, and look like they are enjoying themselves. After a string of mediocre performances, Mark Wahlberg gives a nuanced and funny turn as a petroleum obsessed fireman. Schwartzman shines in the lead, showing again the intelligence and poise that he brought to Rushmore, a few years back. The supporting cast is one of the year's best with Dustin Hoffman, Lily Tomlin and Naomi Watts putting in classy turns.
Even if it's not as satisfying as other leftfield hits, Being John Malkovich or Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, it belongs in the same alternative file, offering thoughtful fare, and a real alternative to the earnest biopics of the Oscar season. I Heart Huckabees is an entertaining pop mixture of ideas, angst and character comedy. An oddball original, that's elusive and one smart cookie.
Johnny Messias
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