HOLY hell, I was not expecting this one. There was alot of hype and infamy surrounding this movie
at Sundance. A new film with former Harry Potter star, Daniel Radcliffe, a first time directors, and news that the movie caused walkouts because of farting and boners. One would think it would be a hot mess. Then the damn movie won best Director at Sundance and boy did it deserve it. Swiss Army Man is a beautiful film about the human experience, marvels of the body, and loneliness.
The basic premise of the movie is Hank, played amazingly Paul Dano, finds himself stuck stranded in the wilderness. One day a body named Manny, played by Radcliffe washes ashore (the day Hank decides to kill himself no less) and he uses it (i won't spoil how) to save himself. Oh and also the body can talk. Much of the movie is Hank and Manny, with Hank teaching Manny about life, and the human body. The film smartly and sweetly uses this paternal dynamic to question social norms and taboos. Why do we fear or find gross things that are completely natural, why don't we talk to someone if it will make them or us happy, why don't we enjoy the wonders of the human experience. The film has such a hopeful outlook and view, that it's hard not to crack a smile even if some parts gross you out.
Dano and Radcliffe are both great in this with both bringing such presence to their roles. This is no surprise from Dano as he's had great work in There Will Be Blood, 12 Years a Slave, Prisoners, Love and Mercy, etc. Radcliffe holds his own as well. I don't think people appreciate how good of an actor Daniel Radcliffe is, since most only have seen him Harry Potter, but he has really come into his own a dramatic actor.
I should qualify some of this; this movie will be alarmingly strange to some. I won't act like it's for everyone, I'm not telling my mom to go see this. But if you think you are open minded and want something different in your movies, you will not be disappointed.
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