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So
it's utterly refreshing to discover a comedy which is finding new life on DVD which is a
cut above the rest. And utterly astounding that it never found a cinema
release, considering it's superb cast and crew - and it's film festival
pedigree.
The Search For John Gissing is the brain child of US Writer/Director Mike Binder (the man behind the fantastic Reign Over Me)
and is easily one of the most enjoyable comedies I've seen in some
time. Maybe it's the low-budget look, maybe it's the UK backdrop, maybe
it's because John Gissing reminds me of a time when comedies weren't all glossy formulas (remember the days of Uncle Buck or Dirty Rotten Scoundrels?
Dirty looking flicks with genuinely stupids laughs on offer - and a bit
of heart) whatever the reason, there is something inherently likable about
this unsung comedy.
The flick follows an American businessman
(played by Binder) and his wife (played by the grossly under-used US
comedian, Janeane Garofalo) who have their lives turned upside-down by
the British co-worker (Alan Rickman) he has unknowingly come to
London in order to replace.
The dialouge and performances
are just so strong throughout, any low budget technical glitches
can be immediately forgiven. Binder's writing and
direction are by and large responsible for the fantastic end result,
mixing Woody Allen-esque character comedy with a classic caper, the key
being that the pace is consistent and never really slows down - whic is a
rarity these days.
The chemistry between Binder
and Garofalo is fantastic, with the majority of their shared scenes the strongest
in the film (Note to wives: never leave your husband alone with a
nun!). Rickman is, as always, faultless (despite the fact he continues
to look autistic). He is easily one of the most underrated comic
performers of our time, with his monotonal delivery unlike anything
else in the film world.
However, as appealing as the film itself
is - it's the background story of John Gissing's DVD release which is just as interesting.
After financing the bulk of the film himself, Binder took John Gissing
to several festivals, however, found no distribution deal. In a sign of the
times, almost six years after it was made, Binder has decided to take
matters into his own hands and distribute Gissing online
(striking up a deal with a porno film DVD printer to press copies on
the cheap). It's certainly a clever way to get your film seen, and one
can't help but think it will be common practice in years to come.
The Search For John Gissing may have taken half a decade to find it's way to a broad DVD audience, but I have to admit, I'm glad the search is over.
This one's a winner! EXTRAS
A
worthwhile collection of extras has been included on the release,
including an insightful commentary from Binder and the film's editor,
Roger Nygard.
Also included are the usual batch of Deleted Scenes, Out-Takes and (for once) a watchable behind the scenes featurette.
Well worth hunting down.
Conclusion:
Movie 75% Extras: 60%
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