Based on Eugène Ionesco's absurdist satire / farce which was initially felt to look at the rise of fascism in Europe but in the US has translated into man vs the herd. Gene Wilder plays a alcoholic office worker who seems to be the only person not changing into a rhinoceros. The film / play revolves around him and his friend, Zero Mostel and girlfriend Karen Black.
Whilst this is no doubt chock full of meaningful musings on man offering more as an individual than one of the crowd, the film mostly fails to convey this. This is largely because, certainly for the first 2 thirds, it is so wacky (seventies word?) and over the top that it really starts to grate. This can particularly be said of Mostel, whose transformation scene is so obnoxious and self indulgent I nearly had to walk away. It's nice to see Black occupying a gentler, happier role than usual but it is Wilder who can do 'sweet' like no other who comes closest to bringing us along. A clever notion no doubt - it has become nonsense. Avoid.
Whilst this is no doubt chock full of meaningful musings on man offering more as an individual than one of the crowd, the film mostly fails to convey this. This is largely because, certainly for the first 2 thirds, it is so wacky (seventies word?) and over the top that it really starts to grate. This can particularly be said of Mostel, whose transformation scene is so obnoxious and self indulgent I nearly had to walk away. It's nice to see Black occupying a gentler, happier role than usual but it is Wilder who can do 'sweet' like no other who comes closest to bringing us along. A clever notion no doubt - it has become nonsense. Avoid.