Reviews

This is the GREATEST TV ever made. Why hasn't every episode been released to the public? Some sort of fascist government plot to keep us from seeing Spewey the alien who can make custard out of his belly? It's time we had a right to know!

This show also features the writing talents of Bob Odenkirk, a comparable genius in his own right. Just see Mr. Show to find out.

Did I forget to say this show is nothing short of brilliant?

It's no wonder this film was banned in the UK. Never before have I seen such a harrowing tale of cockfight obsession. Since seeing this movie, I have taken to the road with my prize cock, Ray-Ray, and we have won many battles. This movie has truly inspired me to become a cockfighter at the caliber of Harry Dean Stanton's character. (Steve Railsback is an acting tour-de-force as well. Not since his role as Charlie Manson, the great one, has he shown such versatility and depth.)

Oh, and Ray-Ray says, "Hi!" (Rudy is available for Cockfighter II should the need arise.)

The Zellner's create a consistently beautiful and strange world of absurdist comedy. An important film in its own right, its unconventional "hero", a mime, seeks to maraud all the cute little people of his world and show them just how ugly it can be. I have never seen another film like this.

By no means is it heavy-handed or consciously arty, either. Plot is taken very seriously, which lends itself well to the madcap characters and garish surroundings. The first 15 minutes of the film acquaint you to the freakish logic and humor of this world.

As the movie opens, James (the mime) is a wreck because no one appreciates his violent and nihilistic mime performances. Because he's so bitter and seeks release from the shallow world, Frank (his outlaw companion), offers to take him into a world of crime. From here on out, the comedy of failure settles in as James tries to accommodate himself to Franks world of trashy women, casual violence, and putt-putt golf.

Working on a stiff low-budget, the film shows a lot of creative promise and talent. Very unique. The Zellner's get props for charting new territory. Only something like this could come from their heads. Damn funny film, too.

Great story. Gritty 50's melodrama played very well by Sinatra and Novak. Great comedic performance by Arnold Stang who definitely deserved more attention after this film.

Also contains one of the most brilliant soundtracks to a film ever made. Sinister accompaniment to Frankie Machine's spiraling demise, it plays so well as the unrelenting "monkey on his back" appears again and again.

Great lingo, too. Very happy the word "lush" is used to describe an alcoholic. Very cool.

Great cinema. An underappreciated piece of American genius.