Today's entry will be epic irony as we return to the long forgotten 80's B movies that didn't make it If I was asked why do I think the exploitation genre fell into obscurity I would definitely answer: because of the 80's clichés that infected drive-ins & movie theaters everywhere, people just didn't care anymore.1984's My Chauffeur it's not an epic piece of cinematic history, and sure it's a
formulaic and derivative romantic comedy, but still it possesses a correct plot
structure, some engaging vignettes of comedy (for instance the "A blue lady with a blue dog! That's
20,000 points!" line), well-drawn characters, witty dialog, and the disgusting 80's style soundtrack that I personally hate.
"My Chauffeur" is all-around well written and well realized.
Watching this film, you can tell the people involved both in front of
and behind the camera really put their imaginations and talents
into crafting something special.
Deborah Foreman is quirky-cute-cool as Casey Meadows, an
aspiring limo driver who shakes up the stuffy status quo of
Brentwood Limousine Company when she's hush-hush hired by
its reclusive owner (E.G. Marshall). She faces the cold shoulders
of all of the older male drivers, save for a paternal Irish gent
(played marvelously by Sean McClory) who takes her under his
wing.
Cyndi Lauper wannabe.
a Woman's journey into a men's world only.
Sam Jones is marvelous as Battle Witherspoon, the
dictatorial corporate suit who's all business and no pleasure -
until he meets Foreman's Casey and slowly melts for her.
The romance that ensues between them is surrounded by a
wonderful cast of characters who populate the movie's tangental
scenes, such as the one that features the film debut of Penn &
Teller (as a con man and a Middle Eastern prince, respectively).
Myself, I get a little choked up every time I see the scenes where
Casey comes to the transportation rescue of a young man being
berated by his girlfriend for not having a car, and where Battle
finally realizes what a jerk he's been and commands his
long-suffering, single-mom secretary to march down to human
resources the following Monday and name her own raise.
Touching, heartfelt, sincere stuff.
Yeah, it's a fairy tale film filled with other little fairy tales, but
that's
what makes it so much fun.
Even more fun: "My Chauffeur" has one of the most fall-down
laughing drunk scenes I've ever seen. After Jones' character gets
dumped by his girlfriend, he gets rip-roaring blotto in the back of
Casey's limo. Chugging scotch, primal screaming and spewing
venom he declares his freedom and commences to streak stark
naked through a neighborhood park.
How do I look like?
What is it with you man?
You cry like a pussy you know.
However, to have a better understanding of the film's plot & comedy you certainly had to live in the 80's to fully understand it, and if that's not your case you'll find yourself with a movie that looks and sounds dated being also very predictable by today's romantic comedy standards. What does this movie lack? well, according to exploitation standards it lacks plenty of tits & ass scenes, also the whole mood of the movie feels as if it was made with innocence and intended for audiences that wouldn't be caught dead in a drive-in. Let's remember that, legend has it if you go to a drive-in it is merely because you want to get laid, not because you want to watch a tearjerker comedy and considering the level of hotness of the actresses it is a pity we don't see anything else from them beyond their crazy 80's hairdo & clothing.
Here's a live song played in the movie, by The Wigs:
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