i'd been curious about Tashlin since reading his name mentioned in the same breath as Tati's, and Rock Hunter didn't disappoint, though i couldn't have known what to expect. with precious few exceptions, nimble comedy and "serious film" seem to have gone their separate ways decades ago, so it's always a joy to discover an auteur like Tashlin with such carefree aptitude for it; it's true that he betrays a background in animation through his pacing, control of the frame, and mildly surreal zaniness, but what's most impressive is how he manages to fold it all into an affable (but wholly sharp-witted) consumerist/celebritist satire with such little trouble. i'm eager to see more of Tashlin's work, Jerry Lewis be damned.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
frank tashlin's WILL SUCCESS SPOIL ROCK HUNTER? (1957)
i'd been curious about Tashlin since reading his name mentioned in the same breath as Tati's, and Rock Hunter didn't disappoint, though i couldn't have known what to expect. with precious few exceptions, nimble comedy and "serious film" seem to have gone their separate ways decades ago, so it's always a joy to discover an auteur like Tashlin with such carefree aptitude for it; it's true that he betrays a background in animation through his pacing, control of the frame, and mildly surreal zaniness, but what's most impressive is how he manages to fold it all into an affable (but wholly sharp-witted) consumerist/celebritist satire with such little trouble. i'm eager to see more of Tashlin's work, Jerry Lewis be damned.
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