SWISS ARMY MAN - Reviewed

Directors:

 Dan Kwan, Daniel Scheinert

Writers: 

Dan Kwan, Daniel Scheinert

Stars:

 Paul Dano, Daniel Radcliffe

RATED 15 1h 37m

FANTASY/DRAMA

Swiss Army Man is a film I have waited a long time to see, a couple of friends said they would watch it with me but as usual it came down to watching it on my own which is kind of in keeping with the beginning of the film. It is a film filled with honest truths about life which are touching and also at times a little bit gross (to some anyway). The idea of a lonely man (Hank) who runs away because he has no love in his life, either from friends, family or the woman he dreams about will resonate with many people. The living or dead companion (Manny) he finds washed ashore who he has to teach about life becomes his best friend in the world as they head back to civilization.  

Relationships lost, broken or never begun are slowly replaced with hope for new ones to come, it is only the thought of love that gets Manny animated and gives him life. 

The naivety of the film on subjects like farting and masturbation actually expose our modern societies pathetic double standards as regards being human. Being human means we do things that society looks down on, things that are completely natural and we only seem to embrace these aspects when we are drunk or off our heads. I'm not really hung up on these matters which labels me a freak in modern society so I find it wonderful that these subjects can be talked about. We all have things we are embarrassed about, this film implies that you stop worrying about them, it is only part of what it is to be human. Dan Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, the writing and directing duo ( known as Daniels) have dealt with these kind of subjects before with the same kind of quirky humour only this film gives them more time to explore the deeper human experience.  

The story is about friendship but ultimately it is about the hope of being loved, in whatever form it takes, love is the essence of this movie.

The message I get from it is accept who you are, warts and all and don't let other people's unreasonable expectations crush you, whether from strangers, your friends, your parents or your own doubts, don't let them sway you from who you are meant to be, accept yourself, embrace your uniqueness and find love because you deserve it as the alternative is loneliness which is much worse than embarrassment . An excellent cast pivoting on Paul Dano and Daniel Radcliffe performances. The soundtrack, like the film, is unique.

Swiss Army Man is crazy, gross and beautiful, watch it!