Noises Off... (1992)
Noises Off. . . is the film version of Michael Frayn’s play, but before you write this movie off, hear me out. I know lots of plays are boring and wordy and absolutely painful to get through, if you can get through them at all. Noises Off. . . is not that type of play.
Whether you see it onstage—with a good cast and timing—or rent the film, this is an absolutely hilarious show. Use the bathroom beforehand, because it’s one of the most side-splittingly funny films ever. The key to a fantastic execution of this quick, witty script is an excellent cast and a director who can create impeccable timing. Peter Bogdanavich and his all-star case have made a flawless movie.
Michael Caine stars as the proverbial shouting, hair-pulling, unreachable director of a play. His assistant is the nervous, mousy Julie Hagerty, who can never get a word in. The actors in his show are Carol Burnett, Denholm Elliot, Marilu Henner, Christopher Reeve, John Ritter, and Nicollette Sheridan. They all flesh out their archetypes beautifully, with Carol as the know-it-all, Marilu as the classic diva, Chris as the well-meaning idiot, and Nicollette as the bimbo who’s only been cast because she looks good in her underwear.
The first part of the film is the rehearsal for the show, and while there are many stops and starts, the audience can see that the cast is nowhere near ready for their performance. Then, the tables are turned —literally—and the audience is placed backstage. The same play is run through, but this time, we see the never-ending drama that occurs backstage in every production known to man. It’s hilarious for non-theater people, but even more funny and true-to-life for those who have ever dabbled in the arts.
I can’t recommend this comedy highly enough; even if you don’t normally like plays, give it a chance. It’s so adorable and flawlessly executed. I guarantee it’ll change the way you think of theater—unless you’re in that world yourself. In that case, it’ll remind you of every show you’ve ever been in.
More Michael Caine movies here!
Whether you see it onstage—with a good cast and timing—or rent the film, this is an absolutely hilarious show. Use the bathroom beforehand, because it’s one of the most side-splittingly funny films ever. The key to a fantastic execution of this quick, witty script is an excellent cast and a director who can create impeccable timing. Peter Bogdanavich and his all-star case have made a flawless movie.
Michael Caine stars as the proverbial shouting, hair-pulling, unreachable director of a play. His assistant is the nervous, mousy Julie Hagerty, who can never get a word in. The actors in his show are Carol Burnett, Denholm Elliot, Marilu Henner, Christopher Reeve, John Ritter, and Nicollette Sheridan. They all flesh out their archetypes beautifully, with Carol as the know-it-all, Marilu as the classic diva, Chris as the well-meaning idiot, and Nicollette as the bimbo who’s only been cast because she looks good in her underwear.
The first part of the film is the rehearsal for the show, and while there are many stops and starts, the audience can see that the cast is nowhere near ready for their performance. Then, the tables are turned —literally—and the audience is placed backstage. The same play is run through, but this time, we see the never-ending drama that occurs backstage in every production known to man. It’s hilarious for non-theater people, but even more funny and true-to-life for those who have ever dabbled in the arts.
I can’t recommend this comedy highly enough; even if you don’t normally like plays, give it a chance. It’s so adorable and flawlessly executed. I guarantee it’ll change the way you think of theater—unless you’re in that world yourself. In that case, it’ll remind you of every show you’ve ever been in.
More Michael Caine movies here!