Films for Recession - Part 5: Waiting for Guffman

Waiting for Guffman (1996)

After Alistair Darling delivered the most sombre budget for some decades, and with unmployement now well over the two million mark, taking heed from those who believe in themselves against all odds is perhaps the only way out of this slump. With its name no doubt lifted from Samuel Beckett's timeless tale of modern despair, Waiting for Guffman is a film to both laugh at, and take heart from. Heralded as one of the greats in the mockumenatry genre, this late '90's film hits the same buttons now as it did then. Writer/director Christopher Guest invites viewers into a world both wierd and hilarious, yet one which somehow makes perfect sense on the screen.

Meet Corky, (Guest) a Broadway has-been now producing plays in the small town of Blaine, Missouri. When Corky puts on a show celebrating the towns hundredth year, and invites a Broadway scout to see the production, the talent both infront and behind the scenes spot a chance for stardom. For Corky, it could mean a return to the big time, if only those damn councillors would give them a bit of extra funding to really give the show a bang. For the others, including dentist Dr. Pearl (Eugene Levy) and fast food worker Libby Mae Brown (Parker Posey), it is a opportunity to showcase their talents and shoot for the stars.



Of course the joke in Waiting for Guffman, is that the cast really aren't particularly talented at all. Corky's pigheadedness is only slightly outweighed by his enthusiasm and it is quick to see why he didn't survive long on Broadway. His illogical stubborness and camp outbursts are frequent, and will have you laughing out loud. Corky's cast are eager, willing and kind hearted folk, yet find that they too succumb to the pressure of anticipating the visiting Guffman. The comedy comes not only from Guest's witty dialogue, but in the dead pan delivery of a superb ensemble cast. Look out for a great comedic duet between Catherine O'Hara and Fred Willard, who see themselves as the most seasoned performers in the troupe, and smugly flout terms like 'strike the set' in order to impress. The anticipation of Guffman's arrival serves well in driving the film along, but it is the warmth and camaraderie of the cast members that really lifts the piece.

From the writer of mockumentary cult classic This Is Spinal Tap (1984), the films comic credentials are clear, and Guest has followed on from this with Best in Show (2000) and For Your Consideration (2006), which are of a similar ilk. Although Waiting for Guffman is not for everyone, and indeed will be especially amusing for fans of the theatre, it is film that will sustain your attention and is certainly one for a rainy day in April.