I have a confession. Upon reading the synopsis of the film Barry Munday, I decided I didn’t want to watch it. I had already made up my mind that it was going to be a bad film, but I couldn’t have been more wrong.
I can’t remember the last time I have seen such a surprising, and truly touching film, as this. The film stars Patrick Wilson as Barry Munday, who just like the film itself surprises the audience. Known mainly for his dramatic roles, the actor brings the perfect blend of sensibility and ignorance. Though as great as his lead performance is, it can’t hurt to mention that he’s supported by fantastic performances from Judy Greer, Chloe Sevigny, and Malcolm McDowell.
Barry Munday is about the title character with the same name, a guy that is pathetic, obnoxious, and sexist. You look at him in disgust while laughing at the same time. Barry’s whole life takes a change when a sudden act of violence occurs and he deservedly loses his testicles. His manhood that he once latched onto is now gone, and his life is a whirlwind from there. The film is ludicrous and hilarious, and suprisingly uplifting at times.
Although the premise is a bit ridiculous, please believe me when I say, it goes far beyond what you’d expect and becomes a film that should truly not be missed. I got to speak to writer/director Chris D’Arienzo after the screening and tell him not only how fantastic his film was but also how I was able to actually relate to it. With a smile on his face, D’Arienzo shook my hand and thanked me for my kind words, he realized what he had done. While I had written his film off before I had even seen it, the synopsis (however bad I may have thought it to be) somehow got my butt in that seat, and I not only enjoyed the film but absolutely loved it.
Writing movie reviews is a task I cherish, but the best part about it is recommending an unknown film and admitting the power it holds. For we truly know the effect a film holds when we find familiarity in the unfamiliar. It’s when the filmmaker transcends past the general enjoyment of a film and takes us somewhere we’ve never been, yet makes it feel like home.
Do yourself a favor and don’t write this film of like I did initially. It’s unfortunate that a film like this is being shopped around to no avail, a lot of it I’m sure is due to the economy, but this little gem deserves a chance. Hold off on your prejudgements, forget all your preconceptions, and see Barry Munday as soon as you can.
