One of the world's rare perfect films. Photo copyright: MGM (1988)

Written by John Cleese over the course of five years, A Fish Called Wanda tells the familiar story of boy meets girl, girl pretends to be in love with him, her fictitious brother, and her gangster boyfriend. Girl, two of her lovers, and the stuttering sidekick plan jewelry heist, girl and fictitious brother turn in girl's gangster boyfriend, craziness follows, until finally boy and girl live happily ever after raising seventeen children in a leper colony. Haven't we all seen that plot, a dozen times?

Of course, we haven't! Because this is that truly rare movie, an original. And why shouldn't it be? The script was written by founding Monty Python member, John Cleese, over the course of five years, and then polished by the talented acting team of Cleese, Kevin Kline, Jamie Lee Curtis, and fellow Python, Michael Palin. During those five years and the subsequent tweaking by the actors, a rich script was created, full of original characters, and zany plot twists. If only more scripts were given this much time to gestate instead of being pushed into production or shuffled from screenwriter to screenwriter.

Charles Crichton, the director, also deserves much of the credit for the perfection of this film. His timing is perfect, and he knows enough to keep his direction unobtrusive so as not to interfere with the comedy. Observe the scene in John Cleese's study after his wife returns early from the opera, probably the funniest scene in the movie. The timing, the edits, and of course the performance by Cleese are impeccable. This is even more amazing when you learn that the director was in his seventies when he directed this movie, but not surprising when you learn that he has been directing movies for over forty years. His most famous before this one being another caper comedy, The Lavender Hill Mob.

All of the performances are brilliant, but one actor stands out of this stellar crowd, the one, the only, Kevin Kline. His portrayal of Otto stole the movie and won him an Academy Award for Supporting Actor. He has all the best scenes and the best interaction with the rest of the cast. The movie is worth watching for his part alone.

If you love comedies (and who doesn't?), you will love, A Fish Called Wanda.

Eric

Kevin Kline took home the Oscar for his portrayal of Otto. Photo copyright: MGM (1988)

Patrick
This movie is truly hilarious. It is cleverly written and wonderfully performed. Whether you prefer broad slapstick, zany situation comedy or more sophisticated word play, this movie has something for you. It manages to be both old-fashioned and cutting-edge. This project is also the most commercially successful import by any member of the illustrious Monty Python. In short, I liked it.

It's Curtis who steals the show. Photo copyright: MGM (1988)

John Cleese is a joy to watch. Like Woody Allen, he is able to find the humor in human frailty. Mainly, how most men turn to mush in the hands of a hot female. This is made all the funnier by his stuffy British persona just waiting to rebel.

If you find yourself in a situation where you must choose a movie for people you don't know well, this is the perfect pick. Its broad comedy and timeless take on human relationships should appeal to almost anyone.

Photos © Copyright 1988 MGM All Rights Reserved