On rare occasions, a recommendation out of the blue comes along that's spot on. I rented this on the recommendation of the clerk at the video store, and was I ever pleased! When I watch a movie or a play, the first thing I try to do is figure out the story line: what's going on. This one had me stumped for a while, but I finally settled on something out of Shakespeare, and in particular, either King Lear or Richard III. Richard III seemed to make more sense to me: there's enough of Shakespearian blood and gore for most, and yet there are comic overtones that fit right in. I think the writing was brilliant, the score very well matched, the acting superb.

If the essence of classical tragedy is that the ending is foregone from the start, then this is classical tragedy. If the essence of comedy is unexpected juxtaposition, then this has elements of that, too. The wood chipper scene is a riot, but you'll have to see the movie to understand why I say that.

We watched it on a night when a storm was blowing by: rain on the windows, wind howling, a glass or two of wine. It all worked to perfection. Don't worry if you're scratching your head trying to figure it out: I think that's part of what it's all about.