NYFF Review: Tristram Shandy: A Cock and Bull Story

Can one successfully create a film adaptation of Laurence Sterne's Tristram Shandy, the 18th century novel that was (as Steve Coogan tells us) postmodern before there was any modernism to be post about? Well, director Michael Winterbottom and screenwriter Martin Hardy have given it a shot, and the result is a masterpiece of self-reflexivity that is easily one of the most intelligent comedies of the year. Much in the same way that Sterne's novel is written as a fictional autobiography, Winterbottom's film can be viewed as a faux-documentary on the making of the film. When not recreating the funnier bits of the novel (including Tristram's accidental circumcision), the film pulls back to reveal the behind-the-scenes details -- from costume selection and makeup, to nervous producers fretting about the ever-increasing budget and commercial viability of the film. And like Tristram, the filmmakers themselves are at odds with how best to tell the story. When not playing the roles of Tristram Shandy and his uncle Toby, Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon are playing fictionalized versions of themselves on the set of Tristram Shandy: A Cock and Bull Story, as directed not by Winterbottom, but by Mark (Jeremy Northam). The blurring between truth and fiction is complicated by the inclusion of some very real details of Coogan's life, including a handful of Alan Partridge references and a scandal regarding an illicit affair with a lap dancer. Coogan is portrayed as both insecure and self-centered, and he's a sport for allowing his real-life persona to be depicted in this way. Whether worrying about how much screen time he has, arguing why he should appear taller than Brydon in the film, or simply avoiding a tabloid journalist, Coogan does a remarkable job of parodying himself. Though Winterbottom and Coogan have flirted with self-reflexivity before, the small diversions in 24 Hour Party People are but mere conceits when compared to the many layers at play in Tristram Shandy. Winterbottom, who with each film manages to reinvent himself, seems to enjoy turning the camera onto himself (as it were) and the craft of filmmaking. But unlike other films that have dealt with "the biz" (such as Altman's The Player), there isn't a shred of cynicism to be found here. "Life is too rich to be captured by art", says one of the characters, and Winterbottom seems to revel in that sentiment. Music is often a key factor in Winterbottom's films, and Tristram Shandy is no exception. Yet this time the soundtrack consists entirely of music from other costume dramas (The Draughtsman's Contract, Smiles of a Summer Night, Barry Lyndon) as well as several cues from Nino Rota's score for 8 1/2, which Tristram Shandy obviously owes a slight debt to. Coogan and Brydon make a wonderful comedy team, and the improvised riffs between the two are brilliant (especially when we find them arguing over Al Pacino impressions). With wonderfully wry humor from start to finish, Tristram Shandy: A Cock and Bull Story is a major triumph for the prolific director -- think of it as The Wedding Crashers for the literary set.

Comments

[Darren]

God, I love this movie. As I watched it, I thought to myself, "I can't believe they're pulling it off. I can't believe I'm watching a comedy this clever, this well-made, and -- most surprising of all -- this funny." And, of course, all of the movie in-jokes are just icing. I loved Coogan's reaction to the P.A.'s long-winded analysis of the fight scene in Lancelot du Lac. Easily my favorite comedy of the last five years.

[dvd]

I can't wait to see this. Winterbottom + Stern = big chance for dvd's favorite film of the year.

[phyrephox]

I can't believe you culled that reference to the Bergman film...did you see that in the credits, cause I missed it.

[Filmbrain]

I happened to see Smiles of a Summer Night just a few weeks ago, though I had to throw on the DVD again just to be sure it was the same music.

[Akusuka Movies]

i thought this was a porn review site but i am glad that i ended up here.
yes yes hait arigato!

[Aaron Hillis]

You're in the right place; Filmbrain writes all the best porn reviews. Ask him about The Wedding Crashers for the gloryhole set.

[mietwagen]

Sehr gute Seite. Ich habe es zu den Favoriten.