Movie Breakdown: Stan & Ollie

Pre-Screening Stance:

The only Jon S. Baird film I’ve ever seen is Filth, a super black comedy that was released back in 2013.  Stan & Ollie, which is about comedians Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy, doesn’t look near as twisted as that film, but it does look equally good.

Post-Screening Ramble:

Stan & Ollie is very much what I would describe as a nice little film.  It begins with a really nifty tracking shot that follows a conversation between Stan Laurel (Steve Coogan) and Oliver Hardy (John C. Reilly) as they make their way across a studio lot in 1937, which is when the comedy duo were at the top of their game.  The former wants more money and control from their producer, and the latter is just happy to be around (even though he’s broke).  This and that happens, the two men temporarily split up, and then the film flashes forward to 1953, where things are much different.  They’re no longer a desired commodity, and they’re at the start of a rough-looking tour across the UK and Ireland that may or may not provide enough of a push to get their new film made.  Obviously, with this being a biopic, there’s plenty of drama to be had as the two are on the road, but there’s also a lot at play that’s really funny and charming. Leading the charge there is Coogan and Reilly, who have great chemistry and recreate various Laurel & Hardy bits with aplomb, but plenty of credit should go to director Jon S. Baird as well.  He really does a nice job of filling the film with little moments that shows you how both of them were true entertainers and the closest of friends.

I can’t say that Stan & Ollie is a film that’s going to blow you away, but it’s well made and worth your time.  Go check it out.

One Last Thought:

The fat suit that John C. Reilly sports in this movie is well done, but it left me wondering if his performance would have gotten a different (i.e. acclaimed) reaction if he had pulled a Christian Bale and actually gained a bunch of weight.  My guess is yes.