Roger Ebert's disdain for Jim Backus' involvement in the 1984 sci-fi comedy 'Slapstick of Another Kind' is well-documented, but the full story behind his scathing review and the film's overall reception is a fascinating tale of creative missteps and personal connections. In this article, we delve into the reasons behind Ebert's negative reaction, the film's critical and commercial failure, and the intriguing circumstances surrounding its creation.
A Misguided Adaptation
The film's origins lie in the semi-autobiographical novel 'Slapstick' by Kurt Vonnegut, which explores themes of loneliness and sibling relationships. Writer-director Steven Paul, who had previously appeared in a Broadway production of Vonnegut's play 'Happy Birthday Wanda June', bought the rights to the novel and set out to adapt it into a comedy. However, the result was a film that, in Ebert's words, 'offended audiences and critics alike'.
Paul's decision to focus solely on the humorous aspects of the novel while neglecting other elements, such as satire and political commentary, was a critical mistake. This approach led to a film that, as Ebert noted, was 'devoid of humor', a far cry from the nuanced and thought-provoking work Vonnegut had crafted.
A Star-Studded Cast, A Star-Struck Review
The film boasted a star-studded cast, including Jerry Lewis, Madeline Kahn, and Pat Morita, but it was the inclusion of Jim Backus that drew the most attention and criticism. Backus, known for his role as Thurston Howell III in 'Gilligan's Island', struggled to find good projects after his TV show ended, and his involvement in 'Slapstick' was seen as a misstep. Ebert, in particular, took issue with Backus' presence, suggesting that his involvement was a sign of the film's overall quality.
Ebert's Scathing Review
Ebert's review of 'Slapstick of Another Kind' was particularly harsh, calling it 'offensive' and 'unfunny'. He took issue with the film's portrayal of the twins, particularly the scene where Jerry Lewis meets his new babies and discovers they're 'monsters'. Ebert's disdain was so strong that he even walked out of comedy movies in the past, but he managed to watch the entire film, only to wish he had walked out earlier.
A Missed Opportunity
The film's failure to live up to Vonnegut's work and its inability to find an audience is a missed opportunity. Ebert's review highlights the potential for a film to make a point and redeem its subject matter, but 'Slapstick of Another Kind' fell short in this regard. The film's lack of humor and its offensive elements likely contributed to its poor reception, and the involvement of Backus, while perhaps a mistake, was a symptom of the film's broader issues.
Conclusion
'Slapstick of Another Kind' remains a curious entry in the history of cinema, a film that failed to live up to its source material and left a lasting impression of disappointment. Ebert's review, while harsh, serves as a reminder of the importance of adapting source material with care and respect, and the potential consequences of creative missteps.
