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Partners
Clever Insight Into The Westerner Abroad
There are those who would criticise this film for it's lack of action and the critical acclaim it has received and there is probably some credence to their argument. The film does have very little action and, although billed as a comedy, those looking for slapstick would do better to dig out a Farelly bros flick. What the film offers is an acute insight into the mindset of the tourist, the 1st thing we do when travelling abroad is hunt out others from our country/culture and form a kind of exaggerated kinship, a relationship that simply wouldn't exist if you met in normal circumstances. The film explores this eccentricity as its core theme whilst also depicting two very dissatisfied individuals each going through a life-crisis. The other major theme is of the two embarking on a platonic relationship that they both know can go no further but both wish it could. The emotional content of the film is subtly implied and is part of the overall charm of the story. Bill Murray only improves with age and there are some genuinely heart-rending moments that are comedic in equal measure. The movie is filmed in an almost voyeuristic fashion and, as such, a large part of the action is to be enjoyed through the interaction of the characters. This is a touching and intimate film and more than deserves the praise it has received - it's just a question of being in the right frame of mind when you sit down to watch.
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