WHAT'S UP, DOC?, the Reel 13 Classic from November 1st, was a truly delightful surprise. Though it did fulfill my expectations of zaniness and mindless mayhem, it did so with zest, panache and also a very thorough understanding of film history. It's one thing to pay homage to the screwball comedies of the late 30's. It's another thing altogether to actually all-out make one in a modern era.
Though the creative team smartly don't attempt to make the film a period piece (it takes place in the 70's – when the film was made), director Peter Bogdonavich and his collaborators nail the spirit and rhythm of its genre predecessors. Unlike others who have tried to ape the same set of films, Bogdonavich truly seems to understand the intelligence and sharp wit of the 30's films. There are several very inspired scenes and moments in WHAT'S UP, DOC? – the scene under the banquet table and the final fight in the house with all the modern art (pies in the face!) – that would make Howard Hawks, Frank Capra and the like very proud.
The only major issue with the film, in my mind, is the characterization of Judy, as played by Barbra Streisand. She is very destructive and there are times when her behavior can be construed as mean-spirited. It is borderline and I think when all is said and done, Streisand's charm counter-balances and mostly overcomes this flaw. Additionally, this sort of menace in her character connects her even further to Bugs Bunny (the title is also her opening line and yes, she chomps a carrot as she delivers it), so I suppose it was part of the vision. Still, there was a certain amount of discomfort that hovered over some scenes because some of her actions, though amusing, adversely affected the character's likeability.
This is not to take anything away from Streisand's performance. I had forgotten what a comic genius she was and in this movie, she's also extremely sexy (that's right, I said it!). She gels nicely with Bogdonavich's scheme for the film, like a glove that slides onto the hand in a perfect fit. Her pace, wit, charm and intelligence are a wonder to behold and it is truly a remarkable tour de force comedic performance.
Come to think of it, she was at a bit of a zenith in her career with FUNNY GIRL, HELLO, DOLLY!, this and THE WAY WE WERE two years later. Similarly, Bogdonavich was also at a creative peak making this film between the earth-shatteringly good THE LAST PICTURE SHOW and the also outstanding PAPER MOON. In many ways, WHAT'S UP, DOC? is something of a meeting of the minds, a cross-pollination of two artists at high points in their careers. And the result is unexpectedly hilarious.
(For more information on this or any other Reel 13 film, check out their website at www.reel13.org)