Planes, Trains, and Automobiles is a cult classic. This is film that was really groundbreaking in setting the tone for "the buddy comedy" to emerge as it's own mini-genre. In classic formula, the brilliance of John Candy's comedic presence compliments the stark seriousness of Steve Martin in a way that has you feeling sympathetic for both characters. The writing has enough good "one-liners" to keep the dialogue interesting, and the slapstick gags come at a decent pace, always getting close to the borderline of going overboard, but never crossing the threshold. It is a movie that endears you to the characters. You root for them, you feel bad for them, you naturally like them, in al their idiosyncrasies. For me, what set's this apart from other "Buddy Comedies" that were to follow is it's emotional depth. You see this throughout the movie in subtle signs of compassion shown by both characters to each other. But it really comes to the surface at the end. When you find out the truth about Del's homelessness and his wife being dead, we see the beginning of a real relationship forming between Del and Neal. Sure they have gone through alot together, but it is not until this point of real vulnerability and broken honesty do we see why we as humans need each other, why our relationships are so important. Also, Neal makes the decision to turn around and go back to the train station after remembering the things Del talked to him about. Amidst all the turmoil, all the strife that Neal has experienced with Del, he has compassion for him and goes back, not knowing for sure if he will be there. The movie ends with Neal having Del over to his family's for Thanksgiving. To me, the decision by Hughes to end the movie this way is what takes this movie to a greater height than just a silly "buddy comedy". It is also a reminder that compassion is greater than any frustration or anger we could experience. I guess that's the positive aspect to the human condition. For all the opportunities for greed, to hate, to kill, to ignore, to suffer, to toil, there are also opportunities to care, to build up, to persevere, and most importantly, to love.
What can I say? Brent you have done such a thurough job at describing this film I have nothing to add. Except maybe you forgot to mention the "those arn't pillows" comment, but nobody's perfect.
Planes, Trains, and Automobiles is a cult classic. This is film that was really groundbreaking in setting the tone for "the buddy comedy" to emerge as it's own mini-genre. In classic formula, the brilliance of John Candy's comedic presence compliments the stark seriousness of Steve Martin in a way that has you feeling sympathetic for both characters. The writing has enough good "one-liners" to keep the dialogue interesting, and the slapstick gags come at a decent pace, always getting close to the borderline of going overboard, but never crossing the threshold. It is a movie that endears you to the characters. You root for them, you feel bad for them, you naturally like them, in al their idiosyncrasies. For me, what set's this apart from other "Buddy Comedies" that were to follow is it's emotional depth. You see this throughout the movie in subtle signs of compassion shown by both characters to each other. But it really comes to the surface at the end. When you find out the truth about Del's homelessness and his wife being dead, we see the beginning of a real relationship forming between Del and Neal. Sure they have gone through alot together, but it is not until this point of real vulnerability and broken honesty do we see why we as humans need each other, why our relationships are so important. Also, Neal makes the decision to turn around and go back to the train station after remembering the things Del talked to him about. Amidst all the turmoil, all the strife that Neal has experienced with Del, he has compassion for him and goes back, not knowing for sure if he will be there. The movie ends with Neal having Del over to his family's for Thanksgiving. To me, the decision by Hughes to end the movie this way is what takes this movie to a greater height than just a silly "buddy comedy". It is also a reminder that compassion is greater than any frustration or anger we could experience. I guess that's the positive aspect to the human condition. For all the opportunities for greed, to hate, to kill, to ignore, to suffer, to toil, there are also opportunities to care, to build up, to persevere, and most importantly, to love.
ReplyDeleteWhat can I say? Brent you have done such a thurough job at describing this film I have nothing to add. Except maybe you forgot to mention the "those arn't pillows" comment, but nobody's perfect.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jordan!! How could I forget such a crucial line! And to think that I was that close to perfection! Damn
ReplyDelete