In the realm of holiday cinema, where the options often lean towards the predictable and the mundane, the 1985 film 'Clue' emerges as a delightful anomaly. This movie, an adaptation of the beloved board game, injects a much-needed dose of whimsy and absurdity into the season. But what makes 'Clue' truly intriguing is not just its playful take on murder mystery, but also the critical reception it received at the time. The Hollywood Reporter's review from December 1985 offers a fascinating glimpse into the film's reception and the challenges it faced in a crowded market.
The review begins by acknowledging that 'Clue' is not the epitome of cinematic perfection, but it does offer a welcome respite from the 'largely laughless Christmas movie season'. This is a subtle yet powerful statement, as it hints at the struggle of the film industry to deliver fresh and engaging content during the holiday season. The reviewer, Kirk Ellis, suggests that 'Clue' provides 'a few delicious comic red herrings', which is a clever way of saying that the movie offers a few clever twists and turns, keeping the audience guessing.
One of the most intriguing aspects of 'Clue' is its status as the first film based on a popular board game. This is a significant milestone in the history of cinema, as it opens up a new avenue for creative storytelling. The reviewer notes that this is 'probably not the last' such film, which is a prediction that has proven to be remarkably accurate. The success of 'Clue' paved the way for numerous other board game adaptations, each trying to capture the magic of the original while adding its own unique twist.
The setting of the film, a 'dank New England mansion circa 1954', is a crucial element in its charm. The atmosphere, described as 'inherently eerie', is enhanced by the 'dripping-with-mock-Victorian-splendor' sets designed by John Lloyd. This attention to detail transports the audience to a bygone era, adding a layer of authenticity to the story. The use of 'delightfully tongue-in-cheek' music by John Morris further heightens the mood, creating a sense of playful tension that is perfectly suited to the film's tone.
However, the review also highlights some of the challenges faced by the film. The writer-director, Jonathan Lynn, is praised for his 'high farcical intentions' and 'unflagging energy', but it is also noted that the film 'can’t always sustain a high level of invention'. This is a common issue in comedy, where the pressure to deliver constant laughter can lead to a lack of originality. The reviewer suggests that Lynn resorts to 'Three Stooges-style punishment humor' and 'insults and cheap shots' to extract laughs, which can result in an uneven tone. This is a critical observation, as it highlights the fine line between humor and cheap comedy.
The cast of 'Clue' is described as 'admirably straight-faced', with special praise for Eileen Brennan as the hysterical Mrs. Peacock. The reviewer also notes the 'music-hall verve' of Tim Curry as the butler and the 'sizzling' performance of Lesley Ann Warren as Miss Scarlet. However, there is a sense of disappointment with the subdued performance of Madeline Kahn as Mrs. White and the underutilized talents of Christopher Lloyd and Michael McKean. This is a subtle critique of the film's casting choices, suggesting that the actors were not given enough to work with.
In conclusion, 'Clue' is a fascinating film that offers a unique blend of humor, mystery, and nostalgia. It is a testament to the power of creative storytelling and the ability of a well-crafted script and talented cast to overcome critical challenges. While it may not be the perfect solution to a 'largely laughless Christmas movie season', it does provide a few 'delicious comic red herrings' that are sure to delight audiences. From my perspective, 'Clue' is a hidden gem that deserves a second look, especially for those who appreciate a good board game adaptation with a healthy dose of whimsy and absurdity.
