A Funny Kind of Love

A Funny Kind of Love, an Australian comedy-drama film from 2014, is a golden exception to countless romantic comedies that follow the traditional formula of two people meeting, falling in love, experiencing some conflict and finally reunifying. Directed by Josh Lawson, the movie explores intricacies of human emotions and curiosities rather than sticking to the familiar territories of romantic clichés. The ensemble cast includes Bojana Novakovic, Josh Lawson, Damon Herriman, and others who finely portray multiple distinct stories built around different types of relationships, all interwoven together in a perfect blend of humor and underlining seriousness.

The characters in A Funny Kind of Love are not archetypical or standard, but rather multifaceted and multidimensional, each dealing with their unique relationship perspectives and fetishes. The film, through its characters, tackles love and lust in all disguises and shades, teasing audiences into encounters of an unusual kind.

The heart-warming yet hilarious nature of the narrative manifests through five intertwined stories - each showcasing distinct sexual fetishes that reveal the challenges involved in intimate relationships. It leaves the viewer pondering upon the oddities in the life situations we often encounter, through stories that oscillate between funny, embarrassing, and touching moments.

Magnificently played by Bojana Novakovic and Damon Herriman, the first narrative embarks on an unusual journey exploring a peculiar sexual fetish that causes concern within their marriage. It opens the door to the understanding that sometimes desires often go beyond the accepted norms and their pursuit leads to unintended consequences.

Another narrative explores a man discovering his unusual love for his colleague, leading him to an unanticipated crossroad. Then there is a story of a couple trying to rekindle their spark amidst a relationship that seems to be spiraling downwards. Later, we witness a tale of love from the perspective of a man struggling with his speech, signifying love as a language not merely uttered in words but expressed through heartfelt emotions. Each narrative is an innovation in itself, unveiling one unusual yet entertaining story after another.

To say that this film is simply about sexual fetishes would be an oversimplification. Beyond that fleeting impression, A Funny Kind of Love is a mature and insightful rumination about compassion, acceptance, vulnerability, empathy, and even isolation. Moreover, the film beautifully exposes the vulnerability and challenges of keeping romance alive in a long-term relationship, thereby endowing it with layers of depth and substance.

From a genre standpoint, A Funny Kind of Love manages to bring together elements of romance, comedy, and drama with an original twist. Director Josh Lawson has brilliantly commanded the unique intersection of humour and discomfort, utilising each element to its full potential. The film has a robust sense of humor operating at various levels; it goes from funny to hilarious to cringe-worthy within moments. The dramatic elements in the movie give it a soul, and that's where it connects with the audience.

On the technical front, the cinematography and sound design blend to give the film a distinctive and rare identity that is both quirky yet appealing. The background score adds another layer of diversity to this movie, reflecting the ever-changing tone from light and amusing to introspective and profound.

Supporting performances from the cast, including Erin James, Kim Gyngell, TJ Power, and director Josh Lawson himself, ensures the film contains a variety of layers. Each actor delivers a praiseworthy performance, contributing to the emotion and uniqueness of their respective narratives. Characters emerge from the depths of their discrepant stories, employing range, emotion, and brilliant comic timing to a film that goes beyond just entertainment to raise pertinent questions, at the same time evoking laughter and amusement.

Overall, A Funny Kind of Love is a non-conventional cinematic experiment that brilliantly walks the fine line between comedy and drama. It discloses layers of emotions, peculiarities, and shades of relationships through a montage of quick-witted, engaging, and heart-touching narratives. This film is for those open to a side order of insightful relationship observations with their laughter, a must-watch for anyone wanting to venture into the fascinatingly unusual terrain of human nature and relationships.