Bad Manners

Bad Manners is a remarkable film, released in 1997, that wonderfully combines drama, comedy, and clever dialogue with intricate storytelling. Its essence emerges from the ensemble performance by the star-studded cast, highlighted by David Strathairn, Bonnie Bedelia, and Saul Rubinek. Jonathan Kaufer, a gifted storyteller, directed the film that also showcased his finesse in manipulating audiences emotions through a rollercoaster of a narrative.

The film redefines our understanding of manners and societal norms. Within the premise of an academic setting, our characters, played by David Strathairn, Bonnie Bedelia, and Saul Rubinek, demonstrate their unorthodox behaviors. Despite these characters being in respectable and admirable occupations, this group of intellectuals falls amusingly short of exhibiting the etiquette associated with their stature.

David Strathairn portrays Wes from Harvard, a pompous anthropologist whose quirkiness is unquestionably balanced with his quick wit. He is known for his work focusing on primal cultures. Strathairn flawlessly manifests Wes's high-spirited personality and his ability to bring life to Wes's unique character makes him impossible to forget. Strathairn's performance is vibrant and enjoyable, making Wes an explicitly important character in the plot.

Bonnie Bedelia stars as Nancy, a smart and resolute woman who invites herself and her husband Wes to her ex-lover's home. It is here in this contained environment that the story unfolds. Bedelia’s portrayal of Nancy beautifully contrasts with Wes's persona. Known for her gripping power of persuasion, she is the one who ignites the fire of the confrontations amongst the characters.

Saul Rubinek, another equally compelling character, is Roger, Nancy’s ex-lover. An intellectual muscular anthropological critic, he brings the confrontation to new heights with his expertly maneuvered passive-aggressive behavior. He is married to a psychologist, played exceptionally well by Caroleen Feeney. Roger's role becomes pivotal in revealing the suppressed emotions and sentiments buried deep in each character.

Bad Manners has a perfect blend of comedy and intellectual stimulation, dissecting its characters with charm and pithy dialogue that keeps viewers hooked from the beginning to the end. The fun begins when these intellectuals, two married couples, trapped in the confines of their snow-storm-ridden New England townhouse, start getting on each other’s nerves, unearthing old resentments and hidden emotions. All this while, they are ever mindful of stepping over societal norms and yet continue to exhibit "bad manners."

Set entirely in the artificially lit, claustrophobic environment of a couple's suburban home, the stark division among the four main protagonists, is at times hilarious yet enlightening. Its setting and the characters' conflict contribute to an incredibly intense and often absurd situation.

The film elegantly delivers a comprehensive understanding of human behavior, relationships, and societal norms through these characters, with their quirky demeanors and often convoluted relationships. At the same time, it comically portrays how societal obligations and manners often get in the way of expressing true feelings and hinder individuals from being genuine.

The story progresses through an array of directions, cleverly throwing curveballs that are unexpected yet entertaining. Rich in clever and humorous dialogue, Bad Manners, proves that even the most refined individuals can succumb to poor behavior under pressure.

The screenplay, written by David Gilman, is filled with wit, intelligence, and nuance that allow each actor to thoroughly explore their characters. The movie effortlessly experiments with comedy, drama, and deep introspective dialogue in an engrossing story. It's a film that makes you laugh, while also making you reconsider your own manners and etiquette in a world where people seem to be more in love with the idea of good behavior than actually performing it.

In essence, Bad Manners is a hilarious character study that delves into the manners and morals of everyday life. It is a testament to great acting, with each character delivering a strong performance that captivates the audience and keeps them guessing what will happen next. This dark comedy is about revealing the true nature of people and it does a spectacular job of delving deep into the characters without losing its comedic edge.