Get to Know Your Rabbit

Get to Know Your Rabbit is a 1972 American comedy film directed by Brian De Palma, showcasing a range of comedic and dramatic talents including Tom Smothers, John Astin, and Katharine Ross. The film delivers a satirical look at corporate America, combined with the whimsical allure of magic and self-discovery.

Tom Smothers portrays Donald Beeman, an unfulfilled, upwardly mobile executive who is drowning in the banality of corporate life. Despite his steady climb up the corporate ladder, Donald feels a profound sense of dissatisfaction, as if life is passing him by while he is stuck in a suffocating routine. Smothers, known for his work as one half of the comedic duo the Smothers Brothers, brings his unique blend of humor and charm to the role, providing audiences with a relatable everyman who yearns for something more meaningful than the humdrum of his 9 to 5 existence.

John Astin, who was already popular for his role as Gomez Addams in the classic sitcom "The Addams Family," adds to the essence of absurdity in the film with his portrayal of Mr. Turnbull, Donald's boss. Turnbull exemplifies the detached, eccentric business mogul who finds it hard to comprehend why anyone would want to abandon the comfort of a well-paying job for something as whimsical as personal happiness.

Katharine Ross plays the role of the free-spirited but grounded terraced-girl, who crosses paths with Donald on his journey toward self-discovery. She acts as a foil to the ruthless business world Donald is accustomed to, offering him an alternative perspective on life and its priorities. Ross, whose previous works included notable roles in films like "The Graduate" and "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," provides a grounded and nuanced performance. Her character contributes to the movie's exploration of countercultural themes, which were resonant with the audience of the early 70s as they mirrored much of the societal questioning occurring at the time.

"Get to Know Your Rabbit" strikes its unique tone from the very beginning as Donald decides to make a drastic change. Throwing caution and his career to the wind, he enrolls in a school for tap-dancing magicians run by the enigmatic Mr. Delasandro, played by the inimitable Orson Welles, in a small but memorable role. Welles adds gravitas and a touch of the bizarre to the film, embodying the surreal mentor who opens Donald's eyes to the possibilities of showbiz—and more importantly, to a new way of viewing the world.

With newly acquired skills and an altered outlook, Donald sets out to embrace life as a professional magician, attempting to find fulfillment away from the sterile boardrooms and endless paperwork. His journey takes him down a path filled with comedic mishaps and personal challenges. The film finds humor in the contrast between Donald's former suit-and-tie existence and the whimsical, unpredictable life of a traveling performer. Throughout his odyssey, Donald's interactions with various characters showcase the eccentricities of the human condition, and his struggle between the security of his past and the uncertainty of his new life becomes the central theme of the film.

Director Brian De Palma applies his filmmaking prowess to this comedic endeavor, taking a break from the suspense and thriller genres that he is best known for. De Palma's touch is evident in the movie's stylized approach and the orchestrated chaos that ensues from Donald's unconventional choices. His direction offers a playful take on the oft-told tale of 'finding oneself,' while still addressing the more existential questions about the nature of happiness and personal fulfillment.

"Get to Know Your Rabbit" unfolds in a series of comic vignettes, with each sketch capturing the absurdity and contradictions inherent in modern society. The music and setting further encapsulate the whimsy and off-kilter tone of Donald's adventure. As Donald's journey continues, the movie invites the audience to question their own choices, the paths less traveled, and whether the pursuit of one's true calling is worth the risks involved.

Reflecting the cultural landscape of the early 70s, the film resonates with themes of anti-establishmentarianism and self-exploration. It's a product of its time, yet it also carries timeless messages about the importance of authenticity and the pursuit of passion over profit. While not one of the most well-known entries in the filmographies of its stars or director, Get to Know Your Rabbit is an intriguing piece of cinema that offers a blend of humor, adventure, and a touch of the surreal, set against the backdrop of a society in flux.