Oh Dad, Poor Dad, Mama's Hung You in the Closet and I'm Feeling So Sad

Oh Dad, Poor Dad, Mamma's Hung You in the Closet and I'm Feeling So Sad is an avant-garde blend of comedy and disturbing undercurrents, released in 1967, imbued with peculiarities that revolve around one highly dysfunctional family. The film stars award-winning actress Rosalind Russell, popular for her versatility and charisma, along with Robert Morse, renowned for his comic timing, and Barbara Harris, delivering a uniquely unforgettable performance.

The film's peculiar yet catchy title, adapted from Arthur L. Kopit's 1962 play, is a fair warning to expecting viewers about the unusual thrill ride they are about to embark upon. It more or less encapsulates the film’s oddball and dark comedic nature while offering it's viewers a truly unprecedented cinematic experience.

The plot of the film swings between the realms of black humor and surrealism. Russell plays the absurdly overbearing, paranoid, yet oddly endearing mother, Madame Rosepettle, whose eccentricities make her a character viewers are unlikely to forget. Madame Rosepettle, her son Jonathan (Robert Morse), and the deceased-but-preserved titular dad head towards a luxury hotel in the Caribbean for a vacation that soon turns bizarre. Jonathan, a well-preserved man-child, is dominated by his overpowering mother, which manifests in his warped personality and perception of reality.

Barbara Harris portrays Rosalie, a naïve, pleasing hotel staff member who becomes Jonathan's romantic interest, thereby offering a glimmer of positive human dynamics in the midst of the beautifully orchestrated chaos. The relationship between Rosalie and Jonathan is one of the key elements in the film, an anomaly amidst the otherwise quirky and eerie atmosphere that makes it all the more intriguing to watch.

As fascinating as it is confusing, the film takes viewers on a once-in-a-lifetime journey complete with taxidermied animals, goldfish in the heels of shoes and characters that are just as peculiar as the plot and setting. Noted for its distinctive style and offbeat humor, director Richard Quine's rendition of this satirical farce engages with an eclectic union of Freudian theory, dark psychological humour, bizarre sexual innuendos, and strikingly eccentric visuals.

While the movie’s index of bizarreness runs high, there are undeniably engrossing performances and exceptional character development layered within the film. Russell delivers an exuberant performance as a daunting matriarch, assuring us with moments of dark humor and nuancing the perplexity of her character with great skill.

Equally brilliant is Morse's unique portrayal of Jonathan, highly strung and nervously whimsical. His performance lends a peculiar charm to the character, encouraging viewers to sit through what can be perceived as a cinematic mashup of the peculiar, hilarious, and macabre. Harris also delivers a remarkable and heartfelt performance, offering a touch of normalcy in the movie's sea of eccentricity. The performances breathe life into the characters, adding to the audience's absorption into the biting mockery and odd hilarity that the film has to offer.

Oh Dad, Poor Dad, Mamma's Hung You in the Closet and I'm Feeling So Sad is a movie that defies the mainstream. Its absurdity intermingled with Freudian undertones serve as a testament to its unique appeal. This film does not conform to traditional cinematic expectations, but its eccentric aesthetic and narrative, combined with the powerful performances, render it a compelling watch for those who dare to step outside the standard fare. Given its avant-garde nature, the film may appear confusing, shocking accompanied by laughter, but it's rendered unforgettable with its eccentric storyline and sublime performances.

If you're a fan of the peculiar and the extraordinary, veiled behind layers of dark humor and psychological undertones, then leap into the quirky world of Oh Dad, Poor Dad, Mamma's Hung You in the Closet and I'm Feeling So Sad. It's a trip that shouldn't be missed.