Shakes the Clown

Shakes the Clown is a 1991 dark comedy-drama film that seamlessly merges humor with realistic interactions between diverse yet interrelated characters. Written, directed by, and starring Bobcat Goldthwait, the film presents a fictional world inhabited primarily by professional clowns. Additionally, it features performances from Julie Brown and Bruce Baum, who bring their talents to the screen to elevate the memorable narrative.

Set in the fictional city of Palukaville, Shakes the Clown centers on the life of the eponymous character 'Shakes,' a rarely sober but consummately professional party clown. He is a perpetually tipsy and downtrodden, often finding solace at the bottom of a whiskey bottle. Bobcat Goldthwait masterfully plays Shakes, injecting a blend of wry humor and despair into the character. He devises a plot that takes viewers on a rollercoaster ride of laughter, intrigue, suspense, and at times, unsettled horror.

Julie Brown plays Judy, Shakes' love interest, who has her own issues battling substance abuse. The relationship between Shakes and Judy forms a critical aspect of the narrative, offering a depth of storytelling that isn't often associated with clown-centered comedies.

A regular highlight of Shakes the Clown is its exploration of clown society, a subculture wherein clowns lead regular lives contrary to their colorful and cheerful onstage personas. There are clown bars where mime artists face discrimination, and even clown mobsters who control the lucrative clown gigs in the city. This satirical world-building, reflecting human society and its quirks, builds the narrative's comedic foundation.

Bruce Baum plays Shakes' friend and fellow Clown, Ty. His role provides a foundational pillar in Shakes' universe, adding another layer to the socio-political texture within the clown community.

The film's storyline leads Shakes into a web of conflicts and reputation-defining challenges, as he becomes embroiled in a murder accusation and struggles to clear his name. This narrative track injects thrill and drama into this otherwise comedic narrative, keeping its viewers continually engaged.

Meanwhile, tumultuous dynamics are at play in Shakes' personal and professional relationships. His rivalry with Binky the Clown, a character who is ambitiously thirsting for fame, adds an intriguing subplot to the movie. The strife between these competing clowns not only intensifies the storyline but also explores themes of jealousy, ambition, and rivalry within a professional sphere – albeit in an unconventional setting.

Shakes the Clown is noted for its eccentric take on the lives of professional cliché characters, distinctly flavored dialogue, and innovative storyline. In addition, the expertly maneuvered cinematography and unusual but rich character development stand out in this unconventional comedy. Despite this, the film is more suited to audiences with a taste for the darker side of comedy and those who appreciate the uniquely tragic and comedic life of professionals usually associated with joy and laughter.

The film's humor can be both direct and subtle, with many punch-lines hidden in visual gags and background detail provided by the clown-infused universe. Therefore, it requires a keen eye and an open mind to appreciate the full range of comedy presented throughout this film. The combination of slapstick, sarcasm, and situation comedy builds an experience that is both entertaining and thought-provoking in equal measure.

The performances are uniformly excellent, with Goldthwait's deft handling of his character's degenerative spiral being particularly noteworthy. Brown's performance as the troubled girlfriend is also powerfully evocative and adds an unexpected emotional depth to the movie.

In its essence, Shakes the Clown is a unique cinematic gem that navigates the journey of a clown who battles personal, professional, and social challenges. The film's brilliance lies in its ability to portray the often-ignored dark side of comedy manifested through the tragedy of clowns, providing viewers with a thoroughly unusual cinematic experience that will both funny and heartbreaking in unexpected ways.