The Favour, the Watch and the Very Big Fish

The Favour, the Watch and the Very Big Fish is a unique and delightfully surreal comedy-drama that marries absurd humour with touching tales of love, misfortune, and seemingly miraculous events. Directed by Ben Lewin and starring Bob Hoskins, Jeff Goldblum, and Natasha Richardson, this 1991 film, set in Paris, France, is a multi-layered feast for film lovers who appreciate the curious, eccentric, and whimsical side of cinema.

Renowned actor Bob Hoskins plays Louis Aubinarde, a down-on-his-luck professional pianist, scraping a living in a Parisian fish market. Despite his talent, he remains largely overlooked, his life encapsulated in mundane trivialities and unfulfilled dreams. His path crosses with Sybil, played by a radiant Natasha Richardson, an emotionally troubled woman, dealing with her own demons. She is a watch specialist with a seductive voice-over job at a nearby sex shop.

The plot takes an interesting turn when Louis's path intertwines with that of an old friend from his distant past. Jeff Goldblum enters the screenplay as Louis' friend, Pianist, a would-be actor who has fallen from grace, plagued by erratic behaviour and mental health issues. He seeks help from Louis to aid him in a religious photographic project. Consequently, their lives take an unexpected turn full of intrigue and absurdity.

The Favour, the Watch and the Very Big Fish revels in its absurd plot, only expanding on its humor through the prism of surrealism and farce. Director Lewin's clever use of farcical elements to craft a riveting narrative is apparent in every frame, providing an overtone of comedy that resonates throughout the film. Although there are glimpses of darker elements, they are beautifully balanced with light-hearted humour and hints of romance, allowing viewers to remain engaged and invested in the characters' fate.

As the story unfolds, there is a rich tapestry of oddball characters who contribute to the compelling narrative. With holy hoaxers, eccentric gallery owners, and colourful street vendors filling the supporting roles, this off-beat cinematic experience feels like stepping into a whimsical European postcard, created lovingly for characters at the fringes of society.

The performances of the lead actors are the backbone of this narrative. Bob Hoskins delivers an engaging performance, making Louis sympathetic and endearing, while Natasha Richardson's portrayal of Sybil is delicate and emotionally resonant. Jeff Goldblum’s eccentricity and dry humor lends an additional charm, his outsized personality starkly contrasted with Hoskins’ grounded, more relatable persona. The strong chemistry between the leads presents engaging dynamics that drive the story forward.

The synergy of Ben Lewin’s sharp writing and directing, as well as the deft cinematography that depict the streets of Paris in all its gritty charm, paints this film as a vivid picture filled with delightful details. The Favour, the Watch and the Very Big Fish also boasts a beautifully curated score, capturing the soulful dirge of the worn-out pianist and the eclectic rhythm of the city, engaging the audience with its evocative melodies.

The film is full of symbolism, wit, and rhymed dialogues, providing an intellectual bent that is apt to amuse and provoke thought among viewers. Themes of love, faith, and fate are explored through a series of bizarre incidents and coincidences that shape the characters' lives in unexpected ways.

In conclusion, The Favour, the Watch and the Very Big Fish guarantees an intellectual and entertaining cinematic journey, blending dark humour with whimsy, romance with misfortune, and creating a truly surreal depiction of life as we know it. This film is a must-watch for lovers of quirky cinema, offering a refreshing departure from the norm.