The Odd Job

The Odd Job is a black comedy film from 1978, co-written by Bernard McKenna and Graham Chapman, who was one of the key members of the legendary Monty Python comedy troupe. Chapman also stars in the film along with David Jason and Diana Quick, bringing to the table a mix of slapstick, dark humor, and witty dialogue characteristic of the era's British comedies.

Directed by Peter Medak, who was known for his work on 'The Ruling Class' in 1972, the film tells the story of Arthur Harris, portrayed by Graham Chapman. Arthur is a rather meek and mild-mannered man who believes that he is unloved and unappreciated by his wife, Fiona, played by Diana Quick. His tenuous grasp on happiness is shaken when Fiona leaves him, which sends him into a downward spiral of self-pity and existential dread. Consumed by a sense of hopelessness, Arthur decides that the only solution to his problems is to end his life, but he finds that he lacks the courage to do the deed himself.

Unable to carry out the task, Arthur embarks on a bizarre journey to find someone else to do the job for him. That's when he encounters a man named Odd Job, an unassuming yet quirky character brought to life by David Jason in an against-type role. Odd Job is a small-time crook with a heart of gold, who inadvertently gets roped into Arthur's odd request. Arthur, desperate to find a way out of his miserable existence, hires Odd Job to assassinate him without revealing the true nature of the job initially.

The film then spirals into comedic chaos as Odd Job takes the assignment seriously, yet due to a series of miscommunications, misunderstandings, and unfortunate coincidences, Arthur finds himself in a continuously escalating and absurdly funny set of situations. Chapman's Arthur repeatedly attempts to make peace with his fate, while struggling with second thoughts and the ineptness of his would-be assassin, Odd Job.

Throughout the film, we see a mix of eccentric characters populating Arthur's world, with each individual offering a little bit more insight into the life he is so intent on escaping. Diana Quick's portrayal of Fiona, Arthur's estranged wife, serves as a driving force behind his motivations. Her character exudes both sensitivity and frustration, embodying the complex emotions that come with a strained relationship—a juxtaposition against the overall humorous tone of the movie.

David Jason's role as Odd Job is a standout performance that showcases his versatility, as he is mostly known for more straight-laced characters, such as the titular role in 'Inspector Frost.' His Odd Job, however, is a delightful mix of cluelessness and determination. The interaction between Arthur and Odd Job is the core of the movie's humor, as they play off each other, with Arthur's despondent straight man to Odd Job’s inadvertently bumbling accomplice.

The Odd Job navigates through dark comedic elements in a uniquely British fashion, seamlessly blending humor with moments of insight into the human condition. It tackles subjects like depression, suicide, and the value of life with a light touch and satirical edge that were signatures of the comedy of the time.

The humor in the movie is largely situational, with much of the comedy arising from the absurdity of the circumstances rather than one-liners or overt jokes. The film offers an ironic look at the lengths one can go to achieve some peace, only to realize that life might have more to offer than previously thought.

One of the film’s strengths is the dynamic between the leads. Graham Chapman's reserved and downbeat Arthur contrasts with David Jason's energetic and offbeat Odd Job. This unlikely pair embarks on a journey that is fraught with comedic twists and turns, keeping the audience entertained and guessing as to how the story might conclude.

Despite dealing with some heavy themes under its comedic veneer, The Odd Job remains a product of its time when filmmakers frequently pushed the envelope of what could be humorously depicted on the silver screen. The film interestingly balances the light and dark aspects of its narrative, giving audiences a look into the despair of its central character while keeping the tone mostly buoyant and laugh-inducing.

The Odd Job is reflective of the late 1970s British comedy scene, a film that entertains while lightly probing at deeper emotional truths. It's the kind of comedy that engages with its reflective undertones and its delightful absurdity, wrapped up in the unique and farcical scenario of a very odd job indeed.