Wholly Moses!

Wholly Moses! is a 1980 American comedy film directed by Gary Weis. As a satirical take on the genre of biblical epics, the film is set in the Old Testament era, infused with a distinct comedic slant that often playfully pokes fun at various Bible stories while never straying into outright blasphemy. The movie boasts an impressive main cast including Dudley Moore, Laraine Newman, and James Coco, along with a slew of cameo appearances by familiar faces of Hollywood.

Stepping away from the conventional canon, Wholly Moses! narrates the story of Herschel, a character brilliantly portrayed by Dudley Moore, who genuinely believes he is God’s chosen one to lead the Hebrews out of Egypt. Through an engaging blend of farce and satire, the film takes the audience on a humorous journey, showing how Herschel grows up parallel to the biblical Moses, making mistakes and missteps all along the way.

Dudley Moore, popularly known for his roles in classic comedies like Arthur and 10, steps into Herschel's sandals with what critics have often described as a blend of innocent charm and bewildering cluelessness. In fact, this character of Herschel sets him up perfectly as the eager yet unintentional anti-hero, making his performance particularly engaging.

Laraine Newman stars as Zerelda, Herschel's love interest and the daughter of a slave trader. Newman, who made her mark as an original cast member of Saturday Night Live, brings her comedic expertise to the table, portraying Zerelda with a delightful mix of humor and heart. Her moments with Moore on screen help to deepen the narrative layer of this absurd yet charming storyline.

James Coco plays Hyssop, a part that allows him to stretch his comedic prowess. Coco’s role as the character who initiatively leads Herschel to believe that he is the chosen one, nudging him into numerous comedic escapades, is nuanced and effectively delivered.

Almost equal to the main cast in their contribution to the film's humor are the numerous cameos that function as comedic asides. Notable appearances include Richard Pryor as Pharaoh, in which he infuses his own brand of humor. Madeline Kahn, known for her roles in Mel Brooks films, plays the sorceress with her signature comic delivery. Even the brief appearance of John Ritter as Satan is extremely entertaining.

Visually, Wholly Moses! stylishly imitates the grandeur of classic biblical epics but frequently punctuates these dramatic moments with uproarious punch lines. The film doesn't shy away from lavish sets, epic backdrops, and sweeping deserts, set pieces that are both a part of its charm and an integral part of the narrative. However, it's the comedic treatment of these otherwise serious or intense scenarios that distinguishes Wholly Moses! from other films that subscribe to the same theme.

Beneath the comedy, the film also has an underlying theme of self-discovery and identity, as Herschel grapples to understand his purpose in life. The narrative embeds its humor within these more profound existential questions, lending the story a degree of depth that adds a subtle complexity to its characters.

Director Gary Weis, who previously directed several short films for Saturday Night Live, infuses the film with a similarly irreverent humor. This is nicely captured in the spirited screenplay by Guy Thomas. The humor primarily springs from the characters' straight-faced interaction with the utterly absurd plotline, allowing much of the comedy to naturally unfold from the characters' reactions to their situations.

In conclusion, Wholly Moses! is an enjoyable romp that tackles biblical themes with comedic aplomb. It's a vehicle for some engaging performances, especially from Moore, Newman, and Coco, and a testament to a time when comedy dared to tackle some unusual and challenging themes. Popular upon its release, the film remains a cult favorite for audiences who delight in its irreverent charm and the broadly comic performances that populate this strange and hilarious excursion into biblical times.