SWISS ARMY MAN is a film for and about lonely men – but it’s probably the most original film on the topic yet. Hank (Paul Dano) is stranded on a lonely island that may only exist in his mind. Just as he’s about to kill himself, Manny’s (Daniel Radcliffe) corpse shows up on the island. Manny’s corpse farts a lot and Hank uses the wondrous farts as a jet ski to cross the ocean. Manny and Hank build a home in a newly discovered island with Manny being used as a fountain, a weapon, as fishing equipment, and he also learns to speak. Hank builds cute models out of trash and wood to bring Manny closer to the life he lived, which he can’t remember, and Hank’s secret is revealed: the photo on his cell phone shows a woman he has never spoken to. Directors Dan Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, known as “the Daniels” have won a lot of music video awards and SWISS ARMY MAN is filled with ideas and gags that are reminiscent of the mawkish poetry of Michel Gondry’s SCIENCE OF SLEEP. Their film will be loved by many for its originality and the dedication the Daniels show. SWISS ARMY MAN is somewhat different than the average arthouse film and one can expect more exciting films from the duo in the coming years. The debut isn’t a perfect film but not because of the plot holes: the relaxed narrative form is part of the idea. The conflict at the center of the fantasy world is a tad too foolish and definitely too misogynistic. Sympathy for the charming inner life of a shy stalker? Definitely not, despite Paul Dano and Daniel Radcliffe’s winning performances.

Tom Dorow

Translation: Elinor Lewy