Big Picture Big Sound

Deliverance as Comedy?

It turns out that a Danish film can be every bit as juvenile as an American one. And they can get away with more in Denmark, opening up directions that could never see the screen here in the US. If Mikkel Norgaard's "Klown" had been an American production it would have either never been made or altered beyond recognition. Since there are rumors of an American remake, we will found out the truth soon enough.

"Klown" is based on Norgaard's popular television show, featuring two male friends, neither of whom is particularly the type you would want as a friend. Frank (Frank Hvam) is a married nerd who is about as clueless as anyone could possibly be. He believes just about anything he is told, even things that a seven-year-old would immediately discern as absurd. His buddy, Casper (Casper Christensen) is a particularly horny married man. The two men seem oddly matched as friends, but I have seen weird friend combos before, so I can roll with that.

The two of them are going on a canoe trip that Casper has dubbed "the Tour de Pussy". The canoe trip is a cover story for their wives. The real motivation is a mansion that will be hosting a once-a-year party where the world's most beautiful prostitutes will be available for endless debauchery. A complication arises when Frank brings along his 13-year-old nephew. Don't bother wondering why, because the reason is as stupid as most everything else here.

As the tour unfolds, various horrific things happen to our fellas, mostly brought upon by themselves. Some of it is very funny and uncomfortable at the same time. That is the single biggest attribute of "Klown". It does manage to keep you interested with its bizarre nonsense. There were scenes where I wasn't sure whether to laugh or cringe and I believe that was the intent of the director, and it does work, even when you're staring with your mouth hanging wide open in disbelief. Despite the un-reality of so much here, even taking into account the differences between Danish culture and ours, it's still a fun watch. I am torn between recommending and telling you to save your money. If you have a dark sense of humor and can handle offbeat sexual things, it's probable that you will find humor in this Klown.