I’ve always been drawn to dark comedies. While I do enjoy goof-ball, slapstick and buddy comedies, I find that comedies with a darker premise usually have more substance and a more interesting plot. Here are a list of movies to get you started on your own dark comedy binge.
Death to Smoochy (2002) – This film features Edward Norton as the lovable good guy Shelby Mopes. Robin Williams co-stars as the maniacal Rainbow Rudolph, a former children’s television personality who feels that Mopes has usurped his place as an entertainer. A smashing line-up including Jon Stewart, Danny DeVito, and Catherine Keener make this film a winner. Directed by Danny DeVito
Adam’s Apples (2005) – A lesser-known Danish film which centers around a good natured preacher who runs a program to reform hardened convicts. The preacher runs into trouble when he attempts to rehabilitate the behavior of a psychopathic Nazi skinhead. Though the film’s premise seems perhaps too dark to be funny, the plot-twists and surrealism will keep you hooked until the very end. Starring: Ulrich Thomsen, Mads Mikkelsen and Nicolas Bro. Directed by Anders Thomas Jensen
Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Atom Bomb (1964) – This satyric comedy focuses on the Red Scare and American hysteria during the post-war period. Paranoiac patriot Jack D. Ripper bombs the Soviet Union, and hilarity ensues. A biting take on the errors wrought by reactionary fears. Starring: Peter Sellers, George C. Scott and Sterling Hayden. Directed by Stanley Kubrick
World’s Greatest Dad (2009) – Robin Williams is great in dark comedies. In this film, he plays Lance Clayton, a single father and high school English teacher who is desperate to publish a novel. Emasculated by his peers and embarrassed by his pervert son, Williams finds success in the darkest of events. A must see. Directed by Bobcat Goldthwait
Raising Arizona (1987) – Nicolas Cage stars in this classic film as H.I. McDonnough, a lovable criminal who keeps returning to the joint. Things change for Mcdonnough when he weds Edwina, a police officer. The two discover they cannot produce a child and decide kidnapping is the solution to their problem. Directed by The Coen Brothers
Bad Santa (2003)- Billy Bob Thorton is a drunken Santa Claus in this laugh out loud Christmas comedy. Bad Santa stumbles around drunk and spews one-liners while plotting petty crimes. Things change when a bizarre child begins following him around. Directed by Terry Zwigoff
The Big Lebowski (1998)- The “Dude” probably needs no introduction, but I will give one anyway: Jeff Bridges stars as Jefferey Lebowski an old hippy obsessed with bowling and white Russians. His friends include Vietnam reactionary Walter Sobchak (John Goodman) and meek Donny (Steve Buscemi). The premise unfolds when thugs come and urinate on the Dude’s rug. The ensuing result is a send-up to classic noir crime films. This is another must see film. Directed by The Coen Brothers
The Life of Brian (1979)- A witty and absurd historical comedy about Brian, a messianic figure who bumbles through a series of adventures alluding to the life of Jesus. This was a very controversial film, and although Brian is not meant to explicitly represent Christ, the correlating parody of nonsensical religious fervor is quite obvious. This is the best thing Monty Python ever did in my opinion. Directed by Terry Jones
American Psycho (2000) – Christian Bale nails the role of sadistic killer and 80’s yuppy Patrick Batemen. Batemen has everything going for him, looks, cash and a group of like-minded friends. The only problem is that he is also a violent murderer. This film is on the fringe of straight horror movie, though many, myself included, have found it hilarious. Directed by Mary Harron
Another notable dark comedies: Heathers (1988), In Bruges (2008), Fargo (1996), The Fisher King (1991), Happiness (1998)
