Summary
- Damsel (2018) is an underrated comedy western masterpiece that showcases Robert Pattinson‘s funniest performance yet.
- Comedy westerns have a rich history with classics like Blazing Saddles (1974) paving the way for films like Damsel.
- Robert Pattinson’s previous experience in westerns, like The Rover (2014), set the stage for his role as discussed here.
The Zellner Brothers, David and Nathan, who are two years apart in age, were the writers and directors of the comedic western film “Damsel” (2018). This unconventional Western is known for its hilarity and should be recognized as one of the funniest Westerns ever produced. Robert Pattinson and Mia Wasikowska star in this production, marking their second collaboration out of three films they have worked on together. The supporting cast includes Robert Forster, Russell Mael, and David Zellner, who frequently acts in movies that he himself directs.
Each name brings comedic brilliance to the Wild West setting, with Robert Pattinson’s portrayal being a standout and potentially his most underappreciated performance. His role is undeniably amusing, adding to the overall success of “Damsel” as an engaging western from skilled filmmakers. Prior to exploring “Damsel” in detail, it’s essential to understand its roots: The comedy western genre has a rich history.
A Brief History of Comedy Westerns
Since the era of Hollywood’s Golden Age, comedy westerns have graced our screens with classics like “Way Out West” (1937). Featuring the legendary duo Laurel and Hardy, this film remains a beloved and humorous representation of the genre. However, it pales in comparison to the iconic “Blazing Saddles” (1974), which has cemented its place as one of the most renowned comedy westerns in history. The reasons for its enduring popularity are evident.
As a gamer, I’d say: I’ve always appreciated collaborators like Mel Brooks and Gene Wilder in comedy westerns. But “Blazing Saddles” isn’t the only movie that leaves a lasting impression. Other classic examples include “Three Amigos” from 1986, “City Slickers” released in 1991, and “Maverick” from 1994. For those who enjoy discovering hidden gems, I’d recommend checking out the underrated comedy western “Dead Man,” which came out in 1995.
Despite their initial popularity waning, each of these films remains impressive and relevant today. The horror subgenre has persisted and thrived with new contributions from various parts of the globe.
At the turn of the twenty-first century, Shanghai Noon (released in 2000) was warmly received by critics, and during the same decade, The Good, the Bad and the Weird (premiered in 2008) captivated audiences from South Korea. International collaborations gave rise to films such as Les Dalton (2004) and Bandidas (2006). Meanwhile, back in Hollywood, Michael Jai White brought laughter to audiences with Outlaw Johnny Black (released in 2023).
With so many notable titles out there, it’s easy to overlook gems like “Damsel,” directed by the Zellner Brothers and featuring Robert Pattinson. Although it may have flown under the radar upon its release in theaters, this film is a hidden gem, deserving of more recognition within the western genre community. The Zellners have truly crafted an exceptional comedy that warrants greater respect for their innovative work.
The Zellners skillfully brought a clever screenplay to life through assured direction, drawing out standout performances from actors such as Robert Pattinson and revealing their hidden talents.
Pattinson’s Previous Experience With Westerns
Prior to his role in “Damsel“, Robert Pattinson featured in the 2014 film “The Rover” alongside Guy Pearce. In this dystopian neo-western, Pattinson portrayed Reynolds, whose sibling had stolen the car belonging to Eric, a tough and gritty character played by Pearce. As they set out on a mission to track down the car thief, Eric and Reynolds encounter unexpected events while navigating through a striking cinematic landscape.
Despite being relatively unfamiliar to many, “The Rover” is truly one of the standout films of its release year. This achievement can be largely attributed to the visionary direction of Australian filmmaker David Michôd. Collaborating with his long-time partner Joel Edgerton, another Australian, they collectively crafted an indelible Western masterpiece. The movie showcases exceptional technical prowess and boasts a remarkable performance from Pattinson.
In the dystopian western film, he developed an excellent relationship with Australian actor Guy Pearce, who went on to feature in “Brimstone” (2016). Surprisingly, Robert Pattinson was initially considered for this lesser-known production, as well as another Australian actress named Mia Wasikowska. However, they both eventually departed from the “Brimstone” set. A few years later, Pattinson and Wasikowska collaborated once more on a western project.
As a gamer, I can tell you that the duo behind “Damsel” are frequently team players in the film industry. However, their only joint project classified as a comedy or western is this underrated gem. My personal experiences with Pattinson’s other forays into these genres – “Damsel” being one of them – have left me feeling that they deserve more recognition. Unfortunately, the box office earnings of less than half a million dollars worldwide tell a different story. Critics might not have raved about it, but I believe it was worth more attention.
Why Damsel by the Zellner Bros Stands Out
The storyline centers around Samuel Alabaster, a prosperous frontiersman, who intends to propose to Penelope, portrayed by Wasikowska. In this narrative, it’s Parson Henry, played by Zellner, who is anticipated to perform their wedding ceremony.
As they embarked on their journey to locate Penelope, Samuel and Parson encountered an unforeseen challenge that drew them even closer. Subsequently, the story unfolds with the revelation that Penelope had been abducted, making their pursuit not just a matter of proposing marriage but also a desperate attempt at rescuing her.
The story takes unexpected turns from there on out, leaving a lasting impression after the last scene ends. In this film, “Damsel,” you’ll encounter unforgettable characters whose conversations are delightfully brought to life by The Octopus Project’s unique score. This experimental band has provided music for almost all films directed by the Zellners. Additionally, Robert Pattinson, who frequently talks about “Damsel,” lent his musical talents to the production as well. At one point, he described the film’s style as slapstick comedy.
Without delving into categorization, the Zellner Bros-penned script and ingeniously timed gags in this film are genuinely amusing, making for an enjoyable watch.
Certainly, a movie cannot exist without its talented cast, and the ideal ensemble was brought together to breathe life into “Damsel.” The comedic performances in this film are not limited to Robert Pattinson alone; instead, it’s essential to note that his over-the-top rural accent and expressive facial expressions significantly contribute to the movie’s persistent humor.
The film “Damsel” by the Zellner Bros is deserving of cult classic status, and Robert Pattinson’s entertaining performance showcases his comedic skills. Although not every viewer may consider it a western, this masterfully crafted movie should have garnered more recognition, leaving “Damsel” with an insufficiently renowned name. Let us hope that audiences will eventually correct their oversight and appreciate its worth.
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2024-07-14 20:31