Bringing the true bitchitude
And it’s a good thing, too, as I have no more wits about me lately.
It’s not to say that Arthur doesn’t have a few sweet moments - it does, mostly in the last act, and thanks mostly to the talents of Greta Gerwig and Helen Mirren. But sweetness is so conventional. Russell Brand is a decidedly unconventional comedian. What Brand brings to the comedy is marvelously unexpected - he completely strips it of any enjoyment! He’s comedy repellent. He’s so perfectly cast here in the year’s first anti-comedy comedy that just have to tip your hat to the guy - it’s such an achievement, to be able to carry an entire comedy on his back and yet bring no charm or humor to the table. Obnoxiousness? Of course, he has that in spades. Is he irritating? Absolutely! Does he say “cheeky” a lot? Naturally. But is he funny in Arthur? Not even a little bit.
- Dustin Rowles, “Arthur Review: The Bravest, Boldest Comedy of 2011,” Pajiba.com
I’m beginning to believe that the American film industry is unworthy of existence anymore, and I’m not saying that as any kind of cineaste snob, just as someone who’s paying attention.
Also, it’s sad to hear that Helen Mirren is in a film that so blatantly brings the suck.