The Swiss Army Man

     Recently in my film class we watched Swiss Army Man directed by The Daniels. Before getting into the editing, cinematography, and story of the film, I would like to give a brief plot description. Swiss Army Man is considered a comedy/drama film. The movie tells the story of a man named Hank played by Paul Dano, who is stranded on a deserted island and is about to commit suicide when he discovers a dead body washed up on the shore, played by Daniel Radcliffe. Hank discovers that the body, whom he names Manny, has the ability to talk and has various strange and useful abilities, such as expelling water from his mouth like a fountain, propelling things with his flatulence (farting), and even exhibiting a strong erection that points in the direction of home. As Hank attempts to use Manny's strange abilities to help him survive and find his way back home, the two form an unlikely friendship. Throughout the movie, Hank and Manny engage in surreal conversations and experiences that explore themes of loneliness, friendship, and the meaning of life. As they journey through the wilderness, they encounter various obstacles and challenges. Eventually, Hank and Manny reach civilization, but their reunion with the human world is not what they expected. Swiss Army Man is a quirky and unconventional film that isn't traditional narrative, which plays a role in exploring themes of identity and self-discovery through the lens of a bizarre, yet endearing friendship between two unlikely characters.

The cinematography, editing, and storytelling in Swiss Army Man all contribute to the film's unique and surreal tone. Starting with the cinematography, film is shot primarily in natural light, which gives it a raw and intimate feel. The camera work often creates a sense of instability and disorientation that mirrors the characters' own emotional states. The filmmakers also utilize a lot of extreme close-ups and unconventional camera angles to emphasize the oddity of the situation and the characters. The editing in the film is also unconventional, with jump cuts and abrupt transitions that also help create a sense of disorientation and confusion. The filmmakers used sound design creatively, such as Manny's body having to ability to create percussive beats that helps create the soundtrack within the film. In terms of the story, the film is a deeply surreal and absurd tale that explores themes of loneliness, connection, and identity. The film is a meditation on what it means to be human, and how we connect with others in a world that can often feel isolating and alienating. The relationship between Hank and Manny is both bizarre and touching, and their journey together is both hilarious and heartwarming.