Cable Guy

[billmarq]

I just saw this movie, or at least most of it, for the first time on television. Am I alone in thinking that if this movie had been done seriously with a good dramatic lead actor, it might have made a really good suspense film?

All the elements were there, but, as much as I think Jim Carrey is just fine within his element, I didn't like him in this film. Same for Broderick. Give me drama and suspense, not serio-comedy or whatever this was.

Ben Stiller directing. Maybe that was it.

[homosapiens]

Re: Cable Guy

The concept is too kooky to be a serious drama.

[billmarq]

Re: Cable Guy

I'm not so sure. Real psychopaths sometimes use occupations that allow them easy access to homes, so a cable guy impersonation is not out of the question. The BTK serial killer just captured in Wichita, Kansas was a city employee, a compliance inspector for animal control. The Boston Strangler was also believed to impersonate a city official to gain entry into homes.

The notion of a cable guy hooking people up with free cable services, as a way of befriending them is not unreasonable. I'm not saying the movie wouldn't need a change or two, more than just different actors, but I do believe the basic story could be made into a decent thriller. The story isn't all that different from Play Misty for Me, except for gender reversal.

I could be wrong, I suppose.


Naw.

[refriedwhiskey]

Re: Cable Guy

Nah, I think you're right. The most basic premise behind the movie could have worked as a thriller. People even would've called it a interesting twist on the formula, having a guy stalk another guy, rather than a man stalking a woman or vice versa.

But as a comedy, it's pretty funny, in a disturbing kind of way.

[Pencey]

Re: Cable Guy

The problem with Cable Guy is that it was too dark to be funny. It was dark in the way a black comedy is and then it would switch tempo and try to be a broad comedy. I think that was the main problem with this film.

I will admit though, that basketball scene was pretty hilarious. I'll tune in just to watch that and then change the channel.

[Bad Liver]

Re: Cable Guy

The problem with the Cable Guy (and this has been discussed quite a bit) is that Carrey is too odd to begin with so you know something is wrong with him from the moment you meet him (the stupid accent doesn't help)

But for this tried and true formula to work in thriller or comedy form, the nut job has to come across as a normal everyday guy in act I (viz Pacific Heights). It gives the character somewhere to go.

Had Carrey reigned in the archness of his character for the first thirty, the rest of the movie would have been much more effective.

Darkness, suspense and thrills can and should go hand in hand with certain types of comedy. Just not with Ben Stiller involved.

Meow!

[miles]

Re: Cable Guy

Um, Ben Stiller can't direct, for one thing. But, yeah, I agree with Bill and whiskey that it could have easily been something more serious. Sort of like a One Hour Photo.

[whistlelock]

Re: Cable Guy

Ben Stiller directing. Maybe that was it.

that was the problem. Stiller can be an excellent straightman, when he's not using one of his characters from his tv show.

[le kilt]

Re: Cable Guy

I like it just the way it is, but then I do have a warped mind.