MIXED NUTS
US, 1994, 97 minutes, Colour.
Steve Martin, Madeline Kahn, Robert Klein, Anthony La Paglia, Juliette Lewis, Rob Reiner, Adam Sandler, Liev Schreiber, Rita Wilson, Parker Posey, Jon Stewart, Joely Fisher.
Directed by Nora Ephron.
Mixed Nuts is based on a French film, Le pere noel est un ordure (1982). It has been adapted for the zaniness of life in California.
The setting is Christmas Eve, Santa Claus on the streets, the time of gifts – but activity in a Lifeline type of agency where there are many and strange clients, where the landlord wants to close the agency, where there are tensions in relationships. There are also several subplots involving an eccentric range of characters.
The film was written and directed by Nora Ephron, best known for such films as Sleepless in Seattle, Heartburn, You’ve Got Mail.
The film has a very strong and eclectic cast, led by Steve Martin as the manager of the agency, with Madeline Kahn as his very superior associate. Rita Wilson is the young woman in the agency, infatuated with the director but who is also the subject of infatuation by Adam Sandler in an early role.
Gary Shandling is the mean owner of the building. Live Schreiber is a client who loves cross dressing. Robert Klein has a passion for dogs, and for Mrs Munchnik. A subplot involves a pregnant Juliette Lewis angry with but pursuing the father of her child, Anthony La Paglia, as a would-be artist. Rob Reiner is a doctor. And we see Jon Stewart and Parker Posey as a rollerblading couple.
Reviews for this film were very mixed, some seeing it as an excellent black comedy, others seeing it as silly and bizarre.
1. 1990s comedy? Black comedy? The strong cast, the career of the director? Based on a French film, adaptation to California?
2. The Christmas setting, the city, the work at Lifeline, the range of characters, interconnections, crises? Comedy and farce?
3. The cast, their screen presence, different comedy styles? A group of mixed nuts?
4. The agency, their work, the phone calls and clients, desperation? Philip and his control? Clashes with the landlord, money? Mrs Munchnik and her style, superior to the others? Catherine, pleasant, in love with Philip? Trying to hold the agency together?
5. The subplot of Gracie and Felix, his carelessness, wanting to paint the mural, his Santa Claus episode, the farcical aspects? Gracie, at home, pregnant, love for Felix, yet pursuing and attacking him? Her friendship with Catherine, going to stay with her, getting advice?
6. Mr Lobel, his concern, animals, cats, relationship with Mrs Munchnik?
7. Financial issues, the landlord and his wanting to close the agency, the banks, the various schemes to keep the agency open? Philip and his anxiety?
8. Catherine, the work in the office, relationships, friendly with Gracie?
9. Stanley, the landlord, his harsh attitudes, wanting to oust Philip?
10. Christmas Eve, Mrs Munchnik, going to the elevator, getting caught, the device for getting out?
11. Louis, his songs, love for Catherine?
12. Chris as a client, his love for long dresses, dancing, therapy?
13. The rollerblading couple, the relationship, their place in the film?
14. The ingredients for farce in black comedy? Mixed reception for the film at its time? Later?
