Watch Slapstick

Slapstick from 1982 is a comedy film directed and produced by Jerry Lewis. The movie stars Jerry Lewis, Madeline Kahn, and Marty Feldman in the lead roles. The film is based on the novel "Slapstick" by Kurt Vonnegut Jr. and was released on February 27, 1982. The film is set in the future, where as a result of a sudden shift in the Earth's axis, society has become divided into two categories - the smart people and the stupid people. Lewis plays the dual role of Wilbur Swain and his twin sister Eliza Swain. The pair come to life in a world where they are considered among the smart people due to their intelligence and creativity.

Eliza and Wilbur's parents died when they were young, and the twins were separated, with Eliza living in New York and Wilbur in Chicago. Following several years apart, they are brought together when their parents' former butler finds them and reunites them in New York. Once reunited, the pair use their intelligence and creativity to create a telepathic bond that enables them to communicate with each other, even when they are miles apart.

The film focuses on the duo's attempts to save their country from the current president who is causing social unrest while also being plagued with personal issues. Their journey takes them to a variety of locations worldwide where they face all manner of obstacles ranging from the absurd to the outlandish.

The twins' inability to emotionally connect with other people often results in disastrous events. However, their strange abilities allow them to invent and create unique solutions to any challenge they face. However, all is not smooth sailing as they encounter a multitude of human and environmental obstacles that challenge their wit, humor, and imagination.

Throughout the film, the audience is treated to Lewis's trademark style of comedy, which frequently comprises of visual gags and slapstick humor. Madeline Kahn performs exceptionally well as Wilbur's love interest, and her timing compliments Lewis's comedic style well.

The film is grounded in Kurt Vonnegut Jr's writing style where absurdity and drama are woven together to create a unique narrative experience. Given the novel is so subtle, the movie is a reasonably faithful representation, with many of the book's most critical elements retained. The film delivers an absurdist, satirical take on current events, politics, and existential philosophy while being entertaining and humorous.

The soundtrack is exceptional and provides a 1980s charm with catchy tunes that complement the wacky tone of the movie. The cinematography is imaginative and fits the tone of the film perfectly. The use of bright, vivid colors highlights the absurdity of the world the characters inhabit.

Overall, Slapstick from 1982 is an excellent representation of Jerry Lewis's unique style and humor, and it still has a place in the annals of comedy history. The movie juxtaposes an anti-intellectual society with the theme of compassion and celebrates the virtues of creativity, despite adversity. The film is a satirical masterpiece with an absurd and emotional core. The feature is a must-watch for any fan of Jerry Lewis, Madeline Kahn, or absurdist, satirical comedy.