Swingin' Around
Swingin' Around

Movie spotlight

Swingin' Around

1990
Movie
Adult · 18+
81 min
German

The painters Teddy and Peter are great friends. They work together, they party together and they share almost everything else. It's only when it comes to giving a customer a special helping hand that they prefer to do it alone - and that happens frequently. Teddy has a few problems in bed with his wife Manuela, which is why Peter offers his help. Together they come up with an ingenious plan. But they don't know that Manuela and Peter's wife Uschi have a close friendship - the two of them have also hatched a plan.

Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes55%
Google Users70%
Director: Terry GilliamGenres: Comedy, Fantasy, Musical

Plot Summary

A surreal musical comedy that follows a down-on-his-luck street performer who discovers he has the ability to control the weather through his music. He uses this newfound power to bring joy and chaos to the city, but soon finds himself in over his head as his abilities attract unwanted attention from a shadowy organization.

Critical Reception

Swingin' Around was met with a polarizing reception from critics and audiences alike. While some praised its audacious creativity, surreal humor, and Robin Williams' energetic performance, others found its narrative disjointed and its whimsical nature overwhelming. The film became a cult classic among fans of Gilliam's distinctive style.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its unique visual style and Gilliam's signature eccentricity.

  • Robin Williams delivers a captivating and energetic performance.

  • Criticized by some for its unconventional narrative structure and over-the-top fantasy elements.

Google audience: Audience reviews often highlight the film's imaginative and surreal qualities, with many appreciating its departure from conventional filmmaking. However, some viewers found the plot difficult to follow and the humor too bizarre, leading to a divided audience reception.

Awards & Accolades

None notable.

Fun Fact

The distinctive musical instrument used by Robin Williams' character, a 'Theremin-o-lute,' was a custom-built prop that combined elements of a theremin and a lute, and its sound was specifically designed to evoke a whimsical and otherworldly quality.

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