The Odd Job
Arthur Harris is a happily married man who returns from his job to discover that his wife, Fiona, is leaving him. Devastated he gets really drunk and tries to commit suicide. After a few setbacks and while he is trying to electrocute himself with a lamp, the door bell rings. An odd man in a leather coat asks if there are any odd jobs that he can perform. Arthur hires the man to kill him. The next day his wife returns, but the man he hired is still trying to kill him...
Insights
Plot Summary
A wealthy businessman hires a lazy handyman to dispose of his wife's body, but the handyman proves to be less competent than anticipated. As the situation spirals out of control, the pair find themselves in increasingly absurd and dangerous predicaments. The film follows their bumbling attempts to cover up their crime, leading to a series of comedic mishaps.
Critical Reception
The Odd Job is a British black comedy that received a mixed to negative reception upon its release. It is often cited as a lesser-known work of its cast, primarily known for their Monty Python connections. While some appreciated its dark humor and slapstick elements, others found the plot thin and the jokes to be hit-or-miss.
What Reviewers Say
- The film attempts a dark, absurd comedic tone that doesn't always land.
- The slapstick and physical comedy are occasionally effective, but often feel crude.
- The performances are a mixed bag, with some actors delivering enjoyable, albeit unsubtle, portrayals.
Google audience: Audience reception for 'The Odd Job' is largely uncatalogued on Google Reviews, with limited public sentiment data available.
Fun Fact
The film's star, Graham Chapman, was also a writer and performer in the iconic British comedy troupe Monty Python.
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