Category: Dark Comedy

  • THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW

    THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW

    “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” is a 1975 musical, comedy, and horror film written by Richard O’Brien and directed by Jim Sharman, who also co-wrote it. The film, based on O’Brien’s 1973 stage play of the same name, has become a cultural phenomenon despite initially being a box office flop upon its release. The film…

  • POOR THINGS

    POOR THINGS

    “Poor Things” is a 2023 surreal, feminist science fiction comedy-drama film directed by Yorgos Lanthimos. It is based on Alasdair Gray’s 1992 novel of the same name. Known for its visual style, dark humor, and profound exploration of identity and liberation, the film has been widely acclaimed and won the Golden Lion at the 80th…

  • AFTER HOURS

    AFTER HOURS

    “After Hours,” a 1985 film directed by Martin Scorsese, is a darkly comedic and surreal exploration of urban anxiety and existential frustration. Set over the course of one harrowing night in New York City’s SoHo district, the film follows mild-mannered word processor Paul Hackett (Griffin Dunne), whose innocent quest for a casual date spirals into…

  • IN BRUGES

    IN BRUGES

    ‘In Bruges’ is a 2008 dark comedy-drama written and directed by Martin McDonagh in his feature film debut. It blends sharp wit, brutal violence, and emotional depth, a hallmark of the former playwright. Set against the picturesque medieval backdrop of Bruges, Belgium, the story centers on two hitmen who lay low after a job gone…

  • ARTHUR

    ARTHUR

    Arthur (1981) is a romantic comedy directed by Steve Gordon, starring Dudley Moore, Liza Minnelli, John Gielgud, and Geraldine Fitzgerald. The film became a critical and commercial success, earning multiple Academy Award nominations and winning Best Supporting Actor for John Gielgud and Best Original Song for “Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do)” by Christopher Cross. Arthur Bach (Dudley Moore) is…

  • THE SUGARLAND EXPRESS

    THE SUGARLAND EXPRESS

    “The Sugarland Express” is a 1974 crime drama directed by Steven Spielberg, based on a true story. It was Spielberg’s first theatrical feature film. The film blends elements of crime, drama, and road movie genres, exploring themes of desperation, love, and the often blurred line between right and wrong. The story follows Lou-Ann Garner (Goldie…

  • FARGO

    FARGO

    “Fargo,” released in 1996, is a dark comedy crime thriller written, produced, and directed by Joel and Ethan Coen. The film stars Frances McDormand, William H. Macy, Steve Buscemi, and Peter Stormare. Set in the snowy landscapes of Minnesota and North Dakota, “Fargo” is a blend of noir, crime, and satire, offering a grimly humorous…

  • PRETTY MAIDS ALL IN A ROW

    PRETTY MAIDS ALL IN A ROW

    Pretty Maids All in a Row (1971) is a dark comedy-thriller directed by Roger Vadim, and starring Rock Hudson in a surprisingly sinister role. The movie is an unusual blend of crime drama, sexual farce, and satire set in a high school environment. Adapted from a novel by Francis Pollini and written for the screen…

  • CET OBSCUR OBJET DU DESIR aka THAT OBSCURE OBJECT OF DESIRE

    CET OBSCUR OBJET DU DESIR aka THAT OBSCURE OBJECT OF DESIRE

    That Obscure Object of Desire (Cet obscur objet du désir) is a 1977 surreal, darkly comedic drama directed by the legendary Spanish filmmaker Luis Buñuel in his final film. The movie is an adaptation of Pierre Louÿs’ 1898 novel La Femme et le Pantin (The Woman and the Puppet), delving into themes of obsession, desire,…

  • DO THE RIGHT THING

    DO THE RIGHT THING

    “Do the Right Thing” (1989), directed by Spike Lee, is a powerful exploration of race relations and urban tension set on a hot summer day in the predominantly Black neighborhood of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. The film examines the buildup of racial tensions over a single day, ultimately erupting into violence. As a side note, I was…