Category: Dark Comedy
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BEING JOHN MALKOVICH
“Being John Malkovich” is a 1999 darkly comedic and surreal film directed by Spike Jonze and written by Charlie Kaufman. The film explores identity, consciousness, and the human desire for connection and control. The story centers on Craig Schwartz (John Cusack), a struggling puppeteer living in New York City with his pet-obsessed wife, Lotte (Cameron…
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SPANKING THE MONKEY
“Spanking the Monkey” is a 1994 dark comedy-drama film directed by David O. Russell in his directorial debut. The film stars Jeremy Davies, Alberta Watson, Benjamin Hendrickson, Carla Gallo, and Matthew Puckett. The film explores complex themes such as familial duty, isolation, and taboo relationships. The story centers on Ray Aibelli (Jeremy Davies), a pre-med…
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BURN AFTER READING
“Burn After Reading” is a dark comedy film directed by Joel and Ethan Coen. It was released in 2008 and features an ensemble cast that includes George Clooney, Frances McDormand, John Malkovich, Tilda Swinton, Brad Pitt, and Richard Jenkins. The story begins with Osbourne Cox (John Malkovich), a disgruntled CIA analyst fired from his job…
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TRIANGLE OF SADNESS
“Triangle of Sadness” is a satirical dark comedy film directed by Swedish filmmaker Ruben Östlund, released in 2022. The film features a talented cast including Harris Dickinson, Charlbi Dean (who very sadly passed away before the film was publically released), Woody Harrelson, Dolly De Leon, Zlatko Burić, Vicki Berlin, and Henrik Dorsin.The film is divided…
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SHORT FILM: SHOOK
“Shook” is a 2024 dark comedy short film written and directed by Valentina von Klencke. It takes place in the Californian desert after a devastating earthquake strands a vacationing family on an idyllic weekend getaway from the outside world. The film follows their survival while supplies diminish rapidly after the disaster. The film opens by…
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THE TOUCHABLES
“The Touchables,” a 1968 British film directed by Robert Freeman, is a quirky, psychedelic crime comedy that captures the spirit of the swinging ’60s. With its colorful visuals and offbeat narrative, the film explores themes of fame, obsession, and counterculture.The film opens with a surreal sequence set in London, where we meet the four central…
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FEMALE TROUBLE (NSFW)
“Female Trouble” is a 1974 dark comedy written and directed by John Waters. Waters, known for his subversive themes and outrageous humor, continues his brand of filmmaking with this, his second full-length feature film. The film takes place in 1960s Baltimore, where a delinquent high school student, Dawn Davenport (played by Divine), goes berserk when…
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I, TONYA
“I, Tonya” is a 2017 biographical dark comedy directed by Craig Gillespie. The film chronicles the life of the infamous figure skater Tonya Harding and the events leading up to the attack on her rival Nancy Kerrigan during the 1994 Winter Olympics. The film stars Margot Robbie as Tonya Harding, Sebastian Stan as Jeff Gillooly…
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NASHVILLE
“Nashville” is a 1975 film directed by Robert Altman. It is known for its ensemble cast, complex narrative structure, and insightful commentary on American society. Set in the bustling city of Nashville, Tennessee, the film weaves together numerous characters’ lives over a few days leading up to a political rally and country music festival. The…
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MUMSY, NANNY, SONNY AND GIRLY aka GIRLY
“Mumsy, Nanny, Sonny and Girly” aka “Girly” outside the UK, is a darkly comedic and subversive British film directed by Freddie Francis and released in 1970. The film offers a twisted take on the traditional family dynamic, blending elements of black comedy, horror, and social satire. The story centers around a dysfunctional family living in…
The Other Cinema 