One of my favorite Gene Wilder films was 1974's Rhinoceros. The film, directed by Tom O'Horgan, was based on the play by Eugène Ionesco of the same name. Gene Wilder was reunited with Zero Mostel to illustrate the dangers of herd mentality among the populous. When there is one man left in a city that is quickly seeing all of its inhabitants turn into rhinoceroses, he remains steadfast in the notion that he must maintain his individuality.
Stanley (Gene Wilder) is a man that is exhausted from the mundane existence that has become his life. Stanley hates his job and does not feel that he is exercising his full potential. Stanley's best friend John (Zero Mostel) is trying to make a decent man out of Stanley, encouraging him to take an interest in the arts and be mindful of the way he dresses. After several talks in which John berates Stanley for his drinking and lifestyle, Stanley promises to give up drinking and be more of the man John is suggesting he should be. The impetus for Stanley attempting to be a better man is a woman he works with that he has fallen for. Daisy (Karen Black) works in the male-dominated paper business with Stanley and is often seen with another man that they work with who is more like John. Just as Stanley is on the brink of changing who he is to fit in better at work and have a chance with Daisy, the entire town is turning into rhinoceroses. As the four-legged creatures are seen storming the city, more and more people are turning into them and defending their lifestyle. Stanley sees the transformation as preposterous and becomes convinced that it is no way to live to become a rhinoceros. Stanley makes a vow to himself that even if he is the last human being left in the world, he will not succumb to the ways of the rhinoceros.
Rhinoceros is a wonderful celebration of individuality. The film doesn't try to hide or thinly veil its message, it comes across as an overt warning of what happens to people that forgo their uniqueness in order to fit in. The magic of the film comes from its message, but also the chemistry of the reunited principles. Mostel and Wilder had lost nothing in the 7 years that passed between The Producers and Rhinoceros in terms of chemistry. The two played well against each other as tough love friends looking out for each other in their own way. There was a hilarious opener in which the audience is reassured that the following story could never happen in real life as the world is flat. This opening was an exceptional way to set the premise of the film before it ever started, and a touch I had missed on my preceding viewings of the film. Wilder stole the show in this film, but Zero Mostel had a wonderful scene in which he transformed into a rhinoceros. His transformation scene was long and intense and incredibly well-acted by the veteran actor. As noted, Wilder's performance stole the show. This was the film that I first noticed how beautiful his voice is to listen to. Like melted butter to the ears, Wilder encouraged me to buy as many of his audio books as I can. What really shines in this film is Gene's attention to detail. The nonverbal acting he performed in this movie shows what an actor should be, and endears you to his character despite his many flaws. With or without a subtle message, Rhinoceros is a joy of a film to sink your horns into, and one I would recommend highly.
Stanley (Gene Wilder) is a man that is exhausted from the mundane existence that has become his life. Stanley hates his job and does not feel that he is exercising his full potential. Stanley's best friend John (Zero Mostel) is trying to make a decent man out of Stanley, encouraging him to take an interest in the arts and be mindful of the way he dresses. After several talks in which John berates Stanley for his drinking and lifestyle, Stanley promises to give up drinking and be more of the man John is suggesting he should be. The impetus for Stanley attempting to be a better man is a woman he works with that he has fallen for. Daisy (Karen Black) works in the male-dominated paper business with Stanley and is often seen with another man that they work with who is more like John. Just as Stanley is on the brink of changing who he is to fit in better at work and have a chance with Daisy, the entire town is turning into rhinoceroses. As the four-legged creatures are seen storming the city, more and more people are turning into them and defending their lifestyle. Stanley sees the transformation as preposterous and becomes convinced that it is no way to live to become a rhinoceros. Stanley makes a vow to himself that even if he is the last human being left in the world, he will not succumb to the ways of the rhinoceros.
Rhinoceros is a wonderful celebration of individuality. The film doesn't try to hide or thinly veil its message, it comes across as an overt warning of what happens to people that forgo their uniqueness in order to fit in. The magic of the film comes from its message, but also the chemistry of the reunited principles. Mostel and Wilder had lost nothing in the 7 years that passed between The Producers and Rhinoceros in terms of chemistry. The two played well against each other as tough love friends looking out for each other in their own way. There was a hilarious opener in which the audience is reassured that the following story could never happen in real life as the world is flat. This opening was an exceptional way to set the premise of the film before it ever started, and a touch I had missed on my preceding viewings of the film. Wilder stole the show in this film, but Zero Mostel had a wonderful scene in which he transformed into a rhinoceros. His transformation scene was long and intense and incredibly well-acted by the veteran actor. As noted, Wilder's performance stole the show. This was the film that I first noticed how beautiful his voice is to listen to. Like melted butter to the ears, Wilder encouraged me to buy as many of his audio books as I can. What really shines in this film is Gene's attention to detail. The nonverbal acting he performed in this movie shows what an actor should be, and endears you to his character despite his many flaws. With or without a subtle message, Rhinoceros is a joy of a film to sink your horns into, and one I would recommend highly.