We all need somebody to lean on.|Jun. 24, 2016|United States|97 Min.|R
Genre: Adventure;Comedy;Drama;Fantasy;Romance
Description: Swiss Army Man is a 2016 film created by writer-director duo Dan Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, collectively known as The Daniels. The story begins on a deserted island where Hank, a deeply troubled man played by Paul Dano, abandons a suicide attempt after spotting what he believes to be a shipwreck survivor. Upon approaching, he discovers the man, played by Daniel Radcliffe, is deceased and surprisingly flatulent. Although Hank fails to revive him, his efforts cause the corpse to expel fresh water from its mouth, resembling an old-fashioned hand-pump, and release increased amounts of gas.
Hank uses the corpse as a jet ski to navigate the waves until they reach land. He then carries the body through the forest, engaging in conversations about life, love, and humanity. Hank names the corpse “Manny,” who, despite being dead, gains the ability to speak but has no memory of his past. Hank takes it upon himself to teach Manny about the world. Their relationship evolves, resembling that of a father and child, though it also mirrors other dynamics, such as close friends, romantic partners, or even characters like Pinocchio and Geppetto.
In one notable scene, the duo finds themselves in a cave that resembles a stage proscenium. There, they construct an elaborate set from discarded trash and reenact pivotal moments from life. The film’s title, *Swiss Army Man*, reflects how Hank discovers and utilizes Manny’s unique abilities: he serves not only as a source of gas and water but also as a tool for various tasks, such as a “gun” for shooting objects or an “axe” for chopping.
The film is a creative blend of influences from movies, music videos, children’s books, and fairy tales, resulting in a unique, almost Frankenstein-like narrative. *Swiss Army Man* is a quirky, thought-provoking exploration of humanity, connection, and survival.
Cast director: Daniel Scheinert
Cast actor: Paul Dano, Daniel Radcliffe, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Antonia Ribero, Timothy Eulich, Richard Gross, Marika Casteel, Andy Hull, Aaron Marshall, Shane Carruth
Original name: Swiss Army Man