For most people, a funeral is an occasion to pay tribute to the life of a friend or loved one.  For Daniel (Matthew Macfadyen,) his father’s funeral is his opportunity to finally move on and make a true life for himself and his wife Jane (Keeley Hawes.)  All that stands in his was is the burial of his father, once that is done, he and Jane will be able to move out of his father’s home and into the flat of their dreams.  However, this funeral is going to be the ultimate trial of his sanity.

CRITIQUE

Death at a Funeral is a wonderfully pleasant film.  There is nothing mean spirited about it, even though the film’s story could easily have gone in that direction.  Thankfully Dean Craig’s script keeps things funny and manages to balance multiple storylines without ever loosing momentum or interest.  Add in Frank Oz’s wonderful direction (this film almost makes me forget he directed the Stepford Wives remake) and you have the makings of a fantastic farce.

What makes Death at a Funeral such a good film (as what makes classic comedies what they are) is that no one here is trying to be funny.  The entire cast meshes together in such a way that they feel like they are actually related and that the trials that Daniel faces could actually come to pass.  Anyone could easily see Daniel’s successful, and completely self-centered, novelist brother Robert (Rupert Graves) forgetting his half of the funeral payment (or rather, squandering it all on first class airline seats.)  Or Cousin Martha (Daisy Donovan) bringing her fiancé Simon (played brilliantly by Tudyk) who has been accidentally given a powerful hallucinogen to calm his nerves instead of Valium. Even the mysterious funeral crasher Peter (Station Agent’s Peter Dinklage) feels right at home in this world.

As funny as this film is, it isn’t for all tastes.  It’s a film that relies more on the characters and their eccentricities rather than slapstick or potty humor (though there are a few gross out gags, and they are extremely funny.)  If that is your cup of tea, this is definitely a film to pick up. For others, this is still good for at least a rental. 

THE VIDEO

The copy of Death at a Funeral I received was a promotional screener copy, rather than the final DVD.  That being said, I found my copy to be far from perfect, with many noticeable instances of grain (especially at the beginning, just after the title sequence) and other digital flaws. However, while I did encounter flaws, for the most part the film looked vibrant and crisp.  I am certain that the flaws I encountered will not be found on the final release.

THE AUDIO

Death at a Funeral is presented in 5.1 Dolby Digital. The mix sounds wonderful, but won’t give your speakers a workout.

THE EXTRAS

Commentary by Frank Oz: An interesting commentary track, though Oz does spend more time than necessary pointing out where he shot the film on location and where it’s in studio.

Commentary by Writer Dean Craig, with actors Alan Tudyk and Andy Nyman: A fun little commentary with Craig and Co., though not as informative as the first track.

Gag Reel: A nice little series of blown takes.

FINAL THOUGHT

Death at a Funeral is a fun little breath of fresh air in a genre that is having far too many lows rather than highs.