Tristram Shandy: A Cock and Bull Story (2006)

Starring Steve Coogan, Rob Brydon, Naomie Harris, Kelly Macdonald, et al
Rated R, 94 minutes

Here's the gist from the back of the DVD: Steve Coogan plays himself in this movie where Steve Coogan is making a movie out of the classic but "unfilmable" novel "Tristram Shandy." As Steve struggles with what to use out of the book, his co-stars, and a new baby, we get treated to scenes from the fictional film. It's 94 minutes of "dark comedy and literary humor."

Based on that blurb, I went into this movie with a tempered interest. The phrase "dark comedy" has failed me more often than not. And my gut feeling is indicative of my recommending you see this one. It started off slow and dry as crackers, but as it rolled on, and we got more into the plot surrounding the movie-within-a-movie, "Tristram Shandy" produced a lot of grins and a smattering of belly laughs. Watching Coogan bumble through a birthing scene was Spinal Tap-esque brilliance. The way things eased from the book adaptation to the docu-style chronicle of the movie being shot was seamless, and the comedy was just as good whether Coogan was Tristram Shandy, or himself.

As "himself," Coogan does what Larry David does with "Curb Your Enthusiasm," playing an alternate personality with character flaws exaggerated, and eager fans bringing up his past career. Rob Brydon's endearing dimwit co-star role is reminiscent of Hank Kingsley from "The Larry Sanders Show," and it was a success from my seat. In fact, a lot of this movie's style reminded me of Larry Sanders. Through this production-within-a-production, there was sexual tension within the staff ranks, celebrity pettiness, Hollywood-being-Hollywood, etc. Awesome character actor Stephen Fry makes an appearance, as does "X-Files" alum Gillian Anderson.

***¼

I enjoyed myself, but as I said above, I'm not fully pulling the trigger on recommendation. Read the blurb, see how you feel - your gut will likely correspond to how much you enjoy the film.