The Impostors (1998)

User Rating:

6.0/10   

Director:

Stanley Tucci

Writer (WGA):

Stanley Tucci (written by)

Release Date:

2 October 1998 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy

Tagline:

Now the time has come...to act.

Plot:

In an attempt to resurrect the slapstick comedy of Laurel and Hardy or The Marx Brothers, Stanley Tucci...

Plot Keywords:

Actor | Singer | Tiara | Ocean Liner | Bakery

Cast

Oliver Platt	...	Maurice
Stanley Tucci	...	Arthur
Walker Jones	...	Maitre D'
Jessica Walling	...	Attractive Woman
David Lipman	...	Baker in Kramer's Pastries
E. Katherine Kerr	...	Gertrude in "Hamlet"
George Guidall	...	Claudius in "Hamlet"
William Hill	...	Bernardo in "Hamlet"
Alfred Molina	...	Sir Jeremy Burtom
Michael Emerson	...	Burtom's Assistant
Jack O'Connell	...	Stage Manager
Matt Malloy	...	Mike / Laertes in "Hamlet"
Ted Blumberg	...	Francisco in "Hamlet"
Lili Taylor	...	Lily 'Lil'
Tony Shalhoub	...	Voltri, First Mate

Also Known As:

Ship of Fools (USA) (working title)

MPAA:

Rated R for some language.

Runtime:

101 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

Iceland:LH | France:U | Germany:6 (w) | Portugal:M/12 (video premiere) | UK:15 | USA:R | Argentina:Atp

Filming Locations:

Murdoch Hall - 114 Clifton Place, Jersey City, New Jersey, USA

Company:

First Cold Piece

Goofs:

Anachronisms: The song, "Skokiaan" is used in the movie which takes place in the 1930s. However, "Skokiaan" was not released until 1947.

Quotes:

[first lines]
Maurice: [as they discuss an act which they did] I'm sorry.
Arthur: You stole my death.

Movie Connections:

References Some Like It Hot (1959)

Soundtrack:

Sweetie Dear

Brilliant, original, funny, but not for everyone

I loved this movie, yet I can see why others hated it. This is not the comic food we have grown up on. It is a different cuisine that tastes strange at first, but if given a chance, rewards with fresh, delicious sensations at every bite.

Early in this movie our actor heros take turns mugging an emotion on command. I think this moment is the key to understanding the entire film. Almost every scene is painted by facial expressions and body language. The editing lingers to give us time to enjoy each portrait, then cuts a bit further along in the story than we are used to. This unfamiliar timing gives the strong cast a chance to act rather than react. The story is about actors, but the movie is a tribute to comedic acting.

If you want a formula comedy, rent something else. If you want movie that is funny, warm, original, and brilliant and are willing to give its different pace a chance, put this film at the top of your list and plan to view it twice.