2) Tomorrow Night
Louis CK is widely hailed as an internet hero for his decision to independently produce and distribute his 2011 comedy special, Live at the Beacon Theater, by releasing it on his website for a mere $5 to download. He succeeded because he was, and arguably is, the most celebrated stand-up comedian of the moment, and because the special itself was fantastic. Since that release, his FX series has earned him even more respect as a cinematic storyteller, and so the recent release of his 1998 low-budget film Tomorrow Night—also available on his website for $5—is intriguing both as a commercial venture and as a glimpse into the earlier creative output of the comedy favorite.
In promoting the film, Louis has repeated what is essentially a suitable tagline for it: “It’s not for everyone.” This is a weird little movie. It looks and sounds like it could have been made in the 1950s, or by a John Cassavetes type in the 1970s, or as a student film in the 1990s, which it basically is. The acting is awkward in places where it’s probably not meant to be, and it is a drag to get through in spots. And yet amidst the kinks that come with an inexperienced filmmaker, there’s something bizarrely pleasant about Tomorrow Night. There’s hints of the style Louis would carve out more effectively in Louie—the jazz soundtrack, the meandering plotlines and obscene humor. On top of that, you get to see a young Steve Carell completely steal his scenes and the film ends on a comedically surreal note that is simply and nicely done.
It’s often easy to forget the process today’s masters had to go through to get to their high level of craftsmanship. Watching this movie is a neat reminder of process and progress in comedic storytelling by one of the greats.
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Published: Feb 18, 2014 01:18 pm