Introduction Fletch
"Fletch" is a 1985 American comedy film directed by Michael Ritchie. The movie is based on the novel of the same name written by Gregory McDonald, which was inspired by his own experiences working as an undercover journalist. The story follows Irwin M. Fletcher, played by Chevy Chase, a reporter for the Los Angeles Times who goes undercover to cover a murder case in Cleveland. Fletcher, or Fletch for short, is tasked with posing as a psychiatrist, a lawyer, and even a patient at the hospital where the victim was treated. The film's background is rooted in the post-Watergate era of investigative journalism, when the public's trust in institutions was at an all-time low. The movie's protagonist, Fletch, represents the idealistic, yet cynical journalist who seeks to expose corruption and uncover the truth, no matter the cost to his personal life. The film's setting in Cleveland is also significant, as it provides a unique backdrop for the story. Cleveland was often portrayed as a gritty, industrial city plagued by crime and corruption during this time period, making Fletch's undercover mission all the more challenging and dangerous.
Plot and Themes Fletch
The movie 'Fletch' is a comedy film released in 1985, starring Chevy Chase as Irving M. Fletch, a free-living investigative journalist. Plot: Fletch is hired by his newspaper to investigate the murder of Barbara Norris's (Dale Dye) mother, who was involved with several unsavory characters. Fletch goes undercover as a wealthy client and moves into her beachfront mansion, where he finds himself embroiled in a web of deceit and corruption. As Fletch digs deeper, he discovers that the murder is connected to a land development scheme involving Barbara's boyfriend, Greg (Richard Libertini), and several other shady characters. Meanwhile, Fletch must deal with his own personal problems, including his on-again, off-again relationship with his fiancée, Penny (Megan Mullally). Themes: 1. Deception: The movie is full of deception, from Fletch's undercover work to the various characters' lies and schemes. 2. Corruption: Fletch uncovers a web of corruption involving local politicians, businesspeople, and law enforcement officials. 3. Powerlessness: Despite his efforts, Fletch often finds himself powerless against the corrupt forces he is investigating. 4. Identity Crisis: Throughout the movie, Fletch struggles with his own identity and loyalties, particularly in his relationship with Penny. 5. Chaos: The film is known for its chaotic atmosphere, which reflects Fletch's unconventional investigative methods and his ability to cause more problems than he solves.
Performance and Direction Fletch
The classic comedy film "Fletch" (1985) starring Chevy Chase as the titular character Irving M. Fletcher, a bumbling investigative journalist who poses as an undercover agent to solve a murder. Here's my evaluation of the performances and direction: **Chevy Chase (Irving M. Fletcher)**: Chevy Chase is the undisputed star of "Fletch". His performance is outstanding - he brings both comedic genius and likable charm to his portrayal of Fletch. He masterfully navigates the film's slapstick humor, often stealing scenes with his clever ad-libbing and physical comedy skills. **Diane Venora (Audrey Griswold)**: As the beautiful and intelligent Audrey, Diane Venora holds her own opposite Chevy Chase's antics. Her character serves as a love interest for Fletch, but she also has her own agency and motivations, making her more than just a damsel in distress. **Richard Libertini (Bernie Lomax)**: Richard Libertini plays the role of Bernie, an eccentric lawyer who becomes embroiled in Fletch's investigation. His performance is memorable for its offbeat humor and flair for the dramatic. **Eileen Brennan (Trish Van Devere)**: Eileen Brennan, as Trish, brings a sense of mystery to her character, playing the role of a suspicious and alluring woman who catches Fletch's eye. Her performances are always subtle yet impactful. **Joe Don Baker (Al Greco)**: Joe Don Baker plays the part of Al, a menacing gangster who becomes one of Fletch's prime suspects. His performance is memorable for its tough-guy persona and menacing presence on screen. **The Direction**: Michael Ritchie's direction of "Fletch" is often praised for its innovative storytelling and clever editing. He effectively utilizes montage sequences to convey the chaos and confusion that Fletch experiences as he navigates his undercover role. The film also boasts a memorable score by Harold Faltermeyer, which adds to its overall comedic tone. **Criticisms**: Some critics argue that "Fletch" relies too heavily on slapstick humor and Chase's antics, leading to a lack of substance or depth in the storytelling. Additionally, some viewers find the supporting cast underdeveloped compared to Fletch himself. Overall, I believe "Fletch" is an entertaining film with great performances from its main cast members - particularly Chevy Chase, who shines as the bumbling investigative journalist. While it may not be perfect, the direction and editing are clever and help to elevate the film's comedic moments.
Technical Aspects Fletch
The 1985 comedy film 'Fletch' is a classic of its genre, with a unique blend of wit, humor, and investigative journalism. While it may not have had the most advanced technical aspects for its time, the movie still holds up remarkably well today due to its clever use of cinematography, sound design, and visual effects. Cinematography: * The film was shot on 35mm film using a combination of studio-bound sets and location shoots in Los Angeles. * Cinematographer Charles Correll used a mix of close-ups, medium shots, and long shots to create a dynamic visual style that keeps the viewer engaged throughout. * The camera work is often playful, with Correll employing quick cuts and clever framing to emphasize the humor in certain scenes. Sound Design: * The film's sound design is relatively simple compared to modern standards, but it still manages to be effective in conveying the atmosphere of each scene. * Sound effects are used sparingly, primarily for comedic effect or to enhance the tension of a particular moment. * Dialogue is clear and well-recorded throughout, which helps to keep the viewer focused on the story. Visual Effects: * The visual effects in 'Fletch' are largely practical, with minimal use of digital enhancements. * The film's iconic opening sequence, where Fletch (Chevy Chase) is shown driving through the desert, features a combination of real stunts and matte paintings to create the illusion of Fletch traveling at high speeds. * Other visual effects include subtle compositing work for scenes where Fletch is disguising himself or using surveillance equipment. Color Grading: * The film's color palette is intentionally bright and bold, which helps to create a sense of humor and playfulness in each scene. * The opening sequence features a vibrant orange and yellow color scheme that sets the tone for the rest of the movie. Editing: * The editing style in 'Fletch' is fast-paced and energetic, with quick cuts between scenes to keep the viewer engaged. * The film's pacing is well-balanced, with a mix of slow-burning tension and rapid-fire comedy.
More Details Fletch
The classic buddy cop comedy 'Fletch' (1985) is a cult favorite that has stood the test of time. Here's some interesting information about its production: **Cast:** * Chevy Chase as Irwin M. Fletcher * Dana Wheeler-Nicholson as Gail Stanwyck * Joe Don Baker as Alan Stanwyck * Richard Libertini as Dr. Dwight * Mews Small as Shirley * George Wyner as Chief Jerry Karlin * Timothy Busfield as Roger **Production Companies:** * Universal Pictures * Silver Pictures (Mel Brooks' production company) **Interesting Trivia:** 1. **Chevy Chase's Improvisation**: Chevy Chase improvised many of his lines, including the infamous "What kind of car is this?" scene. 2. **Dana Wheeler-Nicholson's Pregnancy**: During filming, Dana Wheeler-Nicholson was pregnant with her first child. Her pregnancy was incorporated into the script, making Gail Stanwyck a pregnant woman in the movie. 3. **Richard Libertini's Physical Comedy**: Richard Libertini, who played Dr. Dwight, performed many of his own physical comedy stunts, including the scene where he is hit in the head with a tennis ball. 4. **Joe Don Baker's Real-Life Connection to the Script**: Joe Don Baker, who played Alan Stanwyck, was a real-life friend of Mel Brooks', and Brooks had written the script specifically for him. 5. **Chevy Chase's Improvised Fights**: Chevy Chase improvised many of his fight scenes in the movie, including the scene where he fights with the bodybuilder at the gym. 6. **Richard Libertini's Real-Life Connection to the Script**: Richard Libertini was a real-life friend of Mel Brooks', and Brooks had written the script specifically for him. 7. **Dana Wheeler-Nicholson's Real-Life Connection to the Script**: Dana Wheeler-Nicholson was a real-life friend of Chevy Chase, and he wrote the script specifically for her.
Conclusion Fletch
"Fletch" is a comedy film that follows the story of Irwin Fletcher, a bumbling insurance investigator who goes undercover to solve a murder case in Los Angeles. The movie has its strengths and weaknesses. One of its strongest aspects is its unique blend of humor and mystery. The film's writer, Andrew Bergman, cleverly weaves together elements of both genres, creating an entertaining and engaging storyline that keeps viewers laughing and guessing until the very end. Another strength of "Fletch" is its lead actor, Chevy Chase, who plays Fletcher with a perfect balance of wit and naivety. His performance brings a level of energy and charisma to the film that makes it hard not to enjoy. However, there are also some weaknesses in the movie. At times, the plot can feel overly convoluted and difficult to follow, which may confuse or frustrate viewers. Additionally, some of the supporting characters can come across as somewhat one-dimensional or unengaging. Despite these issues, "Fletch" remains a highly enjoyable film that is well worth watching for fans of both comedy and mystery. Overall, I would give it four out of five stars - a great movie that may have some flaws, but still manages to be entertaining and memorable.