This file was generated 2002-06-09 04:23 GMT. This movie's information hasn't changed since 2002-02-05.
The number of directors who understand slapstick is dwindling at an alarming rate. Woody Allen certainly knew what he was doing, as amply illustrated in Bananas and Sleeper. Jackie Chan works it into martial arts sequences with style and grace. Mel Brooks is one of the few remaining purveyors, and even he's moved on sylistically. Of course, the average audience now may try to say slapstick is beneath them, but sit them down in front of it, and they laugh. Silent Movie is wall-to-wall with slapstick, and all of it works. Expert stunt work combines with exceptional timing to sell the overwhelming majority of the humor. I found Silent Movie more consistently funny than even Blazing Saddles.
It may be called Silent Movie, but that doesn't mean you can turn the sound off. The John Morris score is crucial to the enjoyment of the movie. It sets the mood, underscores the slapstick and stunts, and sounds like it could've been a part of a movie from the silent era. Of course, there is one spoken line of dialogue, but I think it would be a crime to spoil it for you.