DbcultAccessing Vault...
5.5/10
Senior Film Conservator
A definitive 5.5/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. Hawkins & Watkins Inc. remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
If you have a very specific craving for 1930s slapstick and absolutely do not care about plot logic, then sure, go for it. If you need your movies to make sense, or if you have a phobia of apes in pilot gear, stay far away. This is pure, unadulterated nonsense. 🦍
Honestly, I’m not sure what to make of Hawkins & Watkins Inc.. It feels like someone took a handful of random ideas, threw them at a wall, and decided to film whatever stuck. The whole thing is centered on Daphne Pollard, who plays this wealthy eccentric lady, but my eyes were constantly drawn to the background extras instead.
There is a butler in this movie who tells fortunes. He’s menacing in a way that feels like he wandered in from a much darker, much better movie. Then you’ve got these two New York goons running around with thick Cockney accents. It makes zero sense, but I kind of respect the commitment to the bit. It reminded me of the erratic energy in The Imp, where everything just sort of happens because the script demands it.
Let's talk about the gorilla. There is no way to talk about this film without mentioning the fact that this ape drives a motorcycle and eventually pilots an airplane. It’s not even played for high-concept comedy. It just happens. The camera cuts, and there he is, gripping the handlebars like he’s got somewhere to be.
I found myself squinting at the screen wondering if I missed a beat. Did the ape have a backstory? Did he go to flight school? The movie doesn't care. It moves at such a frantic pace that you barely have time to ask, "Wait, is that a real motorcycle?" before they’re on to the next gag.
There’s a scene involving the diamond that goes on for about two minutes too long. It’s just people bumping into each other, falling over, and shouting things that are meant to be funny. It reminded me of the physical comedy style in Near Dublin, but with significantly more shouting.
If you're looking for a serious piece of cinema, you are in the wrong place. This isn't The Skin Game. It’s a fever dream from a different era. I didn't hate it, but I’m also not entirely sure I experienced it. It’s the kind of movie you watch at 2:00 AM when you've run out of snacks and your brain is mostly turned off. ✨
It’s not a masterpiece. It’s barely a movie. But it’s got a motorcycle-riding ape. What else do you want?
IMDb 6.4
1922
Community
Log in to comment.
