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6.9/10
Senior Film Conservator
A definitive 6.9/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. His Excellency, the Shop Assistant remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
If you have a thing for vintage European comedies and don't mind the pacing of a movie that clearly belongs in a different century, you might find some joy here. If you need your movies to move fast or make perfect sense, look elsewhere. People who hate black-and-white films that rely heavily on theater-style banter will probably want to turn this off after ten minutes.
Eugeniusz Bodo is the main reason this works at all. He has this way of blinking at the camera like he’s just as confused by the plot as the rest of us. It is incredibly endearing.
The movie isn't interested in being realistic. It’s a stage play that wandered onto a film set and decided to stay for dinner. The dialogue is snappy, maybe too snappy, and there were moments where I had to pause just to make sure I caught who was lying to whom.
There is a scene in the department store that goes on forever. It’s just people walking around, bumping into each other, and making faces. It’s delightfully unnecessary. I suspect the director just liked the look of the props. 🎩
Comparing this to something like A Million, More or Less, you can see a similar thread of 'let’s poke fun at the rich.' But this one feels a bit lighter, almost like it’s afraid to actually bite. It wants to be a satire, but it settles for being a romp.
There is a specific reaction shot about midway through where the lead looks at a hat and winces. I don't know why, but that moment felt more honest than the entire second act. It’s these weird little micro-expressions that keep you watching.
It’s not a masterpiece. It’s just a funny, creaky old movie that still has a pulse. Don't expect to be changed by it. Just expect to smile at the silliness of it all. 🎞️
IMDb —
1925
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