🪶 Story & Synopsis
In the biographical comedy-drama film “A Futile and Stupid Gesture,” viewers are taken on a rollercoaster ride through the life of comedy writer Douglas Kenney, portrayed by Will Forte. The movie, directed by David Wain and written by Michael Colton and John Aboud, is based on Josh Karp’s book of the same title and delves into the rise and fall of National Lampoon, a groundbreaking magazine co-founded by Kenney in the 1970s.
The story unfolds as Kenney, a brilliant yet troubled individual, along with his partners, sets out to revolutionize the American comedy scene through the creation of National Lampoon. The film navigates through the highs and lows of Kenney’s career, showcasing his wit, creativity, and the impact of his work on the comedy industry.
However, “A Futile and Stupid Gesture” doesn’t shy away from portraying Kenney’s flaws and complexities. The movie delves into his insensitivity, disloyalty, internal struggles, and challenging personality, providing a raw and honest portrayal of the man behind the comedy revolution.
Throughout the film, viewers witness the evolution of National Lampoon into a media empire that leaves a lasting mark on the entertainment landscape. As Kenney grapples with personal demons and the pressures of success, the movie paints a vivid picture of a comedic genius who was as troubled as he was talented.
Despite its clever writing, solid performances, and adept direction, “A Futile and Stupid Gesture” doesn’t attempt to sugarcoat Kenney’s character. The film showcases the unvarnished truth about his life, highlighting both his achievements and his shortcomings, ultimately presenting a nuanced and multifaceted portrayal of a complex individual.
As viewers are immersed in Kenney’s world, they witness the tumultuous journey of a man who left an indelible mark on comedy history. “A Futile and Stupid Gesture” is a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of creativity, ambition, and the price of success in the cutthroat world of entertainment.
🧑 Cast & Crew
Will Forte, Domhnall Gleeson, Martin Mull, Joel McHale, Matt Lucas, Thomas Lennon, Seth Green, Jackie Tohn, Natasha Lyonne, Emmy Rossum, Elvy Yost, Matt Walsh, John Gemberling, Rick Glassman, Camille Guaty
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Will Forte | Douglas Kenney |
| Martin Mull | Modern Douglas, the narrator |
| Frank and Morgan Gingerich | Young Douglas |
| Domhnall Gleeson | Henry Beard |
| Neil Casey | Brian McConnachie |
| Jon Daly | Bill Murray |
| Nelson Franklin | P.J. O’Rourke |
| John Gemberling | John Belushi |
| Rick Glassman | Harold Ramis |
| Seth Green | Christopher Guest |
| Max Greenfield | Chris Miller |
| Harry Groener | Harry Kenney, Douglas’ father |
| Camille Guaty | Alex Garcia-Mata |
| Ed Helms | Tom Snyder |
| Thomas Lennon | Michael O’Donoghue |
| Joe Lo Truglio | Brad Zotti |
| Matt Lucas | Tony Hendra |
| Natasha Lyonne | Anne Beatts |
| Joel McHale | Chevy Chase |
| Annette O’Toole | Stephanie Kenney, Douglas’ mother |
| Emmy Rossum | Kathryn Walker |
| Jackie Tohn | Gilda Radner |
| Matt Walsh | Matty Simmons |
| Finn Wittrock | Tim Matheson |
| Elvy Yost | Mary Marshmallow |
| David Wain | Interviewer |
💬 Reviews and feedback
Grab your popcorn and get ready for a rollercoaster ride through the comedic chaos of “A Futile and Stupid Gesture.” This 2018 American biographical comedy-drama film, based on Josh Karp’s book of the same title, directed by David Wain, and written by Michael Colton and John Aboud, is a wild journey through the rise and fall of National Lampoon.
Imagine a world where laughter reigns supreme, where jokes are currency, and where the line between genius and madness blurs. That’s the world you enter when you press play on this movie. It’s like diving headfirst into a pool of humor, wit, and a touch of insanity.
The film follows the life of comedy writer Douglas Kenney, portrayed brilliantly by Will Forte. As we witness the birth and evolution of National Lampoon in the ’70s and ’80s, we are taken on a whirlwind adventure through Kenney’s brilliance and troubles, his highs and lows.
Plot:
The plot is a delightful mix of comedy and drama, offering insight into the creation of one of the most influential media empires in history. From hilarious antics to heartfelt moments, “A Futile and Stupid Gesture” captures the essence of a revolutionary era in comedy.
Themes:
This movie delves deep into themes of creativity, success, friendship, and the price of fame. It explores how brilliance can often be intertwined with darkness, how laughter can mask pain, and how sometimes the greatest minds carry the heaviest burdens.
Acting and Characters:
Will Forte shines in his portrayal of Douglas Kenney, capturing both his comedic genius and inner turmoil with finesse. The ensemble cast delivers stellar performances that breathe life into each character, making you laugh, cry, and everything in between.
Direction:
David Wain’s direction infuses the film with energy and authenticity. He navigates seamlessly between comedy and drama, creating a narrative that keeps you engaged from start to finish. His vision brings out the best in both actors and story.
Cinematography:
The cinematography is vibrant and dynamic, capturing both the glamourous highs and gritty lows of Kenney’s journey. Each frame is meticulously crafted to enhance the storytelling experience, immersing you in this colorful world of comedy.
Production Design:
The production design perfectly encapsulates the retro charm of the ’70s and ’80s era. From elaborate sets to authentic costumes, every detail transports you back in time to witness firsthand the birth pangs of iconic comedy.
Special Effects:
While not relying heavily on CGI or flashy effects, “A Futile and Stupid Gesture” uses its special effects judiciously to enhance key moments in the narrative. The subtle touches add depth to scenes without overshadowing the performances or story.
Editing & Pace:
The editing keeps the pace brisk yet balanced throughout. Transitions are seamless, allowing for smooth progression from one scene to another. The film never lingers too long on one beat but also gives moments enough room to breathe.
Dialog:
The dialogues are sharp-witted, humorous, poignant when needed. They crackle with comedic timing while also revealing deeper layers of emotion beneath the laughter. Each line feels purposeful in driving both plot progression and character development.
Binge-watching Tips:
- Pay attention to subtle details in each scene for hidden gems that add layers to the story.
- Stay for after-credits scenes for additional nuggets of humor or insight into characters.
In conclusion,”A Futile & Stupid Gesture” is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates comedy with heart—a tale that celebrates laughter while acknowledging its shadows. It’s an ode to creative visionaries who dared to push boundaries while struggling with their own demons along the way.
Ryan Reynolds might have Deadpool’s wit but Will Forte has Douglas Kenney’s legacy! A true masterpiece! – ComedyCritic
Rating: 9/10
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Based on a true story | Some predictable storytelling |
| Great portrayal of historical events | Episodic and incomplete feeling |
| Strong performance by Will Forte | Not particularly illuminating |
| Fast-paced and entertaining | Feels cheesy and slapdash at times |
| Interesting exploration of pop culture | Could have delved deeper into character’s mystery |
Feedback
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A Futile and Stupid Gesture (2018) - IMDb
- cherold
- Aug 13, 2018
- How long is A Futile and Stupid Gesture?Powered by Alexa
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Language
- Also known as
- Cử Chỉ Vô Nghĩa và Ngốc Nghếch
- Filming locations
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- $30,000,000 (estimated)
- Runtime1 hour 41 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 1.90 : 1
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A Futile and Stupid Gesture (film) - Wikipedia
101 minutes Country United States Language English A Futile and Stupid Gestureis a 2018 American biographical comedy-drama film based on Josh Karp’s book of the same title, directed by David Wain, and written by Michael Colton and John Aboud. The film stars Will Forte as comedy writer Douglas Kenney, during the rise and fall ofNational Lampoon.A Futile and Stupid Gesturehad its world premiere at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival on January 24, 2018, and was released on January 26, 2018, by Netflix.
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A Futile and Stupid Gesture | Rotten Tomatoes
A Futile and Stupid Gestureentertainingly recreates the birth of an influential comedic movement, even if it struggles to cover its creative ground.
A Futile and Stupid GestureWhere to WatchA Futile and Stupid Gesture
Watch A Futile and Stupid Gesture with a subscription on Netflix.
What to KnowCritics ReviewsAudience ReviewsMy RatingCast & Crew
David WainDirectorWill ForteDouglas KenneyEmmy RossumKathryn WalkerDomhnall GleesonHenry BeardSeth GreenChristopher GuestNatasha LyonneAnn Beatts
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A Futile and Stupid Gesture | Official Trailer [HD] | Netflix
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Film Review: 'A Futile and Stupid Gesture' - Variety
“A Futile and Stupid Gesture” is a cheesy, slapdash, semi-tongue-in-cheek biopic that purports to be about a lot of things — the creation of The National Lampoon, the weirdly haunted soul of its co-founder, Douglas C. Kenney, the rise of comedy in America in the 1970s. But the only aspect of it that I found I could focus on with even a modicum of interest was Will Forte’s sideburns.
⚠️ Explanation (Spoiler)
In “A Futile and Stupid Gesture,” the filmmakers faced the challenging task of creating a happy ending for a biopic about Doug Kenney, a co-founder of National Lampoon, whose life ended tragically. To navigate this, they introduced a unique narrator, Modern Doug, played by Martin Mull, who provides a meta commentary on the events unfolding. Modern Doug’s presence adds a layer of fun and irony to the storytelling, reflecting Kenney’s rebellious and satirical nature.
The film balances irreverence with reverence, especially when depicting Kenney’s death, which remains shrouded in mystery. After facing depression following the initial reception of “Caddyshack,” Kenney’s demise in Hawaii is portrayed with sensitivity. The film acknowledges the uncertainty surrounding his death, with Harold Ramis’s dark humor encapsulating the lingering question mark.
By including Modern Doug as a nostalgic lens through which Kenney reflects on his life, the filmmakers manage to infuse the biopic with humor and introspection. This approach allows the audience to engage with Kenney’s story in a way that honors his legacy while embracing the complexities of his life and untimely death.
👪 Parents Guide & Age Rating
TV-MA
Age Rating:
“A Futile and Stupid Gesture” is rated R for strong language, drug and alcohol use, and some sexual content. This movie is not suitable for children under 17 without parental guidance.
Parental Guide:
Parents need to know that “A Futile and Stupid Gesture” is a biographical comedy-drama film that revolves around the life of comedy writer Doug Kenney, co-founder of National Lampoon. The movie portrays themes of overwork, drug and alcohol abuse, and the challenges faced by Kenney, which ultimately led to his early demise. It contains strong language, including profanity, drug and alcohol use, and some sexual content. There are references to substance abuse, partying, and adult themes throughout the film.
Due to the mature themes and content, this movie is recommended for viewers aged 17 and above. Parents are advised to watch it first and decide if it is appropriate for their teenagers, as it may not be suitable for younger audiences.
📺 Streaming and where to watch
| streaming service | extra information |
|---|---|
| Netflix | Watch A Futile and Stupid Gesture on Netflix Official Site. In a life full of triumph and failure, National Lampoon co-founder Doug Kenney built a comedy empire, molding pop culture in the 1970s. |
❝ Quotes and Cult
The good men and women of the National Lampoon changed comedy forever.
The impact of their magazine and movies like 'Animal House' and 'Caddyshack' can undeniably be felt in almost all modern comedy, but certainly in the quirky style of writer/actor/director David Wain.
One of the members of 'The State' and the team behind 'Wet Hot American Summer,' Wain has always operated under the 'comedy ensemble' concept of filmmaking and TV, bringing together the same performers over and over again, often skewering expectations of the genre, as in his spoof of rom-coms, the underrated 'They Came Together.'
Could he be too good a fit for the story of National Lampoon?
Does this explain why 'A Futile & Stupid Gesture,' while being full of likable and funny people isn't all that funny or likable?
Because it's too much like telling your own story?
While there's a bit of hero worship going on that deflates the piece, and Wain's direction is surprisingly uninspired, the biggest problem is the script that tries to cover too much ground but doesn't really have that much to say as it does so.
There's a scene in this film about the rise of National Lampoon that sums it up in ways that writers John Aboud and Michael Colton certainly didn't intend.
The writers are sitting around throwing out ideas when Tony Hendra (Matt Lucas) drops a dull idea—drawing Nixon with Pinocchio's nose.
For some reason, this bad joke that nearly got Hendra run out of the room kept coming back to me.
Just as it's an obvious way to convey a message—Nixon is a liar—too much of 'A Futile & Stupid Gesture' takes a similarly predictable route to gets its history across.
The story of Doug Kenney and the ascendance of National Lampoon is told primarily through narration and montage.
It's a Greatest Hits collection, hitting the beats that anyone who saw 'Drunk Stoned Brilliant Dead' already knows, and doing so incredibly superficially.
The best thing about Wain's film is the casting, including one brilliant piece of meta analysis, but that only gets a movie so far.
Will Forte plays Kenney, who took the Harvard Lampoon that they helped through one of its most successful phases and turned it into an international phenomenon with his best buddy, Henry Beard (Domhnall Gleeson, giving the most grounded and interesting performance in the film despite an awful wig.)
When they get to New York and found the magazine, the film rushes through a decade or so of history from the first days of groundbreaking comedy through the movies and up to Kenney's death in 1980.
We meet tons of the major comedians from the era including Gilda Radner (Jackie Tohn), Bill Murray (Jon Daly), John Landis (Brian Huskey), John Belushi (John Gemberling), Christopher Guest (Seth Green), and the one and only Chevy Chase, played by his 'Community' co-star Joel McHale, with whom he had a notoriously contentious on-set relationship.
Imagine playing one of your least favorite co-workers in a film.
McHale doesn't go for parody, nailing Chase's rhythms and comedic timing, although it's telling that Chase is portrayed here is something of an enabler for his best buddy when it comes to drugs.
Martin Mull plays an older version of Doug Kenney, which is itself a slightly crazy framing choice given that Kenney died when he was 36.
So is Mull playing Kenney from the afterlife?
The truth is that it's a lazy narrative choice, allowing Kenney to comment on his own story from afar, although it would have been just as effective to have Forte do these fourth-wall breaks.
It's almost like someone just wanted to get Mull in the movie and the other parts were taken.
The emphasis on Kenney is particular
🤖A Futile and Stupid Gesture Reddit Talks
Accuracy of the Film
The film “A Futile and Stupid Gesture” acknowledges its own factual inaccuracies, with a lengthy list scrolling across the screen at the end. This suggests that the film is not intended to be a completely accurate historical account of the events depicted.
Doug Kenney’s Death
Doug Kenney, co-founder of National Lampoon, died by suicide in 1980. This event is depicted in the film, but the filmmakers have taken some creative liberties with the portrayal.
Overall Reception
The film has received generally positive reviews, with many praising its humor and performances. However, some have criticized the film’s pacing and lack of focus.
Specific Topics Discussed
- The rise and fall of National Lampoon: The film chronicles the early days of National Lampoon, its success in the 1970s, and its decline in the 1980s.
- The creative process behind comedy: The film explores the challenges and rewards of writing comedy, and the different approaches taken by different comedians.
- The personal lives of the comedians: The film delves into the personal lives of the comedians involved in National Lampoon, including their struggles with addiction and mental illness.
- The impact of comedy on society: The film examines the role of comedy in shaping culture and challenging social norms.
Different Points of View
- Some viewers have praised the film for its humor and authenticity: They believe that the film captures the spirit of National Lampoon and the era in which it was created.
- Other viewers have criticized the film for its pacing and lack of focus: They believe that the film jumps around too much and does not provide enough depth to the characters or the story.
- Some viewers have questioned the accuracy of the film: They believe that the film takes too many creative liberties with the historical record.
Overall, “A Futile and Stupid Gesture” is a complex and thought-provoking film that explores the rise and fall of National Lampoon and the creative process behind comedy. The film has received generally positive reviews, but it has also been the subject of some debate and criticism.
Top discussions
- https://www.reddit.com/r/movies/comments/7uobrp/official_discussion_a_futile_and_stupid_gesture/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/MovieSuggestions/comments/12jk3xy/a_futile_and_stupid_gesture_2018_is_a_great_and/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/bestofnetflix/comments/rsi522/a_futile_and_stupid_gesture/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/NetflixBestOf/comments/7t7if3/us_a_futile_and_stupid_gesture_2018_in_the_1970s/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/movies/comments/7t5nu6/discussion_a_futile_and_stupid_gesture/
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is A Futile and Stupid Gesture based on a true story?
Yes, A Futile and Stupid Gesture is a 2018 American biographical comedy-drama film based on Josh Karp’s book of the same title, depicting the rise and fall of National Lampoon.
Was there really a food fight at Doug’s funeral?
Contrary to the portrayal in the movie, according to screenwriter Michael Colton, there wasn’t actually a food fight at the funeral of Doug Kenney.
What is the movie about the start of National Lampoon?
The film covers the success and influence of National Lampoon in the 1970s and ’80s, showcasing the brilliant yet troubled Douglas Kenney and the creation of a new media empire.
Who played Henry Beard in A Futile and Stupid Gesture?
In the film, Henry Beard, co-founder of National Lampoon, was played by Domhnall Gleeson, alongside Will Forte as Doug Kenney, both starting at Harvard Lampoon.
What movie did Joel McHale play Chevy Chase in?
In A Futile and Stupid Gesture, Joel McHale portrayed the character of Chevy Chase, who was known for his close connection with Doug Kenney, albeit with limited screen time in the film.
Is Doug Kenney still alive?
Douglas Clark Francis Kenney, the co-founder of National Lampoon, passed away on August 27, 1980, at the age of 33. His life is portrayed in the film A Futile and Stupid Gesture.
🔀 Recommended Movie and TV Show
- American Splendor: A biographical comedy-drama film about the life of comic book writer Harvey Pekar.
- The Disaster Artist: A comedy-drama film depicting the making of the cult film The Room.
- Drunk Stoned Brilliant Dead: The Story of the National Lampoon: A documentary about the history of National Lampoon magazine.
- The Polka King: A biographical comedy film based on the life of Jan Lewan, a Polish-American polka band leader.
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