“High concept” can fail even when the concept in question is intriguing and people involved in the project are talented. One such example is provided by Drop Dead Fred, 1991 fantasy comedy directed by Ate de Jong.
The protagonist, played by Phoebe Cates, is Elizabeth “Lizzie” Cronin, young woman whose marriage to car dealer Charlie (played by Tim Matheson) is falling apart. Attempts of reconciliation fail and, to make things worse, she loses her purse, car and job in the same day. She is forced to return to home of her overbearing mother Polly (played by Marsha Mason). There she finds Jack-in-the-box toy which was sealed while she was a child. By unsealing it she brings back Drop Dead Fred (played by Rik Mayall), an imaginary friend who was getting her in trouble during childhood, creating a lot of mischief Lizzie was blamed for. With Lizzie as an adult, Fred is set to continue with his antics, creating chaos not only for Elizabeth and her mother, but also for Jeanie (played by Carrie Fisher), Elizabeth’s friend who, much to her regret, allows Elizabeth to spend night at her boat. Since nobody but Elizabeth can see Fred, her mental health is put in question. In the meantime, Elizabeth’s childhood friend Mickey Bunce (played by Ron Eldard) sees new, “liberated” and “crazy” Elizabeth as endearing and wants to start romantic relationship with her.
Drop Dead Fred failed at the box office and received bad reviews. Despite that, today it enjoys something of a cult status. That is easiest to explain with the presence of Rik Mayall, one of the giants of British television comedy. His Hollywood debut was opportunity to display immense manic energy that would put Jim Carrey to shame. Mayall is very good in his role and his talent helps creating something of a sympathy for the character that would otherwise be obnoxious. Humour, mostly based on slapstick, is of good quality, especially in the first part of the film. The second part of film, however, shows that scriptwriters Carlos Davis and Anthony Fingleton mishandled the intriguing concept. They wanted to bring the plot towards much darker and serious direction and touch the unpleasant themes of child abuse. Dutch director Ate de Jong agreed with that approach, later explaining that he too had developed imaginary friend in order to cope with bullying by older brother. This detour towards psychological drama happens at the expense of humour, with Fred’s pranks becoming too repetitive and annoying. Drop Dead Fred, however, has to end like comedy with a sappy finale during which Elizabeth finally exercises her demons, becomes self-confident and allows Fred to befriend another child that needs him. The result is disappointing, and even more so because of de Jong’s capable direction and the rest of cast doing their best in often underwritten or cliched role. Phoebe Cates is good in the role in which convincingly portrays transformation from “mousy” soon-to-be-ex-wife into beautiful woman that almost wins her husband back. Unfortunately, her efforts, just like Mayall’s, can’t prevent this film to be viewed as something more than interesting failure.
RATING: 4/10 (+)
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