The Man Who Knew Too Little (1997)

The Man Who Knew Too Little (1997)

6/10

Starring

Bill Murray

Peter Gallagher

Joanne Whalley

Alfred Molina

Richard Wilson

Directed by Jon Amiel

The film is based on Robert Farrar’s novel Watch That Man, and the title is a parody of Alfred Hitchcock’s 1934 film The Man Who Knew Too Much and its 1956 remake. Farrar also co-wrote the screenplay. The movie is enjoyable on first viewing, as it takes you on a maze of twists and turns, keeping you guessing about what’s next. On a second viewing, though, you start to notice its flaws—the plot holes and Wallace’s silliness, which can only be described as just that: silliness. The way everyone is caught off guard by this new character, who seems to have everyone on the run, makes you wonder how unprofessional everyone in the movie is made to look.

The plot follows Wallace (Bill Murray), who flies from the U.S. to the U.K. to surprise his brother James on his birthday. James, not expecting Wallace, arranges for him to have a full English experience. He sets Wallace up with an interactive improv theater business called "Theatre of Life," where participants are immersed in a crime drama.

Sounds simple, right? But things go sideways when James, eager to get back to a business meeting, drops Wallace off early at the location where the play is supposed to start. Wallace receives a call meant for a hitman and is mistaken for the assassin. Meanwhile, the actual hitman accidentally ends up at the spot where Wallace was supposed to be, receiving a call to begin his role in the improv theater. The hitman takes the staged crime seriously and does what bad guys do.

The movie builds on this initial mix-up, with countless other errors following. Wallace’s carefree attitude helps him navigate the chaos, completely unaware that he’s stumbled into a real espionage plot.

Acting-wise, everyone knows their role and delivers. The screenplay, however, fails to carry the movie to a satisfying climax. Murray, as usual, overdelivers in the best way, and the action scenes, though out of place at times, are fun to watch. The comedy, unfortunately, doesn’t live up to the excitement, making it hard to want to revisit the film.

Still, if you have not seen the movie before, the first viewing is a fun ride, and you’ll likely enjoy it. This is a movie that’s very much a product of the ’90s, and I wonder if seeing it with the fresh eyes of today, can one still enjoy it?