As stated above, I am very surprised this movie is ranked so highly. This is not because I didn't like it--I ADORED this movie. It's just that I got so many people to watch it with me over the years and only one other person who watched it with me loved it. Several friends and my wife were completely ambivalent towards it. Comments like "I guess it was pretty good" or "it's too strange" were repeated again and again.
So why do I think it's brilliant. First, it APPEARS so magnificent because it is a sharp contrast to the BAD movies Peter Sellers made towards the end of his short life. It's like an oasis among the dreck. Second, although some might discount it, his completely flat emotional output as the character Chauncy Gardner took a lot of talent and patience. I can really respect that. Third, the movie tries to be different--and I think I'd rather see a movie that dares to be different and fails than one that is a blockbuster. Fourth, the comedy is VERY subdued and underplayed--you need to pay attention and think to enjoy all the laughs--they aren't spelled out for you like most comedies.
So why do I think it's brilliant. First, it APPEARS so magnificent because it is a sharp contrast to the BAD movies Peter Sellers made towards the end of his short life. It's like an oasis among the dreck. Second, although some might discount it, his completely flat emotional output as the character Chauncy Gardner took a lot of talent and patience. I can really respect that. Third, the movie tries to be different--and I think I'd rather see a movie that dares to be different and fails than one that is a blockbuster. Fourth, the comedy is VERY subdued and underplayed--you need to pay attention and think to enjoy all the laughs--they aren't spelled out for you like most comedies.