Chuck and Larry: A Hilarious Take on Societal Absurdities
Dennis Dugan’s “I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry” might seem like a crude and straightforward comedy about the gay community, but that’s precisely what makes it so funny. The core of the plot revolves around two straight firefighters who pretend to be a homosexual couple to secure special benefits for married partners.
Hollywood has a knack for producing comedies about the everyday adventures of individuals leading what politically correct America calls “alternative lifestyles.” Think of films like “The Birdcage” with Robin Williams, “In & Out” with Kevin Kline, and “Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby” with Will Ferrell – all shining examples of the genre.
Dugan’s Approach: Breaking Tradition with Humor
Dennis Dugan, seemingly Adam Sandler’s go-to director ( “I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry” marks their third collaboration), ventures into this territory with a film that’s both brash and hilarious. Chuck (Sandler) is a womanizer, living life to the fullest, while Larry (Kevin James), a single father, raises his eccentric children. One son is effeminate and loves musicals, while his daughter acts more like a boy. After Larry saves Chuck’s life, he asks him to pose as his boyfriend, purely for paperwork purposes, to secure additional funds and address guardianship issues. However, the state becomes suspicious, sending an investigator (Steve Buscemi). Now, Chuck and Larry must get legally married in Canada, attend themed parties, cuddle in public, watch “Brokeback Mountain,” and participate in a gay pride parade.
Offending Everyone (and That’s the Point?)
The film, in its seemingly harmless way, manages to offend almost everyone, or so claim various public organizations. Lesbians are portrayed as unkempt and rough, firefighters as dim-witted, and the sole black character as a menacing figure with an axe. Homophobes are depicted as sleazy and insecure, while gay men are portrayed as flamboyant oddities.
A Satirical Commentary on American Society
“Chuck and Larry” is a funny and socially relevant satire. In the US, some are obsessed with protecting various rights, reacting hysterically to any perceived slight and blowing minor incidents out of proportion. Others, conversely, hate everything, calling for “protecting the children” and advocating for purges. The creators of “Chuck and Larry” simply poke fun at this absurdity. After all, laughter might be the only sane response to the madness of society.
Fortunately, judging by the film’s box office success in America (it dethroned “Harry Potter” in its opening week and has grossed over $114 million), there are more normal people than fanatics in the States.