Love is a scary business.
Even so, it rarely comes with a health warning.
So I Married An Axe Murdereris that rare film.
It suggests that the lead character is right to be terrified of commitment.
In fact, running away might just save his life.
In 1992,Waynes Worldwas released and pretty much everybody suddenly knew who Mike Myers was.
He lives in a state of paranoia, inventing the strangest reasons to become single once more.
He knows he has a problem.
Should he blame all his misgivings on his paranoia, even as evidence begins to mount up?
Its a great idea that drives most of the film.
But I think its a shame that Myers hasnt played more ordinary people onscreen.
Charlie is very recognisable and sympathetic.
He likes to entertain as a defence mechanism.
For instance, at one moment hes lying in bed with Harriet and they have an argument.
Aware that hes hurt her feelings, he says, Human blanket!
and climbs on top of her.
She pushes him away and turns over.
It turns out its difficult to live with someone who has to crack jokes about everything.
The humour flows from his character, and isnt forced.
He wisecracks to covers his nerves.
When can you relax and simply be yourself?
Thats where the second strand of the story comes into play.
you’ve got the option to see the unblinkered affection in her expression.
Its a really strong performance by Brenda Fricker that makes you care about this family.
There are some brilliant actors playing very minor roles.
Charles Grodin pops up, as does the stand-up comedian Steven Wright.
Phil Hartman plays an Alcatraz tour guide.
Its a great change from the usual romantic comedy about fear of commitment.
Charlie has to trust his instincts instead of overcome them.
He really is in terrifying territory.
But I dont think that makes it a bad film so much as a surprising one.
