The Dark Backward (1991) - Review and Analysis by Scott Wood for Critical-Film.com

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The Dark Backward (1991) A film review by Scott Wood For Critical-film.com   I don't know what to say about “The Dark Backward” that wouldn't be severe understatement. I could say that it's strange, but that doesn't go far enough. I could say that it is depraved, but that doesn't mean enough either. I could say it is a distinct and unique vision, but that really isn't doing the film justice. “The Dark Backward” is a beautiful disgusting mess of a film, and depending on my mood at the time I'm watching it, it can be terrible or wonderful. Perhaps it's both in equal amounts. I'll do my best to expound, but don't expect much from me. I can only do my best.   The world that Adam Rifkin's “Dark Backward” takes place in is sort of a post-apocalyptic trash world. It is ironic that the two main characters are trash collectors, because the entire earth seems dirty and trash-infested.   Bill Paxton (Gus) plays perhaps the most obnoxious, indecent person in the history of film. He is “best friends” with Marty Malt (Judd Nelson) more out of convenience that anything, as they both work for the same trash collecting company. Laura Flynn Boyle (Rosarita) is the mutual love interest of the two men, and works as a waitress at a run-down diner.   Marty is a struggling comedian, with the most uncomfortable, unfunny act possible, but he keeps trying, as comedy is his life ambition. I don't know why, because he is the least socially adept stereotype imaginable (more so than even Napoleon Dynamite), but “The Dark Backward” is more concerned with its unrelenting weirdness than developing its stereotypical characters.   One day, Marty finds a lump on his back, and it eventually turns into a fully functional third arm. Of course, this would take his comedy routine to new heights, if only because it is such a bizarre thing for his audience to be looking at.   The sense of humor is less funny than it is curious. There is no wit, just jet-black grotesqueness, and a creative eye for odd characters and settings. It is a wannabe cult-film with a higher budget, but there is nothing aside from its peculiarity for people to really latch on to.   Can you tell I'm struggling?   “The Dark Backward” is a modern freak and oddity show. It is definitely aesthetically displeasing to watch, but it wants to be. It is also very clear in its vision, and adept in its execution. Despite anything negative I have to say about it, it still is a movie that has intrigued me to watch it five times over now, and I still don't know how I feel about it. Perhaps just the fact that I've watched it so many times says something positive that I can't stress in example. See it, and tell me what you think. I'm lost.   (Two and a half stars)   This review was provided in HTML format, as your browser is not capable of displaying flash content. To experience Critical-Film.com the way it was meant to be seen, please download the flash player from <a href="http://www.adobe.com/shockwave/download/download.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash&promoid=BIOW">Macromedia</a>.