SLITHER

US, 1973, 96 minutes, Colour.
James Caan, Peter Boyle, Sally Kellerman, Louise Lassex, Allen Garfield.
Directed by Howard Zieff.

Slither calls to mind adjectives like droll or goofy to describe this pleasant little comedy. It is full of daffy eccentrics on a crime caper that thrives on mistakes. Deadpan gags and situation jokes generally pay off so that the audience should be smiling most of the time plus a few giggles and laughs. James Caan is an amiable, if not alert, hero, Sally Kellerman comically effective as a real kook. Peter Boyle does yet another different comedy role. He was the success of "Steelyard Blues". Slither does more modestly and effectively the humourous American mock that "Blues" tried to do. A slight, but good film.

1. Did the title throw any light on the nature of the film?

2. How were irony, low key humour, deadpan jokes, usual gags and images, old songs used to make the film humorous?

3. The film's satire had America as its target what aspects of the modern U.S. and its way of life did the film satirise?

4. Although the film is a crime caper, did the moral point of view have much importance in the film? Why? What kind of man was Dick? Why did he keep going in search of money when so many things happened to warn him off ? the initial shooting and explosion, the trucks, disappearance of Barry and so on?

6. How comic a character was Kitty? What was wrong with her as a person? Despite the caricature, how real were some of the problems she had? Did you like her?

7. What kind of a couple were Dick and Kitty - how likeable, heroic, were they?

8. Did you like Barry and Mary - what aspects of middle America did they represent and caricature, money, Barry's job, crooked deals, perfectionist with car and caravan, Mary devoted to Barry (the club etc.)? What did the film say about American violence - the initial shooting, Barry and his gun, Kitty shooting in the cafe, the trucks, Vincent Palmer, the car chase and shooting?

1O. What was the significance of the ending: Barry exploiting land since the money was gone; Kitty? Dick walking off leaving it all to lead his own Life (and the reprisal of "Happy Days are Here Again"?)