Film Review: Clear History
The king of awkward social situations Larry David, returns in this latest HBO TV movie– Clear History.
The king of awkward social situations Larry David, returns in this latest HBO TV movie– Clear History. Taking place in California during the cusp of a new automobile revolution, attributed to an innovative electric car titled the ‘Howard’. Clear History follows the life of marketing executive Nathan Flomm (Larry David) as he loses his stake in this newfound multi-billion dollar company, and proceeds to plot revenge on his former CEO and boss Will Haney (Jon Hamm) ten years later, under the guise of a new identity in a whole new state.
The similarities between Clear History and Curb Your Enthusiasm is prevalent in more ways than one – going further than just the neurotic comedic style and absurdist riffing. Theme wise, Clear History also shares some similarities with Larry David’s pastfailed film – Sour Grapes. Running for around 100 minutes (1 hour 40 minutes) as others will without doubt mention, Clear History does indeed feel like an extended episode of Curb. For fans of Larry David and the show, this should come as good news, seeing as how the last episode of Season 8 aired way back in 2011.
Although this made for TV movie is not as strong as an individual episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm, Clear History still delivers laughs based around awkward comedic situations and social observations à la Curb and Seinfeld at a healthy rate. The appearance of Larry David in the lead role, costumed like a new age Grizzly Adams figure should be enough to put a smile on your face.
The first quarter or 15 minutes of Clear History resembles a stand-alone movie (as it should). However, once we advance ten years in the plot, with the character Nathan Flomm disguised under a new alias (Rolly DaVore) – the movie becomes almost indistinguishable from a Curb episode. The lead character reverts and obtains the appearance and traits of Larry David’spersona that we know-and-love from Curb Your Enthusiasm, verbatim. Wether viewers enjoy or dislike this shift; the result from an objective stand-point feels somewhat disjointed.
While Clear History does have its strong moments, the narrative at a whole does not seem to have enough wind in the sails to keep it going. The result feels like a series of sketches built around a quirky premise – which is fine, though maybe not worth the 1 hour 40 minute format. Strong individual points are littered in a sporadic manner, though weaker moments also rear their head from time to time. The latter is often due to narrative necessities, attributed to the longer format. At times, this comes across as feeling like ‘filler’ or padding out. The comedy in the writing is solid, and sees the return of three co-writers (excluding Larry David) from legendary sitcom, Seinfeld – Alec Berg, David Mandel and Jeff Schaffer. Dialogue for the most part however, is improvised in the same vein as Curb Your Enthusiasm.
The directing of Clear History from Greg Mottola is very straight-shooting, and gets the point across without much artistic composition or complexity. The cinematography from Jim Denault and aesthetics are likewise dull in interest, though adequate at a whole. Overall the film appearance seems average and safe, which is a shame when compared with past and present television shows (and films) with high quality production values and directing.
Other than the aforementioned, there is not much more to criticise. The casting is fantastic and one of the strong points, with some surprising choices that manage to excel in their respective roles and characters. The list includes the eccentric and erratic pyromaniac, Joe Stumpo (Michael Keaton), CEO and former boss Will Haney (Jon Hamm), his trophy wife Rhonda Haney (Kate Hudson), Jennifer (Eva Mendes) and return of comedic veterans and my personal favourites, – Jaspar, played by J. B. Smooth and McKenzie, played by the iconic Philip Baker Hall. Michael Keaton’s performance is noteworthy, and one that almost steals the show in my view. Other cast members include Bill Hader, Danny McBride, Amy Ryan and Liev Schreiber.
As a long time fan of Larry David, Curb Your Enthusiasm and Seinfeld, I was more than excited to sit down and watch this latest helping from one of televisions’ greatest comedic minds. At the end of it all, I feel Clear History is worth a viewing and should provide a good dosage of laughs and entertainment for fans and average viewers alike; though I doubt this made for TV movie will be very much remembered other than by diehard fans of Larry David in years to come. For those who have been waiting for a new season of Curb Your Enthusiasm, Clear History should provide a welcome relief.
CLEAR HISTORY
Directed by: Greg Mottola
Written by: Alec Berg, Larry David, Jeff Schaffer
Cast: Larry David, Bill Hader, Jon Hamm, Philip Baker Hall, Kate Hudson
Released by: HBO Films