‘The Death of Dick Long’ Presents a Disturbing, Absurd Crime with Pitch-Black Seriousness
The film industry has long been fascinated by black comedies that intertwine absurdity and crime. Daniel Scheinert, who made headlines recently with his acclaimed film Everything Everywhere All At Once, ventures into darker territory with his earlier work, The Death of Dick Long. This film, released just three years prior, delivers a chilling blend of comedy and discomfort, drawing inspiration from the Coen brothers’ signature style.
A Dark Comedy Setup
Set within a seemingly innocuous narrative, the story unfolds with friends Dick (played by Scheinert), Zeke (Michael Abbott Jr.), and Earl (Andre Hyland) having a reckless night masked as "band practice." The plot escalates quickly when Dick’s untimely death sends Zeke and Earl into a scramble, leading them to dispose of his body outside a hospital. This shocking beginning sets the stage for an investigation steeped in rumors and unfolding secrets, culminating in a grotesque twist that transforms the tone of the entire film.
Scheinert acknowledges his influence from the Coen brothers, known for their mastery in crafting crime-laden narratives marked by slapstick humor and absurd characters. The film bears witness to the consequences of enthusiastically incompetent protagonists who ultimately spiral into chaos, mirroring the thematic elements seen in Fargo, The Big Lebowski, and No Country for Old Men.
The Investigation Unravels
As the plot progresses, Zeke and Earl’s frantic attempts to distance themselves from Dick’s death become increasingly desperate. The film delves into their efforts to conceal evidence, including disposing of bloody clothes and scrubbing Zeke’s car. The investigation takes a sinister turn as initial autopsy reports suggest that Dick may have fallen victim to a sexual assault, adding another layer of depth and tension to the narrative.
A pivotal moment occurs when Zeke is confronted by his wife Lydia (Virginia Newcomb) about the missing car. The growing tension is punctuated by dramatic music as Zeke desperately constructs various lies—only to be contradicted by their daughter. The absurdity reaches its peak when subsequent tests reveal that the inconclusive DNA sample found on Dick’s body actually belongs to a horse.
A Cringe-Worthy Reveal
The film’s unexpected twist culminates in a shocking admission from Zeke: Dick’s death was ultimately a result of an unspeakable act involving bestiality with his horse, Comet. This revelation not only distorts the previously established tone but also serves as a cruel punchline that challenges audience expectations. In a classic Coen-esque fashion, the film cleverly sets up a suspenseful narrative only to deliver a grotesque and cringe-inducing twist that leaves viewers grappling with mixed emotions.
Scheinert’s skillful direction and Abbott Jr.’s powerful performance, alongside Newcomb’s, amplify the film’s underlying tension. The misdirection in the storytelling effectively subverts typical crime thriller elements—what starts as a mystery rooted in realism unravels into a dark satirical take on morality, friendship, and the chaotic consequences of reckless decisions.
Impact and Significance
The Death of Dick Long stands as a noteworthy addition to the black comedy genre, especially as Scheinert transitions into mainstream recognition. This film’s unexpected nature and its commentary on the absurdities of human behavior might resonate differently with various audiences, perhaps eliciting both laughter and revulsion.
As a piece of cinematic history, it prompts reflection on the boundaries of humor within darker narratives. Critically, The Death of Dick Long not only challenges traditional storytelling methods but also serves as an example of how film can tackle sensitive subjects through a lens of absurdity and exaggeration.
In conclusion, while The Death of Dick Long draws upon the stylistic tropes of the Coen brothers, it ventures into uncharted territory that leaves audiences questioning their comfort levels. The film is available for viewing on streaming platforms, inviting viewers to engage in its unsettling yet thought-provoking journey. Ultimately, it remains a challenging yet intriguing case study in the evolution of comedy within the crime thriller landscape.
