Rumba

Those of you mourning the death of silent comedy or who love the films of Jacques Tati will be delighted and surprised by this quirky French/Belgian/American production. The three lead actors, also credited as directors, combine to produce a highly physical comedy which raises consistent laughs, despite having virtually no script – the first words are only spoken after 20 minutes. Even if it sometimes misses the mark, this is a breath of fresh air for the summer, the equivalent of an ice cream on the beach.

The story, if you can call it that, begins with teacher couple Abel and Gordon – possibly the world’s least glamorous couple – entering their local dance competition. They win, but on the way home, swerving to avoid a clumsy suicide attempt by Martz, they crash their car. It leaves Abel with amnesia and Gordon with a wooden leg, a classic recipe for some occasionally brilliant slapstick, especially when her appendage catches fire and the whole house goes up.

When his amnesia leads to a separation from her, it looks like their lives will be lost forever, but Martz gets a chance for redemption.

If it all sounds serious, fear not, it isn’t – Rumba has an almost child-like way of seeing the world and its many pitfalls. Some sequences fall flat, for example one where Abel can’t get the automatic doors of a supermarket to open, only to find, guess what, they aren’t automatic. However the overall tone has such a light touch it gets away with it, and earns your patience with some occasionally brilliant visual gags. One scene, where the pair’s shadows dance beautifully while they stay slumped on the ground, is marvellously inventive. It’s clearly made on a shoestring budget, and by a group more used to theatre than film, but it’s still a sugary treat.

Overall Verdict: Quirky physical comedy that harks back to the days of silent comedy.

Reviewer: Mike Martin

CLICK HERE to see the Rumba trailer.