All Mixed Up (1985)

All Mixed Up Poster
Original Title: Sac De Nœuds

After the death of her little boy, Anita wants to take her own life.

Title: All Mixed Up (1985)
"All Mixed Up", directed by Charles Lane, is a comedic representation of the human fascination with other individuals's lives, underpinned by a critique of celebrity culture and American consumerism.

Plot
The film provides the story of a drifter named Charles who ends up in a luxurious apartment complex due to a case of mistaken identity. The actual occupant, an artist called Richard, is away for getaway and Charles innocently assumes his identity. The narrative unfolds in a zany manner, as Charles ends up being embroiled in Richard's chaotic life that's complete of unforeseen encounters with his next-door neighbors.

Characters
Charlie, portrayed by David Selby, is an affable, seemingly harmless character who discovers himself in an intricate scenario unknowingly. Richard, whose life Charlie steps into, remains unseen, yet his disorderly life ends up being a major driving element of the story. Numerous other characters such as Richard's insistent girlfriend, meddlesome next-door neighbors, and pushy customers develop a complex web around Charles.

Themes
"All Mixed Up" uses humor, slapstick funny, and wit to clarify American culture's fixation with status, pretense, and image. Charles, as he presumes Richard's life, stumbles upon the hollow exteriors individuals installed, full of incorrect representations and concealed tricks. As the plot thickens, the film likewise takes a poke at American consumer culture, as next-door neighbors start positioning ridiculous orders, thinking Charlie is Richard, an artist understood for his wacky productions. Although comical in its narrative design, "All Mixed Up" holds a mirror to shallowness typically prevalent in society.

Stylistic Approach
The film is developed in an episodic format, with each section focusing on a various character's interaction with Charles. Each episode helps in building the narrative as the layers of Richard's life are unpeeled. The director used visual humor and the ludicrous steps individuals require to uphold their image. The movie is also kept in mind for its discussions, making use of the dilemma of incorrect identity for its comedic worth.

Reception
"All Mixed Up" is admired for its clever storytelling and tongue-in-cheek critique of American society. Nevertheless, it did not garner extensive acknowledgment and stayed a lesser-known gem in comedy cinema of the 1980s. The nuanced efficiency of David Selby as Charles garnered appreciation, making the film a delight for fans of funny.

In conclusion, released in 1985, "All Mixed Up" is a classic funny film directed by Charles Lane. It welcomes the absurdities of life in a wealthy society, through the innocent eyes of an outsider crashing into that world unwittingly. While considered as a funny, the movie exceeds that to critique the celebrity-obsessed culture and consumerism inherent to American society.

Top Cast

  • Isabelle Huppert (small)
    Isabelle Huppert
    Rose-Marie Martin
  • Josiane Balasko (small)
    Josiane Balasko
    Anita
  • Farid Chopel (small)
    Farid Chopel
    Rico Da Silva
  • Jean Carmet (small)
    Jean Carmet
    Le pharmacien
  • Coluche (small)
    Coluche
    Coyotte
  • Dominique Lavanant (small)
    Dominique Lavanant
    L'infirmière du Docteur Belin
  • Michel Albertini (small)
    Michel Albertini
    Etienne
  • Jean-Pierre Coffe (small)
    Jean-Pierre Coffe
    Le commissaire de police
  • Daniel Russo (small)
    Daniel Russo
    André Martin
  • Howard Vernon (small)
    Howard Vernon
    Le docteur Belin - un médecin hémiplégique