The Genius of Rik Mayall part 2: Drop Dead Fred

In my previous entry I have partially expressed my admiration for Rik Mayall. Now it is time to get to the meaty portion of my written tribute to this talented man. Captain Jack Sparrow look-alike Russell Brand is in talks to portray Fred in the remake. I could go on about how much this will ruin the integrity of the original and its star but I digress. Instead I choose to approach the matter by reflecting on the greatness of the original. Now there are those that believe the film to be rubbish laden with rude and immature humor. Much to their despise, Drop Dead Fred has developed a huge devout following over the years since it’s release in 1991. Those of my generation wished that they had a wild and fun imaginary friend like Fred. There’s a reason why the fans are devoted to this movie. If you peel back it’s rough layers, Drop Dead Fred is a funny and touching story about friendship and overcoming life’s obstacles.



For those that haven’t seen the movie, I’ll give you the rundown. Elizabeth “Lizzie” Cronin (Phoebe Cates) has endured hell all in one day. Her husband Charles (Tim Matheson) leaves her for another woman, a few of her valuable belongings are stolen and she gets fired from her job. Lizzie has no real alternative then but to move in with her cold and controlling mother Polly (Marcia Mason.) One night Lizzie stumbles upon some old toys from her childhood including a jack in the box wrapped in tape. She peels off the tape to unleash the valuable piece of her youth that’s been locked away all this time; her imaginary friend Fred (Rik Mayall.)



Rik churns out an unforgettable performance as the wild imaginary comrade. He springs the character of Fred to life with his crazy facial expressions and his boisterous guise. Admit that you have found yourself giggling when he looked up that woman’s skirt and delightfully whispered “no panties,” with that sophisticated British accent. Plus: ladies, you have to admit he looks quite smashing when he’s not “all crazy eyed.“ Rik can completely transform from a loud and mischievous pest into a placid individual with the snap of a finger. In one flashback, we see him playing burglars with Lizzie, breaking windows and making strident noises to sitting with Lizzie in a tree with a gentile demeanor providing words of encouragement. I don’t think anyone could come even close to providing the entertainment that Rik has done with this role (yes I’m looking at you Mr. Brand.) Rik was a true artist in this film and knew exactly how to make the audience laugh or bring them to tears. Whether you are a fan of the film or not, there is no denying the dedication Rik has put into this character. Rik’s portrayal of Fred is so sincere, his depiction make the audience almost completely forget that there is a man behind the mask.



Another of the film’s strong focal points is the relationship between Lizzie and Fred. The intensity between the two characters is what carries the film forward without a thickening plot. Lizzie cannot leave a situation unscathed without Fred coming along to “liven” things up. Fred does everything unthinkable from smearing dog poo all over her mother’s carpet and furniture to sinking the houseboat that belonged to her best friend‘s lover. Despite all the hell that Fred has put Lizzie through in the end he gives her something that she desperately needed; courage. He stood beside her as she confronted the ills of her past and provided the support that she needed to get through the apprehension that has plagued her throughout her entire life. All this is capped off with one of the most beautiful and touching farewells between two close friends. This is why Drop Dead Fred has such a devoted following. Sure it’s understandable why the jokes may appear tasteless to many but why this film appeals to so many people is our empathy for Lizzie. There are those that love the movie that have experienced the loneliness that Lizzie has endured from childhood into adolescence, and Fred was our true hero that came to whisk us away from our lonesomeness.



So to the current teenage crowd that sees the future upcoming trailer to the remake, do the right thing and don’t buy a ticket to see it. Instead prose your local video store and purchase the original Drop Dead Fred for your movie delightment. If you’re parents or you can’t afford it then rent it or borrow it from someone you know. If you don’t, shame on you for missing out on a spectacular performance from someone that truly deserves the wealth and recognition.